Public Engagement | Facility for Rare Isotope Beams

Making Nuclear Science Accessible

FRIB aims to share the excitement of nuclear science with everyone through innovative and multi-disciplinary collaborations that engage learners of all ages and backgrounds.

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16 January 2026
2:00 EST

Gravitational-Wave Asteroseismology: Illuminating Dense Nuclear Matter through Dynamical Tides Neutron stars present the tantalising opportunity to examine physics in a range of extreme regimes, including ultra-dense nuclear matter. Gravitational radiation from inspiralling compact binaries carries information about the deformability of the stellar material. However, the focus has primarily been on the static tide. Much like the Moon sources waves in Earth's oceans, neutron-star binaries experience dynamical tides, where the orbital motion drives vibrational modes within the star. These modes are sensitive seismological probes of the stellar interior and have already transformed our understanding of main-sequence and giant stars. In this talk, I will review our current level of understanding of neutron-star binaries. I will show how the tidal dynamics provoke oscillation modes and the rich physics they encode. In light of imminent improvements to gravitational-wave instrument technologies, I will discuss prospects for detectability.

30 January 2026
2:00 EST

Implications of a Weakening N = 126 Shell Closure Away from Stability for r-Process Astrophysical Conditions The formation of the third r-process abundance peak near Aâ¼195 is highly sensitive to both nuclear structure far from stability and the astrophysical conditions that produce the heaviest elements. In particular, the N = 126 shell closure plays a crucial role in shaping this peak. Experimental data hints that the shell weakens as proton number departs from Z= 82, a trend largely missed by global mass models. In this talk, I will show how this evolving shell structure influences r-process nucleosynthesis by comparing standard mass models with strong closures to modified DufloâZuker models that incorporate the experimentally indicated weakening, along with several sets of Î²-decay rates. I will also present how these nuclear inputs change the morphology of the third peak and discuss the astrophysical conditions required to reproduce the solar pattern when the shell is weakened. The results highlight how uncertainties in the N=126 region translate into constraints on r-process sites and motivate future mass measurements and improved Î²-decay data for nuclei near this shell closure.

https://www.cenamweb.org/events/online-seminar-series

13 March 2026 – 13 March 2025

From Reliability to Innovation: The LANSCE Modernization Roadmap

FRIB tours

Discover what happens at a rare isotope facility by joining an FRIB tour. Interested members of the public and students from public, homeschool, private, and parochial schools can discover the inner workings of FRIB with a guided tour.

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Learning resources & programs

FRIB offers learning resources and hosts programs for K–12 teachers and students from public, homeschool, private, and parochial schools, designed to inspire curiosity and support hands-on learning.

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FRIB seeks to inspire a love for nuclear science by fostering innovative, cross-disciplinary collaborations that connect with learners of all ages and backgrounds.

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Advanced Studies Gateway

The Advanced Studies Gateway is an initiative at FRIB that brings together researchers, innovators, creative thinkers, artists, and performers from all fields and strengthens ties between Michigan State University and the community. Activities include research workshops as well as public talks, concerts, and special events that are free and open to the public.

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MSUFCU Arts Power Up Arts Residency at FRIB

This residency fosters collaboration, exploration, experimentation and innovation on MSU’s campus, culminating in the creation of artworks at the intersection of art, science, and technology.

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Questions?

For more information about public engagement at FRIB, or to inquire about arranging a tour, contact the FRIB Outreach Coordinator.