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.

FAIR-GSI PhD Award 2025 for Dr. Guy Leckenby — Groundbreaking measurement of exotic decay unveils solar system formation
Three men stand in front of a stage, the middle one presents a certificate.
Dr. Guy Leckenby has been awarded the FAIR-GSI PhD Award 2025 for his outstanding doctoral thesis on the study of bound-state beta decay with experiments conducted at the GSI/FAIR Experimental Storage Ring (ESR). His precision measurement of fully-ionized thallium-205 ions aided in resolving a decades-old puzzle about the origin of lead in our solar system and represents a flagship achievement for GSI/FAIR.
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ALICE solves mystery of production and survival of light nuclei – Contributions from GSI/FAIR researchers
In high-energy collisions of protons, deuterons are created by fusion between a proton and a neutron emerging from the reaction. The fusion is catalyzed by a pion.
Particle collisions at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) of the European research center CERN create tiny fireballs 100 thousand times hotter than the center of the Sun. The fireballs decay into new, sometimes quite exotic, particles including light atomic nuclei and their antimatter counterparts. Paradoxically, these can be created in - and escape from - the hot and dense environment unscathed even though the bonds holding their constituents together are very ...
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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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