Hessian State Minister Heike Hofmann visits GSI and FAIR
11.03.2026 |
Heike Hofmann, Hessian Minister for Labor, Integration, Youth and Social Affairs (SPD), visited GSI and FAIR in Darmstadt with state parliament representatives Peter Franz (CDU) and Hartwig Jourdan (CDU). The visit centered on discussions about the current situation following the fire, its impact on research and infrastructure, and its effect on employees. The group also discussed the progress made on the FAIR project.
Prof. Dr. Thomas Nilsson, Scientific Managing Director of GSI and FAIR, Dr. Katharina Stummeyer, Administrative Managing Director of GSI and FAIR, Emmanuel Rosi, Head of the Project Management Office, and Jutta Leroudier from the Press and Public Relations Department welcomed the guests, who also included Dr. Eberhard Pausch, Head of the Division for Strategic Policy.
The visit began with a discussion about the current situation following the fire, the measures that have been taken, and the short- and medium-term effects on research operations. The guests were then given a presentation providing insights into the ongoing development of the FAIR project. The presentation covered the latest progress on the construction site, the commissioning activities currently underway, and the expansion of the technical infrastructure.
“I would like to express the full solidarity of the entire state government,” said Minister of State Heike Hofmann. “Dealing with the effects of the fire in all its facets is a top priority. The state government will provide the center with the best possible support so that the important scientific work here can continue successfully.”
The visit concluded with a tour of selected areas of the FAIR construction site. Guests visited the underground FAIR accelerator ring, the main supply building, the Super-FRS experimental halls, and the NUSTAR facilities. (JL)
