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.

from left: Dr. Peter Jacobs (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, USA), Professor Yong-Zhong Qian (University of Minnesota, USA)
The GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung in Darmstadt and the future FAIR accelerator facility continue to attract world-leading scientists. This year, two winners of the prestigious Humboldt Research Award are conducting research at the Darmstadt site: Professor Yong-Zhong Qian (University of Minnesota, USA) was already on site, and Dr. Peter Jacobs (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, USA) is expected to arrive in the second half of 2026.



Guided tour — Many stations on the GSI/FAIR campus opened their doors to the BVSR students, e.g. the department for Experiment Electronics.
As part of the BVSR Conference 2026, GSI/FAIR recently welcomed 200 students from the fields of space science and engineering to its campus in Darmstadt. The Bundesverband studentischer Raumfahrt e. V. (BVSR) represents student groups involved in space projects at the national level. The visit offered exciting insights into current research and underscored the importance GSI/FAIR places on supporting the next generation of scientists.



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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