Nearly 1,000 people toured the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams during the FRIB Countdown on 23 April.

The public event included activities, demonstrations, presentations, and tours that offered the public a glimpse at FRIB prior to the start of FRIB’s scientific research program. Attendees had the opportunity to learn more about FRIB and rare-isotope research before FRIB opens its doors to scientific users from around the world on 2 May.

The six-hour public event, made possible by 130 volunteers, offered an array of experiences for all ages. The tour allowed the public to see the FRIB Laboratory, with volunteers stationed all along the route to answer questions about FRIB science.

Several hands-on activities and demonstrations showed the fields of FRIB research.

Additionally, scientists were on-hand to talk about their work on the frontiers of rare-isotope research, and several educational videos were shown in the "FRIB Theater."

In the FRIB Auditorium, speakers gave presentations that gave a behind-the-scenes look at the FRIB Laboratory, the science being explored, and career opportunities at the laboratory.

Check out the FRIB Countdown photo gallery for images of the public event.

Michigan State University (MSU) operates the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) as a user facility for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science (DOE-SC), supporting the mission of the DOE-SC Office of Nuclear Physics.

The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of today’s most pressing challenges. For more information, visit energy.gov/science.