Stable isotopes are a powerful and ubiquitous tool in modern ecology. When used correctly, they can unlock the mysteries of food-webs, species interactions and migration patterns across the globe. However, incorrect use can result in expensively compiled, useless datasets. This course will give you the skills to maximise the benefit of the use of stable isotopes in your current or future research.

The course will be held on the scenic island of Ortigia, the historic centre of Siracusa in Sicily, Italy. Course instructors include leading experts in the application of stable isotopes of carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen and sulphur to marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecology in addition to expertise in the growing field of compound specific stable isotope analysis and the analysis of stable isotope data.

The course is tailored to postgraduate students and postdoctoral researchers with some or no experience. The course programme includes a combination of lectures, field activities, lab-work and data analysis to provide the students with a thorough understanding of the use of stable isotopes in ecology through hands-on experience.