McMaster University is set to hire up to 16 individuals to support the enhancement of its nuclear reactor facility for the production of medical isotopes, crucial in treating specific types of cancer. Established in 1959, this facility, the largest nuclear research reactor in the nation, has been supplying medical isotopes, predominantly iodine-125, for cancer treatment globally.
By expanding its operations, McMaster aims to solidify its position as a top global producer of medical isotopes. The recruitment of new staff will facilitate the transition to round-the-clock operations, extending from five days a week to a 24/7 schedule within the next 18 to 24 months, as stated by Karin Stephenson, McMaster’s director of nuclear research and education support.
Funded by the province with $18 million over the past two and a half years, the hiring initiative aligns with Ontario’s objective to double medical isotope production by 2030. John Preston, acting associate vice-president of nuclear research at McMaster, highlighted efforts to expedite the licensing process for new staff, reducing the timeframe from over two years to approximately 14 months.
The surge in demand for medical isotopes in response to a rise in cancer cases in Canada, nearing 250,000 in 2024, along with the provincial target of doubling production by 2030, underpins the interest in McMaster University’s research reactor. These isotopes are distributed both domestically and internationally.
McMaster’s strategic move to offer part-time contracts to former summer students at the research reactor supports its goal of advancing nuclear research. This investment is projected to boost the reactor’s research capacity by 300%, enabling the provision of isotopes for 84,000 treatments annually. The university’s reactor currently supplies enough medical isotopes to aid more than 70,000 cancer patients each year.
Moreover, this expansion will empower McMaster’s student researchers, doctoral graduates, and faculty to conduct in-depth studies on isotopes, potentially leading to the discovery of new drugs and treatments for various severe illnesses.
