This publication highlights the achievements of an IAEA coordinated research project addressing limitations in the utilization of heavy ions, through the delivery of better analytical tools with a higher degree of reliability, accuracy, and user confidence, thereby enabling an expansion in the range of problems that can be solved. Relevant to researchers in ion beam laboratories, which utilize heavy ion beams for materials research, this publication will also be of interest to those using light ion beams for other materials science problems, as the underlying knowledge is common to all ion beam types. The database of the new stopping cross-sections included in this publication contains extensive new data not available before.