Services Available
Please use the graphic below to explore the analytical services available to both industry and academia through SUERC. You can contact the lead for each service directly for assistance with project design, analysis costs and data interpretation.
Cosmogenic Nuclides
Led by Professor Derek Fabel, SUERC offers world-class cosmogenic nuclide analysis, including ¹⁰Be, ²⁶Al, ³⁶Cl, and in situ ¹⁴C, for applications in Earth and environmental sciences. Using advanced sample preparation laboratories and accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS), we provide high-precision measurements to quantify surface exposure ages, erosion rates, and burial histories. Our services support research and applied projects in glaciology, geomorphology, tectonics, landscape evolution, and natural hazard assessment, delivering robust data and expert interpretation tailored to your needs.
Stable Isotope Analysis for Geoscience
Led by Dr Laura Hepburn, SUERC provides specialist stable isotope analysis services to support research and applications in geoscience, including paleoclimate reconstruction, sediment provenance, and fluid-rock interaction. Using high-precision isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS), we analyse carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen isotopes in geological and environmental materials. These services deliver insights into Earth system processes and environmental change, supporting both academic research and industry needs. Dr Hepburn and her team ensure high-quality data and expert interpretation tailored to complex geochemical questions.
Noble Gases
Led by Professor Fin Stuart, SUERC offers world-class commercial noble gas analysis for industry, government, and research clients. With decades of expertise and access to state-of-the-art mass spectrometry facilities, we provide high-precision measurements of helium, neon, argon, krypton, and xenon isotopes. Our services support a range of applications—from geochronology and groundwater tracing to helium exploration and environmental monitoring—delivering reliable, scientifically rigorous results tailored to your needs.
K-Ar & Ar/Ar Geochronology
Led by Professor Darren Mark, SUERC provides specialist Ar/Ar and K-Ar geochronology services, delivering high-precision age determinations for geological and planetary materials. With deep expertise in thermochronology and isotope geochemistry, these services support a wide range of applications including tectonic reconstruction, volcanic hazard assessment, mineral exploration, and planetary science. Using state-of-the-art noble gas mass spectrometry and rigorous analytical protocols, Professor Mark provides robust, internationally benchmarked geochronological data to academic, commercial, and governmental partners.
Radiogenic Isotopes
Led by Professor Darren Mark, SUERC provides high-precision radiogenic isotope analysis for commercial, governmental, and research applications. Utilising state-of-the-art TIMS and ICP-MS instrumentation, we offer expert measurement of isotopic systems including U-Pb, Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, and Lu-Hf. Our services support a wide array of applications—from geochronology and provenance studies to mineral exploration and forensic investigations—delivering robust, accurate, and timely results tailored to client needs.
Stable Isotope Analysis for Ecology
Led by Dr Jason Newton, SUERC provides specialist stable isotope analysis services to support ecological, environmental, and biological research. Using high-precision isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS), we measure light isotopes such as carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen in a wide range of biological and environmental materials. These analyses help trace food webs, assess animal diets and migration, understand nutrient cycling, and investigate environmental change. Our services are underpinned by rigorous protocols and expert interpretation, delivering reliable, high-quality data to researchers, regulators, and conservation professionals alike.
Environmental Data Modelling
Led by Dr Kieran Tierney, SUERC provides specialist services in environmental data modelling and tracer isotope analysis, with a focus on radiocarbon-based ecosystem modelling and contaminant tracking. These services support decision-making in areas such as environmental monitoring, offshore infrastructure development, and nuclear site assessment. Combining radiochemical expertise with advanced modelling tools, Dr Tierney delivers high-quality, policy-relevant insights for government, industry, and academic partners.
Training, Media, and Environmental Outreach
Led by Dr Millie Bompard, SUERC offers bespoke training programmes, online educational content, and the production of high-impact media to support outreach, knowledge exchange, and environmental engagement. From customised courses and digital learning resources to visually compelling video content, Millie combines scientific communication expertise with creative media production. Her work also includes the use of drone technology for environmental surveying, landscape interpretation, and public engagement. These services are tailored to enhance visibility, accessibility, and impact across research, education, and stakeholder communities.
Clumped Isotopes
Led by Dr Mathieu Clog, SUERC offers specialist clumped isotope analysis to support research and industry needs in paleoclimate reconstruction, diagenetic studies, and hydrocarbon system evaluation. Using cutting-edge mass spectrometry and rigorous analytical protocols, we deliver high-precision measurements of carbonate clumped isotopes (Δ47) to determine formation temperatures and fluid histories. Our services provide robust, actionable insights across geoscience, energy, and environmental sectors.
Stable Isotope Analysis for Biochemistry
Led by Dr Douglas Morrison, SUERC provides advanced stable isotope biochemistry services for applications across health, environmental science, agriculture, and nutrition. Using state-of-the-art isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS), we offer precise measurements of light isotopes such as carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen in biological and environmental samples. Our services support investigations into metabolic processes, dietary reconstruction, ecological dynamics, and exposure assessments—delivering scientifically robust data tailored to both research and commercial needs.
Environmental Chemistry
Led by Dr Gillian MacKinnon, SUERC offers high-precision elemental analysis to support a wide range of scientific, environmental, and industrial applications. Using advanced techniques such as ICP-MS and ICP-OES, we provide accurate quantification of major, minor, and trace elements in diverse sample types—from soils, sediments, and rocks to biological and industrial materials. Our analytical expertise ensures reliable data to support geochemical mapping, pollution monitoring, mineral exploration, and forensic investigations
Radiocarbon
Led by Professor Philippa Ascough and Dr Elaine Dunbar, SUERC provides internationally recognised radiocarbon dating services for academic, commercial, and heritage sector clients. Using accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) and rigorous pre-treatment protocols, we deliver high-precision age determinations for a wide range of materials, including charcoal, bone, shell, peat, and carbonates. Our expertise supports applications in archaeology, climate science, forensic investigation, and environmental change, delivering robust and reliable results trusted worldwide.
Luminescence Dating, Food Irradiation & Environmental Radioactivity
Professor David Sanderson leads SUERC’s services in luminescence dating, radiation detection, and portable sensing technologies. We offer OSL and TL dating for sediments and archaeological materials, accredited testing for irradiated food, and environmental radioactivity monitoring using high-sensitivity gamma spectrometry. In addition, Professor Sanderson develops and applies PPSL systems and portable oil readers for rapid, in-field environmental and industrial assessments. These services combine advanced instrumentation with expert interpretation to support research, regulation, and real-world decision-making.
Chronological Data Modelling
Led by Dr Derek Hamilton, SUERC offers expert Bayesian statistical modelling of radiocarbon datasets to enhance chronological interpretation and precision. Using cutting-edge software such as OxCal and bespoke modelling approaches, we integrate radiocarbon dates with archaeological, stratigraphic, and historical information to build robust, high-resolution chronologies. Our services support academic research, commercial archaeology, and heritage management, providing tailored modelling solutions that maximise the value and clarity of radiocarbon results.
Elemental Analysis
Led by Dr Gillian MacKinnon, SUERC offers high-precision elemental analysis to support a wide range of scientific, environmental, and industrial applications. Using advanced techniques such as ICP-MS and ICP-OES, we provide accurate quantification of major, minor, and trace elements in diverse sample types—from soils, sediments, and rocks to biological and industrial materials. Our analytical expertise ensures reliable data to support geochemical mapping, pollution monitoring, mineral exploration, and forensic investigations.