The rapid proliferation of analytical technologies, in particular multi-collector ICPMS, has produced an environment in which high precision data can be obtained with unprecedented ease. Unfortunately, however, in this 'gold rush', other aspects of data quality (e.g analytical accuracy) are often lost. Throughout our research programs we strive to produce analytical data of the highest quality, contribute regularly to the characterisation of reference materials for the wider community, and participate in many inter-laboratory comparison programs. We also have very strong links with the European Community Institute for Reference Materials and Measurement (IRMM).

Some of the results of our reference material characterisation, can be found in the online resources

Recent publications include:

Characterisation of reference materials:

Jochum, K.P., Pfander, J., Woodhead, J.D., Willbold, M., Stoll, B., Herwig, K., Amini, M., Abouchami, W & Hofmann, A.W. (2005) MPI-DING glasses: new geological reference materials for Pb isotope analysis. Geochemistry Geophysics Geosystems 6, Q10008.

Jochum, K-P et al. (50 co-authors including Woodhead, J.D.) MPI-DING glasses for in-situ microanalysis: new reference values for elemental concentrations and isotope ratios. Geochemistry Geophysics Geosystems, in press.

Woodhead, J.D. & Hergt, J.M.  (2005) A preliminary appraisal of seven natural zircon reference materials for in situ Hf-isotope analysis. Geostandards and Geoanalytical Research, 29, 183-195.

Woodhead, J.D. & Hergt, J.M. (2001) Strontium, Neodymium, and Lead isotope analyses of NIST glass certified reference materials: SRM 610, 612, 614. Geostandards 25, 261-266.

Woodhead, J.D. & Hergt, J.M. (2000) Pb-isotope analyses of USGS reference materials. Geostandards 24, 33-38.

Contact: Jon Woodhead (jdwood@unimelb.edu.au) or Janet Hergt (j.hergt@unimelb.edu.au)