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.

Accelerating polarized Helium-3 ions
A polarized 3He gas jet (coming from the left) is impinged with an intense laser pulse from the PHELIX laser (centre), leading to laser–plasma acceleration. The accelerated 3He particles strike a detector plate (right) that measures the degree of polarization.
In collaboration with GSI/FAIR, experimental and theoretical physicists from Heinrich Heine University (HHU) Düsseldorf and Forschungszentrum Jülich have gained important insights into laser–plasma accelerator technology. As they report in two papers published in Reports on Progress in Physics and High Power Laser Science and Engineering, the polarization state of accelerated particles is preserved during this process. This finding is significant for a range of applications, including controlled…
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GSI and FAIR at the BMFTR Open House in Berlin
The GSI and FAIR booth at a previous event.
On June 20 and 21, 2026, the Federal Chancellery, the federal ministries, and the Federal Press Office will open their doors to the public. The Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR) is also hosting an open house on this occasion. Visitors will gain insights into current research projects and technological developments from Germany. The GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung and the future FAIR accelerator center will also be present with an interactive booth,…
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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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