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Enabling your projects on your schedule.
Vicus offers a range of luminescence dating and consultancy services designed to support heritage projects, environmental studies, and research with accuracy, reliability, and speed. Explore our rates below or contact us for custom project needs.
Fee schedule
Single-grain sediment dating
A$2,900AUD
Per sample
Includes
Ages and project report delivered in eight weeks for Australian samples (international samples will likely take longer)
Updates when your sample arrives at our laboratory and when the final report is ready
Each sample measurement protocol is validated by standard data quality checks
At least 500 individual grains measured for each sample
All analyses performed by staff with at least PhD level experience in luminescence dating
Reports follow internationally recognized reporting standards for luminescence dating and include interpretations of ages, taking into account site sedimentology, stratigraphy and geomorphology
Follow up consultation, if requested, to assist with interpreting the results
Prepared mineral fractions will be archived for 3 years, after which clients will be notified and samples can be returned at the client’s expense
See FAQs for information about refunds
Rock surface dating
A$4,900AUD
Per sample
Includes
Applies to stone artefacts, rocks or bedrock
We aim to deliver ages and project reports in twelve weeks
Find out more about sample suitability, field collection, and laboratory preparation methods at our learning hub
Updates when your sample arrives at our laboratory, when first tests of lithological suitability are completed, and when the final report is ready
Each sample measurement protocol is validated by standard data quality checks
Age-depth profiles built for two replicate cores to a depth of at least 5 mm into the sample
All analyses performed by staff with at least PhD level experience in luminescence dating
Reports follow internationally recognized reporting standards for luminescence dating and include interpretations of ages, taking into account site sedimentology, stratigraphy, and geomorphology
Follow up consultation, if requested, to assist with interpreting the results
Artefacts will be digitally archived using photogrammetry methods prior to dating. A digital model of artefacts will be delivered
Any unused material from processed artefacts is returned to the Country of origin if requested
See FAQ for details of refund.
Consulting services
Through our collaborative approach and expert advice, we can help you make informed decisions for your project. We can provide assistance over the phone, online, in person, or in the field. Contact us with a brief/scope for a customised quote. We are ready to help you at every stage of your project including:
Training
Developing research designs and sampling strategies
Field support for sampling and navigating complex stratigraphy or geomorphology
Methodological developments
Interpreting, reporting and communicating results
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Research and grant application support
At Vicus, we are committed to supporting every phase of innovative research projects. We collaborate on research grant applications and offer proposal development services to ensure your project has the backing and clarity needed to succeed. Academic research clients may qualify for tailored luminescence dating fees.
If you are a commercial client or academic applying for a research grant and you would like to include luminescence dating in the proposal, contact us to see how we can help.
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Indigenous Groups
Vicus is committed to supporting Aboriginal communities in preserving their heritage. Indigenous-led and funded groups should contact us directly for tailored fees.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard turnaround time for dating services?
Conventional single-grain luminescence ages for samples from Australia will be delivered in eight weeks. International samples, rock surface, and artefact burial dating samples will likely take longer.
Can I request a custom quote for large projects?
Yes, we offer custom quotes for large-scale projects. We can help design research and sampling strategies, sample collection, education, and interpretation of results in addition to dating your samples. Contact us at contact@vicus.net.au with your project details for a tailored quote.
Are there additional fees for grant support and proposal development?
Grant support and proposal development are priced based on project needs and scope. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
What is your refund policy?
Sediment samples that arrive in a damaged or contaminated tube and are not opened will be refunded. Sediment samples that are prepared but yield insufficient material for dating will receive a partial refund. Rock and artefact samples that are prepared but cannot yield an age due to an unstable luminescence signal will receive a partial refund.
Do you process samples from outside Australia?
Yes, we accept samples from across the world. Please reach out to us at contact@vicus.net.au if you have any specific questions about international samples.