The past and the future of the GAINS spectrometer @ GELINA

GAINS (Gamma Array for Inelastic Neutron Scattering), currently installed at the GELINA (Geel Electron Linear Accelerator) neutron source of the EC-JRC (European Commission -Joint Research Centre), is one of the best instruments available worldwide for measuring high resolution, low uncertainty neutron inelastic cross-section data relevant for both fundamental research and nuclear physics applications (like Generation IV facilities). It features 12 HPGe detectors coupled with a U-235 fission chamber for neutron flux monitoring. The paper presents a short history of the GAINS development over the years and reviews some of the main experimental results together with plans for future experiments.