Nigel Spooner

Professor Nigel Spooner is a leading academic in Physics at the University of Adelaide, specializing in luminescence dating, radiation detection, and novel fluorescence technologies. He holds a DPhil from the University of Oxford (1993) and has pioneered advancements in optical dating and environmental dosimetry through his work at the Prescott Environmental Luminescence Laboratory (PELL). His research focuses on three key areas: Luminescence Dosimetry & Geochronology, Radiation Science & Technology, and Novel Fluorescence (NF) for material identification. PELL’s globally unique facilities include world-leading TL spectrometers and fluorescence systems.

Research funding exceeds $32M, including ARC Training Centres (RadInnovate) and collaborations with industry (e.g., Littlemore Scientific Engineering). Spooner leads the Radiation Innovation pillar in the RadInnovate Centre and supervises ~6-8 HDR students annually. His innovations include commercialized optical dating systems (TeraGlo.io) and sensors for asbestos, lithium, and space resource utilization. Key projects include Defence-funded explosives sensing and Australian Space Agency-supported extraterrestrial mineral analysis.

Grants span radiation biology, mineral processing, and heritage management, with major contributions to Naracoorte Caves conservation and Aboriginal rock art preservation. Spooner’s work bridges academia and industry, addressing global challenges in resource discovery and environmental monitoring through photonics innovation.