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HIM Network

The Helmholtz Institute Mainz collaborates with many partner institutions

The idea of cooperation is embedded already in the fundamental structure of the Helmholtz Institute Mainz: As a joint institution of the GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung and the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU), it links a major accelerator center with the academic world. In addition, the HIM maintains close cooperations with numerous institutions and is involved in many national and international networks.

 

Cluster of Excellence PRISMA+

The Cluster of Excellence PRISMA (Precision Physics, Fundamental Interactions and Structure of Matter, since 2019 PRISMA+) was launched in 2012 as a joint initiative of JGU and HIM in areas such as nuclear chemistry and high-energy and hadron physics. As part of the cluster, the research teams are realizing new key experiments to explore the fundamental forces of nature and the limitations of the Standard Model.

In the context of PRISMA, the HIM is mainly involved in building the new electron accelerator MESA. Among other things, MESA will be used to determine the radius of the proton as precisely as possible—a highly topical issue in physics. The facility is based on a new accelerator principle, the energy-recovering linac. Here, “spent” electrons are decelerated in superconducting cavities, thereby giving off a large part of their energy to the field of the cavity. This energy can then be used to accelerate new electrons. The clever energy recovery saves energy: Instead of requiring around 20 megawatts, the facility should need only a few 100 kilowatts for its operation. Among other things, the superconducting cavities—the core components of MESA—are being tested at the HIM.

 

 

International Collaborations

HIM scientists participate in international collaborations on the construction and operation of large-scale equipment and the analysis of data produced therewith, including the PANDA collaboration at the future FAIR complex in Darmstadt, BES-III collaboration at the IHEP in Beijing, China, the A1-Collaboration at the Mainz Microtoron MAMI, the German-American P2-Collaboration and many more.

Furthermore, the HIM cooperates with other facilities of the Helmholtz Association, in particular with DESY, KIT and FZJ. The Helmholtz program “Matter and the Universe” forms a framework for these collaborations. The Helmholtz Institute Mainz also participates in the “Helmholtz Graduate School for Hadron and Ion Research” (HGS-HIRe for FAIR), a structured training program for doctoral students that provides them with additional expertise and valuable soft skills.

 

 

Projects & Networks

In addition, HIM is involved in other projects and networks:

  • The Ada Lovelace Project is a mentoring program of the German federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate. It motivates women and girls for STEM professions and study courses and supports them in their work.
  • The Dual Career Network of the Rhine–Main region addresses so-called dual career couples. For new appointments of a scientist, it helps to find a suitable position for their partner in the region.
  • The Mainz Science Alliance is committed to the sustainable, knowledge-based development of the city of Mainz and organizes, among other things, the annual Mainz Science Market for citizens.
  •  HIM is participating in two Training networks: Innovative Training Network LISA, ZULF European Training Network (ETN)