Canadian Centre for Isotopic Microanalysis (CCIM): isotope geochemistry and geochronology analytical facility
CCIM is a University of Alberta academic centre providing academic, government, and industry researchers access to leading-edge instrumentation and expertise in isotope geochemistry and geochronology, focused on mineral and energy resources and their environmental impacts.
Overview
The Canadian Centre for Isotopic Microanalysis (CCIM) provides Canadian and international researchers in academia, government, and industry with access to leading-edge instrumentation and research expertise in geochemistry and geochronology. Established in 2008 as a University of Alberta academic centre, it is dedicated principally to research on mineral and energy resources and the environmental impacts of their exploitation, and has attracted over $30M in infrastructure investments. Its facilities encompass 315 m2 of clean room laboratories and 430 m2 of instrument space.
Available services
Analysis of the smallest quantities of minerals for a range of isotopes, using isotopes as tracers of geological processes and history, supported by extensive sample preparation facilities and machine shops.
Equipment & instruments
Canada's only multi-collector high-resolution ion microprobe; six inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometers (including multicollector types); one solid-state and two gas (excimer) UV laser systems; six thermal ionization mass spectrometers; two electron microprobes; and a powder diffractometer.
Access & engagement
CCIM collaborates with researchers, professionals, and students across Canada and internationally; access and contacts are provided for academic, government, and industry users.
About University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is a large, comprehensive public research university in Edmonton with multiple campuses and a strong applied research culture. Industry engages through co-located labs and pilot-scale facilities, as well as established co-op and internship programs that place talent with partners year-round. Integration with Alberta’s province-wide hospital system supports clinical research and accelerates translation. Companies also benefit from proximity to regional industry clusters and collaboration hubs on and near campus for joint R&D and prototyping. Supported by NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC, and Canada Foundation for Innovation funding—plus provincial and industry support—the tech transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation with streamlined sponsored-research agreements.
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