New network PANIONS: Revolution in understanding negative ions!

New network PANIONS: Revolution in understanding negative ions!

On July 15, 2025, the new graduate network PANIONS (“Physics and Applications of Negative IONS”) was officially presented. This network is dedicated to exploring the role of negative ions in various research areas. The Justus Liebig University of Giessen (JLU) is one of the key institutions involved in this project. The network is funded by the European Union as part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie measures and has a funding period from 2026 to 2029. The total funding amounts to around 4.36 million euros, of which around 290,000 euros are attributable to JLU.

Negative ions are formed when an additional electron is added to an atom or molecule. A basic knowledge of the structure of atoms is crucial here: Atoms consist of a positively charged nucleus and a negatively charged electron shell. While positive ions are formed by removing an electron, the conditions for the formation of negative ions are different as not all elements are capable of forming them. For example, negative nitrogen ions do not exist. The aim of the PANIONS network is to better understand the fundamental properties of negative ions.

Interdisciplinarity and international collaboration

The network combines theoretical methods with experimental procedures and technical applications of negative ions. A total of 11 universities and research institutions from different countries, including Germany, Israel, the Netherlands, Austria, Slovakia, Sweden and Switzerland, are involved in this promising project. In particular, 14 young scientists will be integrated into an international research environment that also offers structured training programs and industrial internships.

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions support the mobility and career development of researchers, meaning an enriching experience for everyone involved. These doctoral networks are specifically designed to promote exchange between different disciplines and ensure comprehensive education for young scientists. This international and interdisciplinary network takes research on negative ions into new dimensions.

Historical context and significant discoveries

The importance of research into radiation and radioactivity was shaped in the historical context by scientists such as Maria Skłodowska-Curie, Pierre Curie and others. Maria Skłodowska-Curie discovered, among other things, the elements polonium and radium, which not only revolutionized basic research but also influenced medical science. Their contributions to the development of radiotherapy and the knowledge of radioactivity are still of great importance today.

The Curies laid the foundations for modern radiochemistry and were instrumental in the discovery of natural radioactivity. Their research, which took place in a makeshift laboratory environment, led to groundbreaking developments. These successes not only made it possible to identify the elements polonium and radium, but also opened up new ways to treat diseases and contributed to the emergence of new medical procedures. The Curies received several Nobel Prizes for their outstanding achievements, and their research had a significant impact on the understanding of matter and energy.