The history of the Institute consists of several events leading to the establishment of the independent scientific and research unit of the Polish Academy of Sciences:
The studies carried out at the Institute are characterized by interdisciplinarity and complexity. They are implemented on the basis of the entire research process—from basic research to application—with a particular emphasis on their usefulness. The interdisciplinary nature of the Institute’s activities includes disciplines such as:
It is worth emphasizing that the Institute is a pioneer in the use of geothermal energy in Poland. The first Polish experimental geothermal plant, located in Bańska Niżna-Biały Dunajec and made up of two deep boreholes, was launched in 1993. As of today, this installation is used for heating purposes and as a geothermal laboratory.
