Mid-Michigan Particle Accelerator Cluster Study (MMPAC)
By Nicholas Joblonski
CCED has partnered with Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA), to research and develop strategies that enhance the particle acceleration industry cluster and talent streams for future economic development efforts in mid-Michigan.
Since being introduced at MSU in 1963, the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) has advanced MSU’s place as a leader in physics research; the MSU nuclear physics graduate program has been ranked No. 1 nationally since 2010. In 2008, the US Department of Energy’s Office of Science (DOE-SC) selected MSU for a $730M investment to build an expanded Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) at the site of the NSCL. This scientific user facility will enable scientists to make discoveries about the properties of rare isotopes (that is, short-lived nuclei not normally found on Earth), nuclear astrophysics, fundamental interactions, and applications for society, including in medicine, homeland security, and sterilization opportunities.
The MMPAC study provides an in-depth analysis and develops strategic guidance to local private sector leaders, economic development professionals, community planners, educators, and other key stakeholders in the region on actions that are likely to increase the region’s job creation, retention, and enhance opportunities for economic development related to advanced nuclear physics. The completion of the study is set for the end of December 2018.
If you would like to learn more about the MMPAC study or have further questions contact John Melcher at melcher@msu.edu