Akio Makishima is professor of Analytical Geochemistry Division in the Pheasant Memorial Laboratory (PML), Okayama University at Misasa, Japan. He obtained his Ph.D. from Tokyo University under supervision of Professor Akimasa Masuda. After three years in the Analytical Research Center of Nippon Steel Co. Ltd under supervision of Dr. Koichi Chiba, he was appointed assistant professor in Misasa, and finally obtained the professorship. He has been working with Professor Eizo Nakamura, and authored over 60 scientific publications, most of which are related to developing new analytical techniques using TIMS, ICP-QMS and MC-ICP-MS.