Federal Research Minister Cem Özdemir and Hesse's Research Minister Timon Gremmels visit GSI/FAIR in DarmstadtAIR in Darmstadt
04.03.2025 |
The great progress of the FAIR project, the milestones of research at GSI/FAIR, and the current scientific activities were the focus of the visit of Cem Özdemir, Federal Minister of Education and Research, and Timon Gremmels, Hessian Minister of Science and Research, Art and Culture, at the GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung and the international accelerator center FAIR (Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research) being built in Darmstadt.
The two guests were welcomed by Professor Thomas Nilsson, Scientific Managing Director of GSI and FAIR, Dr. Katharina Stummeyer, Administrative Managing Director of GSI and FAIR, and Jörg Blaurock, Technical Managing Director of GSI and FAIR.
First, the ministers were given an informative overview of the FAIR project, one of the largest construction projects for cutting-edge research worldwide, as well as GSI's research successes and current campus development. The program then included insights into some of the research facilities for FAIR, such as the R3B experiment with FAIR detectors and tumor therapy with ion beams.
During a tour of the construction site, Ministers Özdemir and Gremmels had the opportunity to inspect at the FAIR construction activities on the 20-hectare construction site located to the east of the existing GSI/FAIR campus and the substantial construction progress. Several important stages have been reached in recent months: The technical building installations are already well advanced, the shell for the current stage of FAIR has been completed. In addition, the installation of the FAIR accelerator machine has begun and a number of high-tech magnets and accelerator structures have already been installed in the underground ring tunnel.
The FAIR facility will provide outstanding experimental opportunities for researchers from all over the world to produce and study matter in the laboratory that usually only exists in the depth of space. In large planets, stars and stellar explosions, matter is exposed to extreme conditions, such as extremely high temperatures, pressures or densities. Researchers can produce these conditions at the FAIR facility. (BP)
Statements on the visit
Cem Özdemir, Federal Minister of Education and Research: FAIR will provide a unique infrastructure at the GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung in Darmstadt, which will be of outstanding importance for the German and international research community. These research facilities not only push the boundaries of knowledge and of what is technically feasible, they are also an important driving force for innovation and a pillar of German and European technological sovereignty. As an international center for basic research – especially for young researchers – FAIR is a true investment in the future.
Timon Gremmels, Hessian Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and the Arts: Similar to the Federal Government, the State of Hesse has been investing in the GSI Helmholtzzentrum and the FAIR facility for many years. FAIR's status as an internationally important research facility is ensured not least by the excellent research environment in Darmstadt, in particular for young scientists. Scientific knowledge, as generated by FAIR, is an indispensable basis for development and progress and creates an important foundation for tomorrow's society. This makes the State of Hesse one of the top locations for science in Europe and worldwide.
Professor Dr. Thomas Nilsson, Scientific Managing Director of GSI and FAIR: GSI/FAIR will create something unique in the world. FAIR will provide a first-class experimental environment and enable unprecedented, forward-looking research across a broad spectrum, from basic to applied research disciplines. Strong collaborations such as these make it possible to explore new scientific and technological territories and are important drivers of innovation for society.
Dr. Katharina Stummeyer, Administrative Managing Director of GSI and FAIR: As a non-university research facility, GSI/FAIR makes a significant contribution to strengthening Germany as a hub for science and technology. The facility is an important example of international cooperation and, through its affiliation with the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers, also has a strong national foundation. GSI/FAIR is international scientific cooperation in action. With excellent flagship projects such as FAIR, Germany and Europe can sustainably enhance their competitiveness in the international research landscape.
Jörg Blaurock, Technical Managing Director of GSI and FAIR: At GSI and FAIR, it is impressive to see how a vision becomes reality. Through customized technological, structural and scientific excellence, we can set the course for excellent research at FAIR. The international FAIR project guarantees future-oriented development at the Darmstadt site and offers innovative prospects for research and technology. Researchers from all over the world can use the existing facilities already, but the FAIR project will significantly expand the dimensions.
