Roorkee : In a remarkable global scientific breakthrough, researchers have discovered a new superheavy isotope, Seaborgium-257 (Sg-257), pushing the boundaries of nuclear physics and our understanding of the universe. This pathbreaking experiment was conducted at the GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research, Darmstadt, Germany, with a key contribution from Prof. M. Maiti, faculty member, Department of Physics, IIT Roorkee. This pioneering work has been published in the prestigious journal Physical Review Letters.

Using powerful accelerators and state-of-the-art detection technologies, the international team successfully synthesised Sg-257, a superheavy element not found in nature. The discovery provides critical insights into how atoms behave at the limits of stability, directly contributing to the global scientific quest for the “island of stability” — a zone in the nuclear landscape where superheavy elements could potentially have longer, usable lifespans.

“This discovery is an important step in nuclear physics. It helps us understand why some elements survive longer and how nuclear forces behave in extreme conditions,” said Prof. M. Maiti, IIT Roorkee, who was part of the international research team.

Superheavy elements such as Sg-257 have extremely short half-lives, often lasting only milliseconds before decaying. However, each discovery provides scientists with valuable knowledge about atomic structure and nuclear forces, fuelling the possibility of eventually creating more stable heavy elements. While immediate applications are limited, the insights gained could inform advanced materials, energy research, and novel medical technologies in the future.

“This landmark discovery shows India’s growing role in cutting-edge nuclear research. IIT Roorkee is proud to be part of such global scientific milestones. It echoes our vision of pursuing excellence in fundamental science that benefits society and inspires the next generation,” said Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee.

The research was carried out by an international team of scientists, including Dr. M. Maiti from IIT Roorkee, along with experts from GSI Helmholtz Centre (Germany), Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU Mainz), the Japan Atomic Energy Agency, University of Jyväskylä (Finland), and other collaborating institutions. The findings were published in Physical Review Letters (June 2025) as part of the FAIR Phase-0 collaboration hosted by GSI Helmholtz, Germany.

This discovery exemplifies how fundamental science drives technological advancement and global knowledge creation. It also reflects IIT Roorkee’s enduring commitment to excellence in research that advances theoretical understanding and holds the potential to shape the future of technology, industry, and society.

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