GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung

GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung operates a unique accelerator for heavy ions. Researchers from around the world use this facility for experiments that help them make fascinating discoveries in basic research. In addition, they continually develop new and impressive applications.

Summer Students 2026
34 students came from 16 countries this summer to participate in the GSI/FAIR Summer Student Program. For eight weeks, they were able to immerse themselves in the daily life at an international particle accelerator center. Our yearly photo contest offers exclusive insights into the program.



Children stand around a marble run where a metallic ball is accelerated.
This Saturday, around 20 stations welcomed visitors to Frankfurt’s second Science Festival, bringing science to life for people of all ages. On stage and at interactive stations on the central Roßmarkt square, guests had the chance to explore the research of the Frankfurt Alliance, a network of 16 research institutions from the Frankfurt/Rhine-Main region. GSI/FAIR offered insights into the function of particle accelerators and their scientific work with two hands-on experiments.



FAIR – the future accelerator facility

In the next few years the new international accelerator facility FAIR, one of the largest research projects worldwide, will be erected at GSI. At FAIR an unprecedented variety of experiments will be possible. Thereby physicists from all around the world will be able to gain new insights into the structure of matter and the evolution of the universe from the Big Bang to the present.
Learn more about FAIR: GSI about FAIR or FAIR web page

Cancer Treatment with Ion Beams

GSI is the birthplace of a new form of cancer treatment. This development was the result of many years of research in conjunction with GSI’s large ion-beam accelerator system. The advantage of this new treatment modality is that the ion beam selectively damages tumor tissues while sparing the surrounding healthy tissues. More...

The Creation of New Elements

Chemical elements are produced in stars and stellar explosions. Elements are the building blocks of all materials that surround us – including every atom of our bodies. The universe is also home to a large number of atoms that do not occur on earth. One of the key tasks of the researchers at GSI is to attempt to create previously unknown elements. More...


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