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.

BMFTR awards millions in funding for fusion research – Dr. Yannik Zobus of GSI/FAIR secures a young investigators group
A man with protective laser-googles and white protective suit observes a green-glowing box through an optical measurement device.
Dr. Yannik Zobus, a laser physicist at GSI/FAIR in Darmstadt, is head of the LASE-FUSE (LAser Simulation for Enhanced FUSion Efficiency) Young Investigators Group since May 1, 2026. As part of the “Fusionstalente” (fusion talents) funding program of Germany’s Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR), the project will receive three million euros in funding over five years. Thus, already for the second time a GSI/FAIR project is awarded in the framework of the BMFTR initiative.
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Technical defect confirmed as cause of fire
The GSI/FAIR buildings are visible from above, surrounded by green vegetation.
After the fire that occurred in the area of the high-voltage electrical power supply system of the UNILAC linear accelerator at the GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung in early February 2026, the on-site investigation into the cause of the fire has now been completed. Over the past few weeks, the Hessian State Criminal Police Office conducted the relevant investigations and determined that a probably technical defect within a control cabinet was the cause of the fire. This confirms…
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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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