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.

Evidence of an exotic atomic nucleus state
Two silver glittering half-spheres stand to the sides of a silver cylinder. Many cables lead away to the sides.
An international research team has found evidence of the existence of an exotic atomic nucleus state in an experiment at the GSI/FAIR research center in Darmstadt. Although such a state has long been predicted theoretically, it has never been observed before. The system consists of an atomic nucleus of the carbon isotope ¹¹C and an η′ meson (etaprime meson) — a short-lived particle composed of a quark and an antiquark. This system is bound exclusively by the strong interaction, i.e., the force…
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Remembrance of Guenther Rosner
Prof. Dr. Guenther Rosner
FAIR and GSI mourn for Prof Guenther Rosner, a passionate physicist, co-founder of FAIR and relentless supporter of the FAIR project. He passed away on 21 March 2026 in the age of 77 years.
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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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