Tour of the radiocarbon laboratory at Queen’s University Belfast

Have you ever wondered how archaeologists find out the dates for their sites? Join the Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland and 14CHRONO Centre for Climate, the Environment & Chronology for a tour of the radiocarbon laboratory at Queen's University Belfast!

The radiocarbon laboratory at Queen’s University Belfast was established in 1966. Ever since, the laboratory has been contributing to the research and advancement of this chronometric method and provides radiocarbon dates for researchers. The 14CHRONO laboratory is comprised of two main parts: a pre-treatment laboratory and the accelerator mass spectrometer (AMS) room.

This event features a short presentation on the history and principles of radiocarbon dating, and its significance across various fields of archaeology, paleoenvironmental studies, earth sciences, and forensic analysis. You will have a tour of the pre-treatment laboratory, where the samples are chemically treated to remove contamination, then combusted and prepared for AMS measurements. In addition to the laboratory, you will a tour of the AMS room with a detailed explanation of this machine, highlighting how its development is considered as one of the revolutions in the field.

It's rare we get a chance to offer the public an insight into the radiocarbon laboratory so this is a tour not to be missed! We are offering two tours on Wednesday August 19th, one at 10-11AM and one at 1-2PM. These tours are free, but limited in capacity so book early to avoid disappointment!

Meet your guide Nikta, in front of the Archaeology & Palaeoecology Building, Queen's University Belfast, 42 Fitzwilliam Street, Belfast, BT9 6AX.

Due to the location of this tour, it is unfortunately not suitable for families or children.