FRIB Countdown

In celebration of the anticipated opening of the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) in May as a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science user facility, the public is invited to get behind the scenes at a special “FRIB Countdown” event on Saturday, 23 April.

Bookmark this page for all of the latest FRIB Countdown information.

The event will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is free and open to all ages, and no appointment is necessary to participate.

The FRIB Countdown offers the public a glimpse at FRIB prior to the start of FRIB’s scientific research program. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about FRIB and rare-isotope research before FRIB opens its doors to scientific users from around the world.

Questions? Email events@frib.msu.edu.

Activities

Planned activities at the FRIB Countdown will allow attendees to:

  • Tour the FRIB Laboratory
  • Explore the fields of FRIB science through hands-on activities and demonstrations
  • Meet nuclear scientists, researchers, and engineers as they talk about their work
  • Enjoy educational videos

Presentations

Five presentations are scheduled throughout the day:

  • 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
    Introducing FRIB: The laboratory, the science, and the people
    with FRIB Laboratory Director Thomas Glasmacher
  • 12:15 - 12:45 p.m.
    Rare Connections: From physics to filmmaking
    with Ágnes Mócsy, professor of physics and astronomy at the Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York, and documentary filmmaker
  • 1 - 1:45 p.m.
    Of Equal Place: Isotopes in Motion - merging physics with dance
    featuring Dance Exchange
  • 2 - 2:30 p.m.
    What can rare isotopes do for you
    with Greg Severin, assistant professor at FRIB and the MSU Department of Chemistry
  • 2:45 - 3:15 p.m.
    Careers at FRIB
    Panel discussion

FRIB THEATER

Enjoy continuous showings of short videos about FRIB. This is an excellent introduction before starting the tour!
Estimated duration: 20 minutes to view entire loop

FRIB TOUR

On the inside of this brochure is a map that will help you navigate the self-guided tour of the FRIB Laboratory. The full route will take about 900 steps, though there is a shorter route that branches off and has only 450 steps. All tour stops and other activities are on the ground floor and completely accessible. The event is safe for visitors who are pregnant or have medical implants. Last tours start at 4:15 p.m.
Estimated duration: 30-45 minutes

DEMONSTRATIONS

In the “Exploration Tent” outside of the building, you can participate in a number of hands-on demonstrations designed to help you learn more about the science and engineering that makes research possible at FRIB. Collect stickers and level up your understanding!
Estimated duration: 5 minutes each

Accessibility

Michigan State University is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services, and activities. The FRIB tour will be Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible, and there will be an ADA line for the tour with seating available. For more information about accessibility, contact events@frib.msu.edu.

Photos/video

There will be a photo booth available at the FRIB Countdown event. 

No photos or video will be allowed on the FRIB tour. 

Additional information

FRIB is not responsible for lost or stolen items.