UK LED 2025
UK Luminescence and Electron Spin Resonance Dating Meeting (UKLED2025)
20-22 August 2025
Host institutions
University of St Andrews
Local Organising Committee
Aayush Srivastava (University of St Andrews), Tim Kinnaird (University of St Andrews)
Short description
The University of St Andrews hosted the UK Luminescence and ESR Dating Meeting (UKLED) 2025 from 20–22 August 2025. With participants representing more than 20 countries across five continents, the meeting provided a truly international forum for the exchange of ideas and recent advances in luminescence and ESR dating.
The event began with two well attended pre-conference workshops, conducted on the day preceding the main sessions. The first, led by Prof. Adrian Finch, introduced the fundamentals of feldspar mineralogy, highlighting how geological processes influence luminescence behaviour and reviewing the feldspar types commonly encountered in sediments used for OSL and TL dating. The second workshop, led by Dr David Sanderson and Dr Tim Kinnaird, focused on the use of portable OSL (pOSL) systems. Participants explored methods for leveling and calibrating data across multiple readers and discussed how combined datasets can be used to generate 2D and 3D luminescence stratigraphies. A short field excursion to St Andrews beach allowed attendees to collect and analyse sand samples in-situ using the portable instruments. The day concluded with a wine reception and icebreaker session, setting a friendly and collegial tone for the main meeting.
The main conference comprised nine thematic sessions, covering topics ranging from the fundamentals of luminescence and ESR dating to their applications in geoarchaeology, environmental reconstruction, and sediment chronology. Several sessions were chaired by students, providing valuable professional experience and reinforcing the inclusive, collaborative atmosphere of the meeting. Day 1 featured case studies from India, Australia, France, and Laos, as well as sessions on feldspar-based methods, rock surface luminescence dating, and dosimetry and dose rate modelling. Day 2 began with a geoarchaeological focus, followed by sessions on luminescence mechanisms and recent methodological developments. The afternoon included a well-attended discussion on advances in ESR dating, accompanied by a guided tour of the ESR laboratory facilities at St Andrews. The day concluded with a conference dinner at Lower College Hall, followed by a traditional Scottish ceilidh, enjoyed by all. Day 3 concluded the conference with sessions on the application of OSL techniques in coastal and marine environments—an area of increasing importance and interest within the luminescence community. In addition to the oral presentations, 26 posters were displayed, spanning a broad range of topics from methodological development to applied case studies. Awards were presented to Serban-Constantin Grecu (Babeș-Bolyai University, Romania) for Best Oral Presentation, and Joe Winzar (Aberystwyth University, UK) for Best Poster Presentation.
UKLED 2025 was characterised by lively discussion, interdisciplinary engagement, and a strong sense of community. The organisers extend their sincere thanks to all delegates, presenters, and sponsors for their contributions. The meeting highlighted the continued vibrancy and innovation within the luminescence and ESR dating community, and the organisers look forward to future gatherings that will further advance the momentum of this successful event.
