Isotope ratio measurements have become an indispensable tool across a wide array of scientific disciplines, ranging from environmental science and geology to archaeometry, life sciences and medicine. The advent of Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) has revolutionized this field enabling highly precise measurements of isotopic compositions of almost all elements of the periodic table.

This talk will outline the evolution of the field from the early techniques that laid the groundwork, to the introduction of MC-ICP-MS, which brought about a paradigm shift in the accuracy and application range of isotope measurements. The presentation will further focus on general concepts essential to understanding isotope ratio measurements. These will be linked to current, cutting-edge research, showcasing how modern applications are advancing our understanding of natural and anthropogenic processes.

Finally, emerging trends and future directions in isotope ratio measurements will be explored. As the field continues to evolve, the integration of novel technologies, the research on new isotopic systems, and the expansion into interdisciplinary research areas are expected to drive further innovation. This outlook will underscore the growing importance of isotope ratio analysis in addressing complex global challenges and highlight opportunities for collaboration across diverse scientific disciplines.