We present results of recent large-scale calculations of fission properties in the actinide region. The calculations have for the first time considered five truly independent deformation coordinates. We discuss how to analyze potential energies that are functions of five variables, in particular how to find the saddle points that are relevant for fission.

We also give some comments on issues related to the stability and formation of superheavy elements, for example alpha decay and five- or higher-dimensional fusion barriers.