Stephen Tims

Stephen Tims is a Professor in the Department of Nuclear Physics & Accelerator Applications at the Australian National University (ANU), where he serves as a key member of the Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) group. His research focuses on the application of advanced nuclear techniques to address critical questions in environmental science, geology, and nuclear physics, utilizing ANU's 14 million volt accelerator facility.

Dr. Tims specializes in accelerator mass spectrometry, particularly in the measurement of ultra-trace radioisotopes including plutonium, uranium, and other actinides. His work spans multiple disciplines with significant contributions to environmental radioactivity studies, geological dating techniques, nuclear forensics, and investigations of anthropogenic impacts on Earth systems. He has developed advanced methodologies for measuring isotopes such as ²³⁶U, ^239+240Pu, ¹²⁹I, and ⁹³Zr with exceptional sensitivity using AMS techniques. His research has provided critical insights into nuclear accident impacts, soil erosion processes, and the development of markers for the Anthropocene epoch.

Analysis of Dr. Tims' recent publications reveals a strong focus on environmental applications of radioisotopes, with significant work on nuclear accident consequences (particularly Fukushima), anthropogenic markers for defining the Anthropocene, soil erosion dynamics, and the transport of radioactive materials through environmental systems. His technical contributions include improving AMS measurement sensitivity, developing new standards like ColPuS for plutonium measurements, and reducing background interference in sensitive radioisotope analyses.

As a core member of ANU's Accelerator Mass Spectrometry group, Dr. Tims collaborates extensively with researchers across multiple continents, with projects involving sites in Japan, Argentina, the Pacific region, and Australia. His work bridges fundamental nuclear physics with practical environmental applications, making significant contributions to both scientific understanding and potential policy implications regarding nuclear materials in the environment.