MARC Conference 2025: highlighting the importance of conferences to PhD students

I recently had the opportunity to attend and present at the 13th International Conference on Methods and Applications of Radioanalytical Chemistry (MARC XIII) in Kailua-Kona, Hawai’I, USA. This conference is an international forum for discussing advances in radioanalytical chemistry and its applications.

As a PhD student, attending MARC XIII was an invaluable experience. The conference gave me the opportunity to share the latest findings of my project, as well as engage with researchers from all over the world and gain insights into nuclear forensics and analytical chemistry.

During the conference, I delivered a presentation titled ‘Exploring the analysis and diagnostic value of oxygen isotopes for nuclear forensics’. My talk focused on the method development of microfluorination, which enables precise oxygen isotope analysis using minimal sample sizes. I discussed the optimisation of the fluorination reaction, thereby improving oxygen yields and the relevance of this technique to forensic investigations of nuclear materials.

The method I have been working on has the potential to enhance the nuclear forensic toolkit by providing reliable oxygen isotope signatures from oxide materials, including heavy metal oxides. I also shared preliminary results from test samples and outlined plans for applying the method to other laboratories.

Beyond presenting, I attended various sessions covering topics, including:  

• environmental radioactivity measurements
• activation analysis
• radiation detectors and instrumentation
• nuclear proliferation prevention and safeguards
• mass spectrometry methods for detecting radioactive materials

It was inspiring to experience the interdisciplinary nature of the field and to see how researchers are pushing the boundaries within radiochemistry.

One of the standout moments of the conference was a student networking event that brought together students and researchers from various US national nuclear laboratories. It was a fantastic opportunity to have informal, face-to-face conversations with professionals from places like Los Alamos, Lawrence Livermore, Oak Ridge and Pacific Northwest National Labs. As a student based outside the USA, I found it incredibly valuable to learn more about the kinds of research being done at these institutions and to hear about career pathways, postdoctoral opportunities and collaborative projects. Of course, being in Hawai’i added to the experience! While most of the time was dedicated to sessions and discussions, I managed to take some time to enjoy the spectacular surroundings, which made the conference even more memorable.

Of course, being in Hawai’i added to the experience! While most of the time was dedicated to sessions and discussions, I managed to take some time to enjoy the spectacular surroundings, which made the conference even more memorable.

Attending MARC XIII was a valuable experience that allowed me to engage with the global research community. The feedback and connections I gained will undoubtedly shape the next stages of my PhD research. I’m excited to follow up with the researchers I met and to explore potential collaborations. I look forward to future conferences and events in the field of radioanalytical chemistry.

About the author

Paulina is a third-year PhD student at BGS and the University of Nottingham. Her PhD is funded by AWE.