Chasing the Storm

During SIBS 2020, a surprise hailstorm hit Canberra with golf ball–sized hail. Instead of running for cover, we grabbed our vials! Soon we were sampling hailstones to analyse how isotope ratios vary from surface to core — pure scientific curiosity in action!

We have run this course since 2013 and every time it is a lot of fun delving deep into the world of stable isotopes. The presentations on the last day are always very impressive and a testimony of how much can be achieved in a week!

by Claudia Keitel, Organiser

The SIBS workshop is a great setting to learn about isotopes — whether you're a first year PhD candidate or a seasoned post-doc. You learn new methods, the subtlety of this complex and elegant discipline, and you make excellent connections with future colleagues and friends.

by Nathan English, Instructor

I had an excellent time at SIBS 2026. I entered the workshop as an absolute beginner, and came out with a comprehensive overview of stable isotope concepts and their diverse applications (and a slighly sore brain). The opportunity to learn amongst such a passionate group of people was invaluable. I would absolutely recommend this workshop to anyone wanting to learn more about stable isotopes!

by Laura Bailey, Attendee — SIBS 2026 Camden