The platform is a competence centre for the development of research in the field of the application of stable isotope ratios analysis of bio-elements (H, C, N, O, S).

It is equipped with the most complete instruments for stable isotope analysis: 1 Spectrometer of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (SNIF-NMR) and 4 Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometers (IRMS) interfaced to devices for combustion, pyrolysis, CO₂ equilibration and GC separation. 

It provides fundamental scientific and technological support to national and European research programmes concerning food traceability, aiming to enhance and safeguard products of certified origin within the context of the global market. It collaborates with national and EC institutions and with Consortia for the protection of PDO foods for developing advanced analytical models usable to detect the authenticity of products on the market.

The platform aims moreover to interact with other research groups of CRI or with other institutions, to carry out research in the fields of ecology, hydrology, physiology and paleo-climatology.