Silke Merchel

Silke Merchel is a Researcher affiliated with the University of Vienna's Faculty of Physics, Isotope Physics department, and holds a Post-Doc position (2021-2025). She concurrently works at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) as a Scientist. Her research focuses on cosmogenic nuclides, isotope geochemistry, and paleoclimatology, with applications in glacial chronology, planetary science, and environmental analysis. She collaborates on projects like ReMade@ARI (Recyclable Materials Development) and ChETEC-INFRA (Exploring Elemental Origins).

Education: Diplom-Chemist (Chemistry diploma) and Dr. (PhD) in Isotope Physics. Active in teaching laboratory courses in nuclear and isotope physics at the University of Vienna, including 'Isotope Detection and Application' and 'Radioactivity and Nuclear Physics for Teacher Training.'

Her research uses accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) for tracing cosmogenic radionuclides in meteorites, glacial deposits, and marine sediments. Notable work includes studies on Patagonian glacial chronology, interstellar radionuclides in Earth/Moon samples, and novel submarine halite chimney formations. She frequently presents at international conferences, discussing AMS methodologies and applications in socio-economic contexts.

Labs/Teams: Involved with the Vienna Environmental Research Accelerator (VERA) core facility for AMS analyses. Partnerships include the HZDR Dresden High Magnetic Field Laboratory and international collaborations on ChETEC-INFRA and RADIATE projects.