The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) and the US University of Missouri (Mizzou) have signed a General Agreement expanding joint efforts in nuclear science and technology, radioisotope applications, neutron beam utilisation, nuclear energy and materials research, and advanced computing. The agreement was signed by KAERI President Han Gyu Joo and Mizzou President Mun Choi at KAERI’s headquarters in Daejeon, South Korea.
The agreement is expected to open interdisciplinary opportunities across Mizzou’s 13 schools and colleges and directly support the launch of the Energy Innovation Center, which will drive research into new energy solutions, including nuclear energy.
Through the agreement, KAERI and Mizzou established a framework for joint research and personnel exchanges across six key areas: technology development for nuclear reactors, instrumentation for advanced nuclear reactors, radioisotope applications, neutron beam utilisation, materials research, and advanced computing R&D.
Hyuk Chae Koo, Korea’s First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT, said the agreement represents “a major turning point that elevates Korea-US nuclear research and development to a new, future-oriented phase”. He added that he looks forward to both countries achieving “joint innovation in science and technology and the peaceful use of nuclear energy”.
KAERI President Han Gyu Joo stated that the visit by the University of Missouri delegation “goes beyond a simple visiting exchange”, describing it as “a foundation for sustainable technological cooperation based on the existing collaboration between two institutions”. He added that KAERI will “continue to strengthen collaboration in the research reactor field and broaden the scope of Korea-US cooperation in nuclear R&D based on mutual trust.”
Mizzou President Mun Choi praised KAERI as “an institution with world-class capabilities in research reactor design and research”. He expressed excitement that “through the signing of this General Agreement, the two institutions will expand cooperation in future nuclear technologies that will benefit humankind not only in Korea and the United States but across the world.”
The Mizzou delegation was in Korea to attend the 16th Harry S Truman Conference, recently held at Korea’s National Assembly.
The event brought together university leaders, distinguished Korean alumni, policymakers and scholars. “Together with our many Korean alumni and partners, we continue to share the power of Mizzou to transform communities around the world while also bringing the latest, state-of-the-art innovations to the people of Missouri,” Choi said.
Discussions included the 10 MWt Missouri University Research Reactor (MURR) and Mizzou’s plans to increase production of cancer-fighting radioisotopes through the planned 20 MWt NextGen MURR. Currently, MURR – which began operations in 1966 – is the highest-powered university research reactor in the US and the only US producer of certain medical radioisotopes.
A key highlight was the NextGen MURR Ceremonial Signing, signifying the initial design studies phase of NextGen MURR. The signing symbolised an important step forward in nuclear science collaboration between Mizzou and leading Korean institutions, including KAERI and Hyundai Engineering Company (HEC).
In April this year, a consortium led by the KAERI was awarded a $10m contract by Mizzou for the design and licensing of its planned new research reactor. The Korea-US University of Missouri Research Reactor Consortium – comprising KAERI, Hyundai Engineering Company, Hyundai Engineering America and US-based engineering firm MPR Associates – was contracted for the design studies phase to develop a roadmap for the new reactor. The conceptual design of the reactor is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The total initiative is expected to take 8-10 years.
During the trip, the Missouri delegation visited HEC headquarters in Seoul and KAERI headquarters in Daejeon, touring key research and fabrication facilities. The delegation also visited KAERI’s Busan Kijang Research Reactor, a new facility focused on radioisotope production and advancing Korea’s isotope supply chains.
“These facilities provided important insight into the foundational nuclear technology that will be integrated into the NextGen MURR facility,” said Michael Hoehn II, Programme Director for NextGen MURR. “Collaborating with our international partners ensures NextGen MURR will serve as an asset of national and global strategic significance.”
