Callum Banfield

Dr. Callum Banfield is a staff scientist and lab manager at the University of Tübingen's Department of Geosciences, within the Faculty of Science. He specializes in isotope applications (both stable and radioactive) across field and lab scales, with a focus on solving technical challenges in analytical and experimental setups. His current role includes managing radioisotope labs (14C, 33P, 3H, 55Fe) and CSIA labs (15N, 18O, 2H, 13C), radiation safety for Mössbauer spectrometers, and biosafety coordination for multiple research groups. He also oversees the EU pest quarantine station and trains lab technicians as an instructor.

Education:

• PhD in Geoecology (2014-2018), University of Göttingen
• MSc in Geoecology (2007-2013), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

Research focuses on soil microbial dynamics, isotopic tracing in environmental systems, and subsoil hotspots. Notable contributions include elucidating carbon storage mechanisms in microorganisms and developing novel isotope labeling techniques. His work integrates advanced methods like GC-MS, LC-MS, and phosphor imaging.

Scientific achievements include the 2019 Ulrich-Babel Medal for his dissertation. He leads the German Soil Science Society's 'Isotopes in Soil Science' working group and collaborates internationally on projects like the DFG-funded 'Microbial Storage Compounds' and BMBF's 'RootWayS.'

Lab management innovations include 3D printing for experimental setups and radiation safety protocols. He advises on biodegradable mulching films' environmental impacts and co-leads studies on perennial crop domestication in Denmark and Korea.