A home for organic and carbon materials, curiosity and anyone with a passion for learning
CarbonMat is a platform dedicated to organic petrology, organic materials and carbon materials. Come to learn something new, look more closely at something familiar, or simply enjoy a different way of seeing science.
The Society of Reflective Personalities
Meet the Society
Macerals and minerals have scientific definitions, optical properties and geological histories. At CarbonMat, they also have personalities.
The Society of Reflective Personalities brings them to life through character, visual storytelling and carefully sourced science. Some are orderly. Some are difficult. A few are still surrounded by controversy.
CarbonMat Library
Featured collections
Good to Know Series
Scientific concepts explained clearly, without removing the complexity that makes them interesting.
Science at Work
Reflections on scientific practice, analytical methods and what happens between obtaining a result and understanding what it means.
Guest Series
A space for other scientists and specialists to share their work, ideas and perspectives.
Poster Gallery
Scientific posters and visual material from research projects, conferences and other work.
Courses
Go further than a single article
Courses are being developed for people who want to explore organic petrology and natural carbon materials in greater depth.
They will range from introductory learning to more focused training in petrographic concepts, maceral identification, thermally altered coal and natural graphite.
Work With CarbonMat
CarbonMat works with people and organisations through research partnerships, specialist interpretation and scientific review, and training in organic petrology and natural carbon materials.
Project Collaboration
Scientific collaboration from the early development of questions and hypotheses through to interpretation, discussion and publication.
Specialist Interpretation and Scientific Review
Independent interpretation and critical review of client-supplied images, data, analytical results, reports and manuscripts.
Training and Education
Short courses, workshops and tailored training for universities, research groups, laboratories, companies and technical teams.
About CarbonMat
Under one roof
CarbonMat brings together scientific knowledge, visual storytelling, education and collaborative work.
Some parts are technical. Others are playful. Both belong here.
Although CarbonMat is grounded in science, it is not only for scientists. You do not need to work with coal, belong to academia or have specialist knowledge to be welcome. If you are curious and willing to learn, the door is open.
CarbonMat is independently owned and operated by Dr Sandra Rodrigues. It is separate from her roles and affiliations at The University of Queensland and is not operated, sponsored or endorsed by the University.
Support CarbonMat
CarbonMat’s articles, visual stories and educational resources are independently developed. Contributions help support the continued growth of the platform and keep its freely available content accessible.
You can also support CarbonMat by visiting The Society Shop, where cards, prints, stickers and other Society-inspired material will become available.