A Scientic Club of Physicist of the Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Applied Computer Science at the Jagiellonian University on a transformative study tour, seeking to explore the multitude of exciting opportunities in science and technology offered at the prestigious GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research and FAIR (Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research), both located in the esteemed city of Darmstadt, Germany. This unique experience allowed them to broaden their horizons and gain invaluable insights into cutting-edge research conducted at these renowned institutions.

Throughout their visit, the Polish students had the privilege of touring several eminent research facilities, including the esteemed Heidelberg Institute of Technology and the Helmholtz Institute Mainz, in addition to various specialized departments within the expansive FAIR/GSI campus. The thoughtfully curated itinerary was carefully designed by the Get_Involved office of FAIR and the Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Applied Computer Science of the Jagiellonian University to expose the students to a diverse array of scientific disciplines and the latest advancements in state-of-the-art technologies.

A definitive highlight of the tour was the exclusive opportunity for the students to participate in lectures meticulously organized by the Summer School. These intellectually stimulating sessions provided an enduring foundation in the intricate fields of hadron, nuclear atomic physics as well as their practical applications in material science, detector technology, and accelerator diagnostics and operation. The students were profoundly impressed by the profound depth and scope of knowledge disseminated during these lectures, which indisputably broadened their understanding and appreciation of these pivotal scientific domains.

Furthermore, the Polish students were warmly welcomed by the researchers and scientific staff from different departments at GSI and FAIR. They were given the unique opportunity to visit various labs and departments, where they gained a comprehensive understanding of the ongoing research activities and cutting-edge projects. This dedicated tour allowed the students to envision the many ways they could contribute to the scientific advancements in the future.

This warm welcome was highlighted by the inspirational interaction with Mr. Joerg Blaurock, who is renowned for his contributions to scientific research. Mr. Blaurock took time to address the students and personally understand their experiences and feedback about the study tour at the campus. This exchange of ideas was immensely valuable for the students and left a lasting impression on their academic pursuits.

"As you embark on this journey of exploration, remember that knowledge unlocks endless possibilities. Your visit to GSI and FAIR opens minds to science and technology wonders. Embrace challenges, dream big, and seek answers to the universe's mysteries. Your passion will shape scientific research's future, leaving a profound impact on the world. So, go forth with determination, for the pursuit of knowledge knows no boundaries. Together, let's make a difference!" – Joerg Blaurock, Joint Technical Managing Director at FAIR and GSI.

“Witnessing the students of our Jagiellonian University's Physics Scientific Club engage in this enriching study tour in Germany to GSI and FAIR facility fills me with great pride. Such experiences are not just journeys; they are vital passages that nurture curiosity, broaden intellect, and inspire a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. I am thankful for all the support and insights provided at the facilities in GSI/FAIR though International Cooperations Unit of FAIR/GSI” – Piotr Salabura, Professor at Jagiellonian Univeristy.

The excitement was also expressed in the words of the student, Ania, PhD Physics Student: "I think it is a common misconception for young people that getting involved with an international research group is achievable only if one is very experienced, has huge knowledge, and that even then, it is extremely hard. That is not true for GSI! What people here are showing us is that motivation, curiosity, and a passion to learn can easily make one's dream come true! From the variety of disciplines and experiments, one can find the most suitable and pursue a dream career."

FAIR is an international facility of immense significance, a testament to global scientific cooperation. It brings together scientists and researchers from around the world to explore the depths of the Universe, unravel the mysteries of matter, and pioneer breakthrough technologies

Poland is one of the most significant shareholders of FAIR. The nation's dedication to the development and production of cutting-edge technologies has been instrumental in shaping FAIR's trajectory. One of the most compelling examples of this is the profound contribution to the HADES detector—an intricate marvel of engineering that has redefined our understanding of the universe's building blocks. Additionally, Poland's expertise has been pivotal in the creation of the electronics for the silicon tracking detector of CBM (Compressed Baryonic Matter), straw tube tracker of the Forward Detector of PANDA (Antiproton Anihilation at Darmstadt) and the Cryogenic systems at the SIS100 and Super Fragment Separator facilities, showcasing the nation's prowess in pushing the boundaries of scientific innovation.

Collaboration further fuels our vision. Our partnership with Jagiellonian University, Krakow, lasting since end of 70’es, is more than an outreach campaign; it's a journey to inspire young minds. By showcasing FAIR's facilities and introducing students to diverse experiments, we provide clarity for their academic pursuits.

As the tour came to an end, the Polish students expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the organizers and the institutions involved for providing them with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. They returned to Poland filled with newfound inspiration and knowledge, eager to continue their journey in the realm of science and technology.

To dive into this world of possibilities, reach out to Prof. Piotr Salabura at Jagiellonen-University and Dr. Pradeep Ghosh. Their expertise and guidance pave the way for your exploration, guiding you toward exciting opportunities within the realm of GSI/FAIR along the lines of Memorandum of Understanding between JU and FAIR signed in 2021.

More information:

• GET_Involved Programme: https://fair-center.eu/get_involved

• For inquiries, please contact:  Prof. Piotr Salabura at Jagiellonian-University, via piotr.salabura@uj.edu.pl & Dr. Pradeep Ghosh (International Cooperations), via Pradeep.Ghosh@fair-center.eu or International-cooperations@fair-center.eu

Le Tran Trung Hieu, Pradeep Ghosh (03.08.2023)