Welcome to the website of the Institute of Paleobiology

General information

The Institute of Paleobiology (formerly the Institute of Paleozoology) is one of the oldest units of the Polish Academy of Sciences; established in December, 1952.

In all rankings by the State Committee for Scientific Research, the Institute has been granted the highest category. Among its 44 staff members, 23 are researchers (among them five full professors). The Institute is certified for awarding Ph.D. and D.Sc. degrees in geology. The Institute is publisher of the quarterly journal Acta Palaeontologica Polonica, with 2020 Impact Factor = 2.062, ranked 16th among 54 international paleontological journals listed by ISI.

Since its start, the Institute has conducted biologically-oriented research on ancient life. Descriptions of fossil biota are accompanied by comparative studies of their Recent counterparts. The results of such studies are useful for both Earth and life sciences. The scope of its research covers vertebrates, invertebrates and microfossils of various origins. The Institute is renowned throughout the world and participates extensively in international cooperation. It has organized and participated in scientific expeditions to various areas of the world (Mongolia, Spitsbergen, Antarctica). Studies of paleofloras began in 1990, and a year later a biogeological research programme started, integrating life sciences with Earth sciences.

Mission

Understanding the fossil record as a foundation of knowledge about the history and evolution of the living world and as a source of intellectual inspiration.

Strategy

Maintaining the highest quality of research in pace with the developments in global science and furthering the advancement of academic staff in order to maintain its leading role in paleobiological research. Applying European standards to HR processes by implementing the principles and recommendations of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.

Implementation

The mission of the Institute is realized through interdisciplinary research at the interface of biology, geology, and related fields, sharing the results internationally in widely accessible publications, and promoting both national and international cooperation. In particular, we emphasize further exploration of Poland and other areas to obtain research material, developing paleontological collections, improving the quality of laboratory facilities, and spreading the knowledge on the history of life on Earth, which makes it necessary to continue our participation in teaching at the university level.