We have state-of-the-art facilities
In our quest to deepen our understanding of all aspects of human evolution, we harness a range of state-of-the-art facilities and specialist equipment. This includes facilities located on Griffith University campuses, as well as through our partners.
Palaeontology and Zooarchaeology Lab
The ARCHE Palaeontology and Zooarchaeology Lab serves as a hub for the processing and analysis of bones, teeth, and shells unearthed from caves and open-air sites from across the globe.
Our facilities include a drilling station for isotope research and photography, microscope, sorting, and physical and acid preparation stations. We also have access to an expanding comparative zoological collection of native and invasive species across Asia and the Pacific.
Point of contact:
Professor Julien Louys Dr Mathew Stewart
Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry (ZooMS) Laboratory
Our state-of-the-art ZooMS lab is designed for the preparation and pre-treatment of bones and other zooarchaeological materials (e.g., skin, antler) for taxonomic identification via mass spectrometry.
In collaboration with the Institute for Glycomics (Griffith University), samples are analysed on a Bruker rapifleX®matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometer, providing quick and reliable collagen peptide characterisations.
Point of contact:
Ancient DNA Facility
Our state-of-the-art ancient DNA facility comprises interconnected laboratories with unidirectional HEPA-filtered airflows. This facility enables the recovery of historical and ancient DNA from humans, other animals and plants, as well as sedimentary remains.
We also have a separate facility specifically equipped for the recovery of environmental DNA. This includes liquid-handling robotics for large-scale studies involving the construction of DNA libraries. For sequencing, we have a range of in-house DNA platforms including Illumina. We also have access to high-performance computing facilities that enable population genomic and phylogenetic analyses.
Point of contact:
Electron Spin Resonance Dating Laboratory
This laboratory specialises in combined U-series/ESR dating of fossil teeth and ESR dating of sedimentary optically bleached quartz grains.
It comprises two distinct areas: a sample preparation area with instruments for optimal preparation of fossil teeth for ESR and U-series dating; and an ESR spectrometry area with an ELEXSYS Bruker ESR spectrometer, equipped to work at room temperature or liquid nitrogen temperature for dosimetry and dating. This experimental setup area is climate controlled.
Point of contact:
Optically Stimulated Luminescence Dating Laboratory
The OSL and Radionuclide laboratory is a world-class facility specialising in single-grain dating of quartz in mineral sediments with geomorphological, archaeological, palaeontological, and historical significance. The laboratory houses three single-grain Risø OSL/TL readers, a processing laboratory for the extraction of pure mineral sand under light-safe conditions, and gamma spectrometry laboratory with an Ortec high purity germanium (HPGe) detector.
Point of contact:
Histological Preparation and Analysis
We have facilities for generating high-resolution moulds and casts, histological thin sectioning of hard tissue, and high-resolution imaging using stereo microscopy and polarised light microscopy. We also have a low-speed peripheral saw, wire saw, grinder, polisher and custom-built section press. Additional analytical tools include a drying oven for embedding samples, as well as a MicroMill for high-resolution milling to recover sample powder for chemical and isotopic analysis.
Point of contact:
ARCHE Archaeology Laboratory
The ARCHE Archaeology Lab is our centre for artefact analysis and processing. Here we clean, photograph, record and examine all archaeological materials brought back from excavations. This lab is complemented by the Griffith Experimental Archaeological Research (GEAR) Outdoor Lab situated at the EcoCentre also on Nathan Campus.
Point of contact:
Assoc. Professor Michelle Langley Professor Adam Brumm
Griffith Experimental Archaeological Research
This open-air research lab allows students at Nathan campus to practise archaeological excavation techniques. It also offers an opportunity for researchers to undertake study of decay rates.
The lab, located behind the EcoCentre, includes a flintknapping pit and a caged space for archaeological and forensic experiments.
Point of contact:
Assoc. Professor Michelle Langley
Brisbane Geochronology Alliance
Griffith University has linked with fellow local universities the Queensland University of Technology and the University of Queensland to share dating facilities across the three campuses, forming the Brisbane Geochronology Alliance.
Shared facilities include:
- Griffith’s ESR and OSL dating laboratories
- UQ’s Radiogenic Isotope Facility and Argon Geochronology Laboratory
- QUT’s Central Analytical Facility.
Point of contact: