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.

ANOMALIE — Experience Darmstadt’s science fiction series at GSI/FAIR on November 21, 2024
Scene from Anomalie – Crystall Ball Detector
On Thursday, November 21, 2024, starting at 6:00 p.m., GSI/FAIR offers a public screening of the Darmstadt science fiction series “Anomalie” in the lecture hall, Planckstraße 1, 64291 Darmstadt. The series — produced by Darmstadt filmmakers “Tag & Nacht Media” — was filmed in parts at GSI/FAIR. Among other things, the film features the main control room of the GSI/FAIR accelerator facility and the Crystal Ball Detector as a time machine. The event will provide an insight into the series together…
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Long-sought measurement of exotic beta decay in thallium helps extract the timescale of the Sun’s birth
First author of the publication Guy Leckenby at work at the storage ring ESR at GSI/FAIR
Have you ever wondered how long it took our Sun to form in its stellar nursery? An international collaboration of scientists is now closer to an answer. They succeeded in the measurement of the bound-state beta decay of fully-ionised thallium ions at the Experimental Storage Ring (ESR) of GSI/FAIR. This measurement has profound effects on the production of radioactive lead in asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars and can be used to help determine the Sun’s formation time. The results ...
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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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