The Nordic Centre for Luminescence Research is made up of two groups:  

- The Nordic Laboratory for Luminescence Dating:

   Department of Earth Sciences, Aarhus University, directed by Dr. Andrew Murray

- The Luminescence Research Laboratory: 

Radiation Research Department, Risø National Laboratory, directed by Dr. Lars Bøtter-Jensen

The joint remit of the two groups includes:

(i) fundamental and applied research and development in all aspects of luminescence studies (see projects),

(ii) offering research facilities to visiting scientists and students from around the world,

(iii) providing a state-of-the-art luminescence dating service to geologists and archaeologists on a cost-recovery basis,

(iv) maintaining position as a world-leader in the development and supply of luminescence equipment for research, dating, retrospective dosimetry and other applications.

The Centre is a provider of essential infrastructure support to a wide range of research groups - primarily university geology departments and national geological survey organisations, but also including archaeological departments, museums and local government archaeological offices. The great majority of the Centre’s dating output is used to improve our understanding of the evolution of Late Quaternary climate in collaboration with Nordic geoscientists, and others from around the world.  Dating techniques developed at The Nordic Laboratory for Luminescence Dating make up one of the most popular standard methods used in luminescence dating, and Risø’s Luminescence Research Group is the major supplier of luminescence equipment to luminescence dating laboratories around the world; continuous technological developments in this equipment have been a major driving force in luminescence dating research world-wide for more than 15 years. The Centre also has a strong programme of international visits and research collaboration (focussing particularly on PhD students and other young researchers).

The Centre is physically located at Risø National Laboratory, near Roskilde, about 30 km from Copenhagen (Denmark). We are part of the programme of Nordic Centres of Excellence in Global Change Research administered by The Academy of Finland on behalf of The Joint Committee of the Nordic Natural Science Research Councils.