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.

Safer space travel — Cosmic ray simulator at GSI/FAIR
An astronaut in a white space suit hovers next to a cylindrical capsule.
Cosmic rays are one of the greatest challenges for space travel and pose a considerable risk to humans and materials. For the first time on European soil, an international research team in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) has succeeded in providing a simulator for Galactic Cosmic Rays at the GSI/FAIR accelerator facility in Darmstadt, Germany. The results have been published in two articles in the journal “Life Sciences in Space Research.”
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Helmholtz President Martin Keller visits GSI and FAIR
Helmholtz President Martin Keller (left) toured the FAIR ring accelerator and many other stops across the FAIR site and GSI campus.
On 10 March 2026, Professor Martin Keller, President of the Helmholtz Association, visited GSI and FAIR in Darmstadt on the occasion of taking office. The purpose of the visit was to gain in-depth insight into the structures and research activities at the site, and to engage directly with the people driving them – especially staff members and early-career researchers. The guest of honour at the event was Hessian Minister of Science and Research, Art and Culture, Timon Gremmels.
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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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