The Heidelberg electron beam ion trap (EBIT) is one of the three high energy
EBITs worldwide presently in operation. In this contribution, selected
recent experimental results on precision spectroscopy measurements of trapped
ions in the visible and x-ray wavelength regimes, respectively, will reviewed.
Moreover, interference between radiative and dielectronic recombination pathways is
demonstrated for Hg75+...78+ ions and state selected electron transfer reactions in
collisions of U64+ with He is reported. Future perspectives with two new EBITs coming
into operation in 2005 for the investigation of radioactive ions as well as the interaction
of highly charged ions with intense photon beams from the free electron laser at DESY
in Hamburg will be highlighted
