The Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals of the Polish Academy of Sciences (ISEA PAS) was established in 1989, following the reorganization of the Institute of Systematic and Experimental Zoology of the PAS. However, the institution's traditions date back to 1865, when the Krakow Scientific Society formed the Physiographic Commission. Simultaneously, the Physiographic Museum was founded (now the Natural History Museum), which remains an integral part of the Institute to this day.
In our Institute, we combine traditional research fields, such as the systematics of extant and fossil animals, with modern karyological and genetic studies. Our staff also conduct research in emerging fields, including zooarchaeology and ecology.
The Institute’s research potential is built by 35 academic staff members, including 17 senior researchers (professors and associate professors). Consequently, ISEA PAS is authorized to confer PhD and habilitation degrees in biological sciences.
Our collections comprise over 2 million specimens of invertebrates and vertebrates, including many unique fossil forms. The Institute's library holds one of the largest zoological book collections in Poland, totaling over 100,000 volumes and journals.
The Institute has been located in building 17 on Sławkowska Street since it was founded. This building is at a walking distance of two minutes from Kraków’s Main Square. Meanwhile, the ISEA PAS Natural History Museum is situated at 9 św. Sebastiana Street, where selected specimens from the Institute's collections are presented in permanent exhibitions.