When I attended the first SIBS workshop in 2013, I did this mostly out of interest. It turned out that the workshop itself was not only much more fun than I could have imagined but the skills I learned also shaped my research direction over the following years. Once I got my hands dirty with working with isotopes, I started contributing to SIBS as an instructor. Now stable isotopes are a core technique we use in my lab to study mesophyll conductance in leaves - and it all started at SIBS!
by Florian Busch, Instructor
Delta Team
In this photo from the 2020 SIBS workshop in Canberra, students and mentors teamed up to form the iconic delta symbol – the classic mark of isotopic ratios. A perfect snapshot of the creativity and camaraderie that define SIBS!
Attending SIBS 2018 in Hawkesbury as a student was a turning point for me. I learned techniques I still use today and connected with an inspiring community of isotope enthusiasts. Since then, isotopes have become a core part of my research, and I’ve had the privilege of returning to other SIBS events as a lecturer and mentor. Looking back, I’m grateful for both experiences, learning and later giving back.
by Diego Márquez, Instructor
As a lecturer from a regional university, attending SIBS 2026 was a great opportunity to meet other environmental science researchers and to hear about the interesting work happening around the country and overseas. It was fun to get out in the field and do some lab work to complete a small group research project. It was valuable to be on the other side of teaching - learning from other groups, universities, and all the presenters. Claudia and her colleagues did a fantastic job of organising the workshop - their hard work produced a successful, relevant and engaging experience. Thank you!!
by Catherine (Cassie) Jones, Attendee — SIBS 2026 Camden
EucFACE Expedition
Visiting EucFACE during SIBS 2023 was unforgettable — the world’s only mature forest CO2 enrichment site! Our hosts from Western Sydney University showed how isotopes reveal how rising CO2 affects soils, plants, and microbes.