University of Michigan FNR
Permanently Shut DownAnn Arbor, MI·Pool
Reactor Data
Research Reactors
Research and test reactors, critical assemblies and prototypes at this site, as listed in the IAEA Research Reactor Database: type, thermal power, first criticality, shutdown date, current status and what each is used for.
1 reactor: 1 decommissioned.
| Reactor | Type | Thermal Power | First Criticality | Shutdown | Status | Used For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Nuclear Reactor Univ. Michigan | Pool | 2 MWt | 1957-09-18 | Decommissioned | neutron scattering, neutron radiography, materials testing, teaching |
Source: IAEA Research Reactor Database (RRDB), as of 2026-10-13.
Working Here
Jobs in MI 1 active
Active nuclear industry job listings in MI from the NukeWorker job board. Click a job title for full details, or click the header to search all jobs in this state.
Per Diem Rates FY 2027
Per diem covers lodging and meals & incidental expenses (M&IE) for government and contractor travel near this facility. Rates are from GSA for FY 2027.
$140
Lodging/Night
$80
M&IE/Day
$220
Total/Day
Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, MI
Unemployment Benefits MI
Maximum state unemployment insurance benefits for MI. Actual benefits depend on your earnings history and may be lower than the maximum. Data as of Jan 2026.
$530
Max Weekly
26
Max Weeks
$13,780
Max Total
Photos
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Facility Map
Interactive satellite map showing the facility's geographic location. Marker color indicates current status: green for online, red for offline, orange for reduced power. Click the header to open in Google Maps satellite view.
42.2899, -83.7191
Location & Contact
Physical address, phone number, and website for this facility. Use the directions link to get driving directions via Google Maps.
Plant Facts
About This Site
Written by NukeWorker from public records: facts that do not change. Operator, status and capacity come from the live data elsewhere on this page. Sources: Wikipedia: Ford Nuclear Reactor.
The Ford Nuclear Reactor was a pool-type research reactor on the North Campus of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, housed in the Phoenix Memorial Laboratory building.
Read more
It reached first criticality on September 19, 1957, and its initial rated power of 1 megawatt was reached in August 1958. Its power was upgraded to 2 megawatts on August 5, 1963. In December 1981 the reactor was converted from 93 percent enriched fuel to 19.5 percent enriched fuel. It operated until July 3, 2003, when the university chose to decommission it.
Technical Specs
Reactor design specifications including type (PWR/BWR), containment design, nuclear steam supply system manufacturer, thermal and electrical power ratings, and current operational status.
Licensing
NRC licensing history including docket number, license type and number, construction permit date, operating license issuance, commercial operation date, license renewal, and expiration date.
Docket #:
502