On 19–22 November 2025, a representative of the Polish Geological Institute – National Research Institute, dr Zbigniew Małolepszy from the Upper Silesian Branch in Sosnowiec, participated in an international conference entitled ‘Unearthing the Past, Shaping the Future: 175 Years of GSI', organised in Jaipur, India, to mark the 175th anniversary of the Geological Survey of India (GSI).

The event brought together over 300 specialists from India and many other countries around the world.

Dr Zbigniew Małolepszy was invited as a keynote speaker and gave a presentation entitled ‘3D Modelling for Geological Exploration – Case Studies by the Polish Geological Institute – National Research Institute’. The lecture was very warmly received by the participants, and the organisers emphasised its inspiring and exceptionally valuable nature. The presentation showcased the latest achievements of PGI-NRI in the field of geological modelling and 3D visualisation, including preliminary results of work on digital models of the Pre-Sudetic Monocline and the Silesian - Kraków region.

Dr Zbigniew Małoplepszy presents the keynote paper in the session entitled Geodynamic Riddles: The Depths of the Solid Earth

During the anniversary ceremony, a representative of PGI-NRI presented the Director General of the Geological Survey of India with a congratulatory letter from the Institute's Management Board and a commemorative gift – a 3D printout of a geological model of Poland.

Dr Zbigniew Małolepszy reads the congratulatory letter from the PGI-NRI Director to the organisers of the anniversary conference

The visit was also an opportunity to discuss closer cooperation between PGI-NRI and GSI. During a meeting with the GSI International Cooperation Office, attended by GSI Director General Dr Asit Saha, potential areas for joint research and organisational activities were discussed. The Indian side declared its intentin to prepare a draft Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions.

GSI Director General Dr Asit Saha presents a commemorative gift to the invited lecturers

The scientific programme of the conference was of a very high standard, with over 90 papers and 70 posters presented, covering almost all fields of Earth sciences. Of particular interest were the presentations by young researchers from GSI and geology departments of Indian universities, who demonstrated numerous innovative directions in geological research.

Text: Zbigniew Małolepszy