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.

Where do gold and platinum come from? Darmstadt researchers improve models for how heavy elements are created
Observed r-process probability distributions in the sun (black dots) and calculated predictions for a simulated neutron star merger (in the background).
Where do gold, platinum, and uranium come from? This question has fascinated astrophysicists and nuclear physicists for decades. A research team from Technische Universität Darmstadt has now taken an important step toward understanding the origin of heavy elements. Their findings, published in Physical Review Letters, demonstrate for the first time how modern ab initio calculations of atomic nuclei can significantly improve predictions of r-process nucleosynthesis, the mechanism responsible for…
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GSI/FAIR shows its colors — for diversity, respect, and solidarity
The rainbow flag at the GSI/FAIR campus
To mark Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Darmstadt on 15 August 2026, the rainbow flag was once again raised on the GSI and FAIR campus this year as a symbol of diversity, acceptance, and visibility. The Management Board opened the event with a welcome address expressing solidarity with queer people and underscored the importance of an open and non-discriminatory work culture. For the first time, the employee network “Queer Ions” will officially represent the GSI/FAIR Research Center at the CSD…
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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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