Helmholtz Institute Mainz

The phenomenon of the strong interaction is one of the four fundamental forces of nature. In elementary particles, it is responsible for the binding between quarks and for the cohesion of neutrons and protons in atomic nuclei.

The Helmholtz Institute Mainz (HIM) investigates the strong interaction from different angles. Its scientists study short-lived particles composed of quarks, so-called mesons, analyze the structure of the proton, and study the properties of superheavy atomic nuclei. They also search for new, hypothetical particles beyond the Standard Model, work out new theoretical models of thought, and develop pioneering accelerator technologies.

The HIM is an institutional cooperation of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and the GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research in Darmstadt. It combines the academic world of a university with the scientific capabilities of an internationally renowned accelerator center.

At the center of HIM's work is the FAIR Accelerator Facility, which is currently under construction in Darmstadt: The "Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research" will enable novel and worldwide unique experiments for nuclear and hadron physics.

HIM was founded in June 2009 as the first Helmholtz Institute ever. The branch of the GSI Helmholtz Center on the campus of the University of Mainz creates the basis for the long-standing and close cooperation of both institutions.