K-State Awarded $5 Million for Research Reactor Upgrades

Federal funding to support improvements at university's nuclear reactor facility

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:31pm

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U.S. Senator Jerry Moran announced that he secured a $5 million federal investment for upgrades to the Kansas State University Research Reactor project. The funding will help support improvements to K-State's TRIGA Mark II Nuclear Reactor Facility and strengthen America's energy independence, expand job opportunities in Kansas, and invest in cutting-edge research at the university.

Why it matters

The K-State research reactor is a critical asset for the university and the state, providing opportunities for advanced nuclear research and training the next generation of nuclear scientists and engineers. This federal funding will help ensure the facility remains up-to-date and capable of supporting important work in areas like energy, national security, and scientific discovery.

The details

The $5 million in federal funding secured by Senator Moran, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, will go towards upgrading and improving the TRIGA Mark II Nuclear Reactor Facility at Kansas State University. The reactor is used for a variety of research and educational purposes, including neutron activation analysis, isotope production, and hands-on training for nuclear engineering students.

  • On January 30, 2026, Senator Moran announced the $5 million federal investment for the K-State research reactor project.

The players

Jerry Moran

U.S. Senator from Kansas and senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Kansas State University

A public research university located in Manhattan, Kansas, that operates a TRIGA Mark II nuclear research reactor facility.

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What they’re saying

“This investment will help support improvements to K-State's TRIGA Mark II Nuclear Reactor Facility and strengthen America's energy independence, expand job opportunities in Kansas and invest in the cutting-edge research taking place at our universities.”

— Jerry Moran, U.S. Senator

The takeaway

The $5 million in federal funding for upgrades to the Kansas State University research reactor demonstrates the continued importance of nuclear science and engineering research at the university level. This investment will help ensure K-State's facility remains a cutting-edge asset for advancing energy, national security, and scientific discovery in Kansas and beyond.