From the life of the institute

On 12 May 2026, the ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the Institute of Geological Sciences of the Polish Academy of Sciences was held in the halls of the Polish Academy of Arts and Sciences in Kraków. The event brought together numerous representatives of the world of science, public institutions, universities, units of the Polish Academy of Sciences, scientific societies, and partners who have cooperated with the Institute for many years.

The anniversary was an opportunity to summarize seven decades of activity of the Institute of Geological Sciences, Polish Academy of Sciences, to recall its most important research achievements, and to honor people who have made a particularly significant contribution to the development of the Institute and geological sciences.

The ceremony was opened by the Director of the Institute, Prof. Stanisław Mazur, PhD, DSc, who welcomed the gathered guests and emphasized the importance of the Institute as a major center for research into the history of the Earth, its structure, geological processes, and resources. The event was attended by distinguished guests representing national and international scientific communities, academic institutions, public administration, and organizations connected with Earth sciences.

The presence of such a broad group of participants was an expression of recognition for the Institute’s achievements and its role in Polish and international geology. An important item on the program was the ceremonial presentation of decorations and awards. The anniversary thus became not only an opportunity to celebrate the history of the Institute, but also to express gratitude to those who, through their scientific, organizational, and administrative work, have contributed to its development over the years.

The scientific part of the ceremony was enriched by a lecture delivered by Prof. Carsten Münker from the University of Cologne, a world-renowned researcher in the field of isotope geochemistry. In his lecture entitled From the early solar system to Earth’s interior: new clues from new isotope tools, Prof. Münker presented the latest possibilities for using isotope tools in research on the early history of the Solar System and the Earth’s interior.

A special place in the program was also given to a lecture by Prof. Jan Środoń entitled A Short History of the Institute of Geological Sciences, PAS, which recalled the beginnings of the Institute, its ties with the Kraków scientific community, and the contribution of successive generations of researchers to the development of Polish geological sciences. Prof. Środoń’s lecture was a symbolic return to the roots and an important element of the anniversary reflection on the Institute’s identity.

The ceremony was accompanied by a musical setting performed by Dr Małgorzata Podstawka-Skała.

The meeting concluded with a joint lunch, which provided an opportunity for conversations, memories, and thanks to the people and institutions supporting the activities of the Institute of Geological Sciences, PAS.

The Institute of Geological Sciences, PAS, extends its heartfelt thanks to all Guests who honored us with their presence and celebrated with us the 70th anniversary of the Institute’s activity. We are especially grateful to representatives of scientific, academic, and public institutions, partners cooperating with the Institute, representatives of scientific societies, and all those who have supported the development of Polish geological sciences for many years.

We express our gratitude to the Institute’s employees, retired employees, doctoral students, and collaborators. It is your commitment, scientific, organizational, administrative, and technical work that has shaped the history of the Institute of Geological Sciences, PAS, over seven decades and allows us to look to the future with hope.

We offer sincere congratulations to all those decorated and honored during the ceremony. The decorations and awards granted are an expression of recognition for your achievements, many years of work, dedication to the Institute, and contribution to the development of geological sciences.

We thank everyone who contributed to the preparation and smooth running of the anniversary celebration — those involved in the organization, the event partners, and supporting institutions. Thanks to your kindness and assistance, the ceremony could take place in an atmosphere that was solemn, cordial, and worthy of the anniversary.

The 70th anniversary of the Institute of Geological Sciences, PAS, was for our community not only an occasion for memories and summaries, but also a celebration of the community of people connected with the Institute and Earth sciences.

We sincerely thank you all for your presence, congratulations, kindness, and for celebrating this exceptional day with us.

Congratulatory addresses:

Photo report from the ceremony:

Welcoming the Guests:
Occasional speeches:
Presentation of Medals for Long Service, “Meritorious for Polish Geology” badges, and certificates of recognition from the Directorate of the IGS PAS:
Musical interlude, Karolina Lanckorońska Hall at the Polish Academy of Arts and Sciences; Prof. Jan Środoń during his lecture in the PAU Aula: