Museum and Institute of Zoology

The scientific activity of the Museum and Institute of Zoology of the Polish Academy of Sciences (MiIZ PAN) focuses on the contemporary and fossil fauna of Poland and the world, its diversity and changes. As the Institute of Zoology, it was established in 1952 along with the founding of the Polish Academy of Sciences, but its history dates back to the early 19th century.

Areas:

biology

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Taxonomic, phylogenetic, and ecological research is conducted here using the latest methods and research equipment available in laboratories specializing in molecular genetics, scanning electron microscopy, geometric morphometry, and computed microtomography. The research is conducted not only in Poland, but also as part of expeditions to remote corners of the world. The Institute’s employees provide expert knowledge at the intersection of science and practice in nature conservation, forest management, and plant protection against pests. The Institute cooperates in this area with State Forest National Parks and non-governmental organizations. The Institute coordinates all activities related to the tagging of wild birds by running the Bird Ringing Center.

The Institute houses a unique scientific zoological collection estimated at around 7 million specimens. It is the most important collection in the country and one of the largest in Europe. The Institute’s library is one of the most valuable Polish collections of books on nature, with over 250,000 volumes.

The unit publishes four scientific journals listed in the JCR. In addition to its headquarters in Warsaw, MiIZ PAN has field stations in Łomna near Warsaw, in Gdańsk on Sobieszewska Island, and in Ustrzyki Dolne. The Institute is the leader of the BioPlanet Doctoral School.

Areas: biology