Excitation energies in neutron-rich rare isotopes as indicators of changing shell structure

The quest for a predictive model of atomic nuclei fuels experimental and theoretical research programs worldwide. The properties of rare isotopes emerge as crucial ingredients for the development of nuclear models valid also towards the nucleon driplines. Many important aspects of the interactions between the constituent protons and neutrons are amplified in the regime of large isospin and can best be isolated and characterized there. The energies of excited states offer a unique view into the structure of nuclei and are often some of the first quantities accessible by experiment. Excitation energies can be measured directly and in model-independent ways and thus are among the key observables that can guide our understanding of atomic nuclei.