Network developing forensic applications of stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry conference 2005.

Prof. Max Coleman of Reading University and Sean Doyle of the Forensic Explosives Laboratory (FEL), Dstl, formed the Forensic Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (FIRMS) Network in 2002. As part of the continuing network development the second FIRMS conference, FIRMS 2005, was held at the Thistle Hotel, Brands Hatch, Kent on the 9th and 10th March 2005. The conference aimed to bring together IRMS researchers, end users and instrument manufacturers. The objectives of the conference were to exchange information between the researchers and end users; expand the network; review the requirement; assess the strategy for development; and chart progress since the first FIRMS conference. The conference was a mix of presentations and discussion sessions. A summary of each presentation and the discussions are given in this paper. Sean Doyle welcomed everyone to the second FIRMS conference and thanked participants for their continued support of the network. Dr. Robin Hiley, Chief Technologist, Energetics Department, Dstl was then introduced as the chairperson for the first day.