Second edition of the open lecture series
We invite all lovers of discovery, travel and science to the second edition of the series of open lectures “Great Expeditions – Trails of Krakow Naturalists”, which we continue in 2026! This year we will focus on exceptional scientific expeditions carried out both at the Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals of the Polish Academy of Sciences and in other Kraków research units.
During six meetings we will take you on a journey behind the scenes of contemporary field research and not only. We will show the realities of the work of scientists and the challenges they face during research in various parts of the world — tropical forests, deserts, laboratories, and places where few have access. Speakers will also talk about how, without leaving the laboratory, you can discover unknown worlds, explore new species and reconstruct the history of life on Earth.
In 2026, together with invited researchers from ISEZ PAS, Jagiellonian University (Institute of Archaeology and Institute of Environmental Sciences) and Institute of Geological Sciences of the Polish Academy of Sciences, we will introduce you to a wide range of issues related to research on animal evolution and biodiversity.
The lectures will be an opportunity to reflect on the changing role of scientific expeditions in times of global challenges such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, and protection of geological and archaeological heritage.
We will also discuss the education of young generations of researchers – we will show how field trips shape future zoologists and environmentalists.
Participation in the event is free of charge, and lectures are held in a hybrid formula, allowing you to travel with us on a scientific journey regardless of where you are.
Lectures will take place:
Stationary
ISEZ PAN Nature Museum
St. Sebastian 9, Kraków
(Number of places limited)
💻 Online
YouTube platform ISEZ PAN
link to the meeting
Time limits:
Last Christmas Saturday of the month, 6:00 p.m.
(excluding holidays)
🏛 Contact
[email protected]
First edition of the open lecture series
In 2025, we cordially invite all enthusiasts of travel and learning to participate in lectures opened in the cycle Great The expeditions - Traces of Krakow Naturalists! As part of the lectures, which are relations with scientific and research expeditions, focusing on old and contemporary expeditions, we will take you on a virtual journey in time and space, often to remote corners of the world. The aim of the project is to approximate the sphere of science, to present the challenges that scientists face in (not) everyday work, and above all to show the still current role of basic research!
In the first edition of the series of Great expeditions, under the motto Traces of Krakow Naturalists, we will present the achievements of Kraków zoologists. We will focus on past and latest scientific expeditions carried out over the years at the Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals of the Polish Academy of Sciences. We will talk about research expeditions covering research (taxonomic, phylogenetic, genetic, paleontological, biogeographical, ecological) on the evolution and biodiversity of the animal world and the collection of zoological scientific collections. We will take you on a journey to remote and fascinating places, including North Korea, French Guiana, USA, Algeria, Japan, Madagascar and many other countries!
Lectures are held once a month (excluding holiday period), on the last Saturday at 18:00. Participation in the meetings is free of charge, the event will be conducted in hybrid form, so that, wherever you are, everyone can take this amazing trip.
The lectures can be attended by:
- stationary at the Natural Museum of the Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals of the Polish Academy of Sciences, located in Krakow at St. Sebastian 9 (Number of places limited!)
and online via Youtube,link to the meeting.