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Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
On 10 March 2026, Professor Martin Keller, President of the Helmholtz Association, visited GSI and FAIR in Darmstadt on the occasion of taking office. The purpose of the visit was to gain in-depth insight into the structures and research activities at the site, and to engage directly with the people driving them – especially staff members and early-career researchers. The guest of honour at the event was Hessian Minister of Science and Research, Art and Culture, Timon Gremmels.
Following an opening discussion with the GSI/FAIR management on strategic priorities, key research topics and the future prospects of the research institution, an extensive tour of the campus gave Martin Keller the opportunity to experience GSI and FAIR up close and to speak personally with staff members.
Among other things, Martin Keller visited the existing large-scale experiments, storage rings and the tumor therapy facility at GSI. The Green IT Cube, GSI/FAIR’s high-performance computing centre, served as an example of the infrastructure behind the major experiments. The open dialogue with scientists and technicians from various fields provided authentic insights into everyday scientific work and the technical challenges of a user facility.
Together with Hessian Minister of Science and Research, Art and Culture, Timon Gremmels, he visited the fire-damaged area and the UNILAC linear accelerator and received on-site information about the repair and restoration measures. The tour then continued to the FAIR construction site, where the focus was on the progress being made in building the international accelerator centre and on its close integration with the knowledge and experience available at the site. Keller also learned about on the ongoing installation and commissioning work.
In an informal format, the Helmholtz President met with students, young talents and early-career researchers at a round table in the Main Control Room, the new control centre for the accelerator facilities in the FAIR Control Center (FCC). In an open atmosphere, topics such as career prospects, interdisciplinary research and day-to-day work within the Helmholtz Association were discussed. "This is what Helmholtz is all about: curious minds, international collaboration, and the courage to tackle the big questions in science,” said Keller.
The visit on campus concluded with an open discussion round with GSI/FAIR employees. In this interactive format, designed both as a moderated interview and as an open dialogue, the audience was able to raise topics and ask questions. The result was a lively exchange on the future of the Helmholtz Association, research funding and the role of large-scale research infrastructures in international cutting-edge science.
"I am deeply impressed by the FAIR facility. Here, fundamental questions about the evolutionary history of our universe are answered and, at the same time, technologies are developed that have an impact on society far beyond physics. Helmholtz thrives on the strength of its community: the cutting-edge research at GSI and FAIR is an ideal example of this. Networking excellent science, state-of-the-art infrastructures, and international teams across the Helmholtz Centers is the key to the future," said Keller.
A visit to the GSI/FAIR SCIENCE POP-UP in Darmstadt city centre rounded off Martin Keller’s stay in Darmstadt. He explored the interactive hands-on space, which offers science enthusiasts of all ages a unique opportunity to experience GSI/FAIR research first-hand.
“Martin Keller’s visit provides an excellent foundation for further deepening the close cooperation between GSI/FAIR and the Helmholtz Association. Our accelerator facilities, experiments and the construction of FAIR are an international joint project — and at the same time an outstanding environment in which to inspire talented young scientists to pursue research within the Helmholtz network,” said Thomas Nilsson, Scientific Managing Director of GSI/FAIR.
The visit to GSI/FAIR took place as part of Martin Keller’s tour of all 18 Helmholtz centers. Both sides emphasized the importance of authentic encounters and direct conversations as a foundation for trust and cooperation in everyday research.
https://www.gsi.de/en/start/news/details/2026/03/12/helmholtz-praesident-martin-...
Helmholtz President Martin Keller (left) toured the FAIR ring accelerator and many other stops acros ...
Copyright: © M. Melter, Helmholtz
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Physics / astronomy
transregional, national
Science policy, Transfer of Science or Research
English
Helmholtz President Martin Keller (left) toured the FAIR ring accelerator and many other stops acros ...
Copyright: © M. Melter, Helmholtz
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