Organic Geochemistry Unit
The Organic Geochemistry Unit (OGU) is an international research group that uses high-end analytical techniques such as gas chromatography mass spectrometry and compound specific light stable isotope mass spectrometry to investigate Earth systems at the molecular level.
We comprise academics in the School of Chemistry, School of Earth Sciences and the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology at the University of Bristol. Each of these Schools is globally recognised for excellence in their respective disciplines. We also host colleagues from Geographical Sciences, Veterinary Sciences and Biological Sciences, and we have collaborations across the University, in every Faculty. The OGU hosts the NERC National Environmental Isotope Facility (NEIF) (Bristol laboratory). The majority of our physical lab space is housed in the School of Chemistry, although our Radiocarbon AMS facility (BRAMS) is housed in The School of Archaeology and Anthropology. The OGU is also a member group of the Cabot Institute.
The OGU is committed to providing a positive working environment for all staff, postdocs, and post- and undergraduate students free from discriminatory and intimidating behaviour. We respect and celebrate the diversity in our research community and aim to recruit talented researchers irrespective of their background. Further information can be found in the EDI statements of the schools of Chemistry and Earth Sciences and the University of Bristol.
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Research
We interact with a diverse range of fields including: archaeology, biogeochemistry, ecology, environmental science, forensic science, geomicrobiology and palaeoclimatology.
Facilities
The group laboratories host the NERC National Environmental Isotope Facility (NEIF), a national facility for the provision of organic and stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry to the UK life sciences community.
Life in the OGU
There is huge potential to study a vast range of exciting areas in chemistry as an undergraduate in the OGU.
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Sorting the Beef from the Bull
Authored by Professor Richard Evershed with Nicola Temple Sorting the Beef from the Bull published on the 25th February 2016.
We highlight the role of analytical science in uncovering some of the century’s biggest food scams and emphasise the role of food forensics in calling the fraudsters to account. The book is a call to arms for consumers to be informed about good wholesome food and how to avoid those that might mess with it.