Voices of Science

Ann Wintle (1948-), physicist, has played a leading role in the development and use of luminescence dating in both naturally occurring minerals and archaeological artefacts and sites. She has been central to the development of optically-stimulated luminescence dating through which it is possible to estimate the date at which particular mineral grains of sand/sediment stopped being carried by wind orwater (or on the shells of sea creatures!), and were deposited in sand dunes and river or ocean beds. Her career has encompassed a number of institutions in the UK and overseas and a range of disciplinary associations including archaeology, geography and physics, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of her work and its range of applications. Her longest affiliation has been with the Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences at the University of Aberystwyth, where she is now Emeritus Professor. Since retiring from her formal post she has remained an active researcher, using the internet to collaborate with colleagues around the world.