FRIB hosts U.S. Representative Tom Barrett
Share this article:
Share this article:
U.S. Representative Tom Barrett (MI-07) visited Michigan State University (MSU) on 10 November, where he toured FRIB and met with scientists, engineers, staff, and students contributing to breakthrough discoveries in nuclear science. FRIB Laboratory Director Thomas Glasmacher welcomed Representative Barrett and shared how FRIB advances MSU’s mission of discovery, education, and economic impact in Michigan and across the nation.
During the visit, Representative Barrett toured the High Rigidity Spectrometer (HRS) vault—an advanced scientific instrument currently under construction that will serve as the centerpiece of FRIB’s fast-beam research program—and the Rare Isotope Harvesting Vault building addition. He also met with multiple FRIB employees, many of whom are residents of Michigan’s seventh congressional district, to learn about their research and career experiences at the laboratory. These conversations highlighted how FRIB provides stable, high-skilled careers for Michigan families and creates opportunities that keep scientific and engineering talent in the state.
FRIB strengthens U.S. competitiveness in science and technology
Operating the world’s most powerful heavy-ion accelerator, FRIB enables scientists to study rare isotopes and support applications in medicine, homeland security, and industry. This leadership in scientific research directly benefits the United States by maintaining technological competitiveness and expanding knowledge that fuels innovation.
Completed ahead of schedule and on budget in January 2022, FRIB represents a $2 billion federal investment in the nation’s scientific infrastructure. Since operations began, FRIB has consistently delivered results—operating with 93-percent availability for scientific experiments, producing more than 450 rare isotope beams, and supporting a community of 1,800 scientific users. The laboratory continues to demonstrate the impact of sustained investment in large-scale research facilities.
FRIB provides direct economic and workforce benefits to Michigan and the nation
Since 2011, FRIB has invested over 94 percent of its procurement and labor spending in the United States, with 78 percent in Michigan. With 466 employees, 137 graduate students, and 101 undergraduates, the laboratory drives high-tech job growth and strengthens science and engineering training in mid-Michigan. Conceived, managed, and delivered ahead of schedule and on budget by MSU faculty, scientists, and staff and Michigan firms, FRIB is a Michigan-built national asset that maximizes public investment, strengthens the economy, and advances American scientific leadership.
MSU operates FRIB as a user facility for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science (DOE-SC) as one of 28 DOE-SC user facilities, with financial support from and furthering the mission of the DOE-SC Office of Nuclear Physics. This partnership aligns the strengths of a top research university with the nation’s strategic scientific priorities, ensuring efficient use of public investment and long-term stewardship of national research infrastructure.
Representative Barrett’s visit highlighted FRIB’s impact as a source of research, training, and innovation for Michigan and the nation. Continued engagement and support from elected leaders will help ensure that FRIB—and the scientists, students, and communities it serves—remain at the forefront of nuclear science.
