Prof Renaud Joannes-Boyau is a geochronologist and a geochemist, Head of the Geoarchaeology and Archaeometry Research Group (GARG; www.garg.org.au) at Southern Cross University in Australia. His research focuses on the development and application of direct dating methods and micro-analytical techniques to key questions in archaeological sciences, such as the timing of human evolution, hominid ecological niche, diet and early life history. Specifically, Renaud’s research is concerned with the understanding of mobilization, incorporation, and diffusion of isotopes, trace elements and radionuclides into fossil remains. He has made a significant contribution in geochronology and geochemistry, with the dating of key fossils (e.g. early Homo sapiens from Jebel Irhoud, the age of Homo naledi, the arrival of Homo sapiens in Indonesia…) as well as the geochemical imaging of Neanderthals breastfeeding and other hominins early life reconstruction.