One of the key questions of nuclear physics research is how collective, often coexisting configurations (“shapes”), arise from the fundamental interactions between the constituent nucleons. In the nuclei in the vicinity of Pb-186, prime examples of shape coexistence have been found. However, despite of huge theoretical and experimental efforts, many open questions remain. In order to verify and understand these subjects in more detail, complementary approaches are needed. The experimental program carried out at the Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyväskylä (JYFL) and CERN-ISOLDE includes in-beam electron and gamma-ray spectroscopy and lifetime measurements. The post-accelerated radioactive ion beams available at ISOLDE have allowed the Coulomb excitation experiments to be performed using the MINIBALL gamma-ray spectrometer. Complementary lifetime measurements with the JUROGAM II gamma-ray spectrometer at JYFL have been carried out. An overview of shape coexistence studies in the light Pb region of the nuclear chart carried out JYFL and ISOLDE will be given. The advantages of the different techniques will be discussed and an insight into few selected cases will be discussed.

Argonne Physics Division Seminar Schedule