Foundations of Stable Isotope Ecology

Designed for students and early-career researchers entering the field, this intensive one-day workshop provides a clear, practical introduction to stable isotope ecology ahead of the IsoEcol 2026 Conference. The aim is simple: to equip participants with the core understanding needed to confidently engage with talks, posters, and discussions throughout the conference and in their subsequent research journey.

Stable isotopes are widely used to investigate diet, food web structure, movement, and nutrient cycling, yet many new users lack formal training in the fundamentals. This workshop addresses that gap through a structured, accessible programme that builds from first principles to real-world application.

Participants will develop a working understanding of isotope chemistry, fractionation, and how isotopic variation arises in natural systems. These concepts are then linked to ecological applications, including food web analysis, trophic position, and the tracing of animal movement and resource use.

The workshop is fully classroom- and lab-based, with a…