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.

How does the brain behave in space? – Successful experiments by GSI/FAIR scientists on unmanned research rocket flight MAPHEUS-14
Logo of the ROMS experiment
To study the influence of microgravity and cosmic radiation on the human brain, a research team of GSI/FAIR recently conducted successful experiments in an unmanned spaceflight. The group led by Dr. Insa Schroeder and her PhD student Kim Knorr of the GSI/FAIR Biophysics department succeeded for the first time to send so-called brain organoids to an altitude of 265 kilometers and expose them to real microgravity for around six and a half minutes. The experiment took place in the framework of the…
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Where protons and neutrons like each other most — GSI/FAIR scientists take part in experiment in Japan
Experimental setup at RIKEN — EURICA germanium array
An international research team including scientists from GSI/FAIR has succeeded for the first time in investigating the isospin dependence of effective charges in excited states of cadmium in experiments at the RIKEN accelerator facility in Japan. The results of the measurements have now been published in the journal Physical Review Letters.
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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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