Access to the analytical and research expertise provided by the Geochronology Laboratory depends on the nature of both the project and collaboration. For general inquiries for what we can do it is advisable to contact the Section Head, Bill Davis. There are three analytical facilities. For inquiries linked directly to one of our analytical facilities, contacts are listed in the research proposal outline.

Conditions and limitations of access are described below. All requests for analytical services (both within and outside the GSC) require the submission of a common research proposal in which the nature of the research and the laboratory facilities needed are specified. Proposals are reviewed at regular intervals, and are more likely to succeed if:

• scientifically excellent and consistent with GSC Geochronology expertise and research interests
• it adheres to the access guidelines unique to each of the three facilities (specified below)
• discussions with the appropriate geochronologist has taken place

The Sensitive High Resolution Ion Microprobe (SHRIMP) is accessible to GSC scientists through ESS programs. Other federal government departments, universities, provincial/territorial government agencies, private industry, and foreign academics may access on a cost recovery basis. See the SHRIMP access page for detailed access instructions.

The TIMS geochronology and isotope geology and AR-AR geochronology facilities are available mainly for conducting the scientific program of the GSC. Research partners in other government departments and external agencies are commonly involved in cases where there is mutual benefit to the science program. Accordingly, most proposals requiring these data will be developed by GSC staff. Proposals from external agencies may also be considered on a case-by-case basis. Contact Vicki McNicoll (TIMS) or Mike Villeneuve (Ar/Ar) to discuss your project and to obtain details on access and the content of the proposal.