Reaction data for light element nucleosynthesis

Novel experimental approaches are presented in the measurement of cross-sections for nuclear reactions relevant to the nucleosynthesis of light elements: underground laboratory LUNA, recoil separator ERNA, and Trojan-Horse-Method THM. Illustrating examples are the reactions d(p.γ)3He, 3He(3He, 2p)4He, 3He(α,γ)7Be, 14N(p,γ)15O, 12C(α,γ)16O, 12C(12C,α)20Ne and 12C(12C, p)23Na involved in the hydrogen, helium and carbon burning phases of stars. We also discuss the effects of electron screening and stopping power at astrophysical energies. Impressive progress has been achieved in all these aspects, but there remains much critical work to be done in the future to arrive at reliable reaction data.