Hassium and cutting-edge research: GSI and FAIR at the open house at the Hessian State Representation in Berlinesvertretung in Berlin
25.09.2025 |
On Friday, October 3, the Hessian State Representation in Berlin invites visitors to an open house from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Visitors can gain an exciting insight into Hesse’s cutting-edge research and pioneering projects. The GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung and the future FAIR accelerator center will also be represented with an interactive booth, offering exciting insights and hands-on activities related to the research center in Darmstadt. Visitors will be able to see up close how scientists accelerate particles and, in doing so, unlock the mysteries of the universe in the laboratory.
At the GSI and FAIR booth, visitors of all ages can get actively involved: with the help of the interactive accelerator game, they can learn how tiny particles are accelerated to enormous speeds, leading to the discovery of new chemical elements. One of these elements is hassium (element 108), named after the German state of Hesse. This makes Hesse the only German state to give its name to a chemical element. Participants can also enter a competition to win prizes from the world of chemical elements, including glowing element cubes, hassium memo holders, and a cuddly toy.
With virtual reality headsets, visitors can embark on a virtual journey to Darmstadt and immerse themselves in GSI's research facilities. They dive into the world of particle accelerators and experimental setups and gain exclusive insight into the FAIR mega-construction project – one of the largest and most complex research projects worldwide. This makes cutting-edge research tangible, and visitors can witness how scientists create conditions in the laboratory that otherwise only occur in the universe, while unraveling its mysteries. (JL)
Place and time
- Date: Friday, October 3, 2025
- Time: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Location: Hessian State Representation in Berlin, In den Ministergärten 5, 10117 Berlin
