The Institute’s 107 years of activity represent a vast body of scientific work, comprising thousands of studies and field surveys, as well as the history of the people who, over the decades, have helped shape the state geological service and one of the country’s most important scientific and research institutions.

After the welcoming address, the Director of PGI-NRI, Prof. Krzysztof Szamałek, presented the framework for the Institute’s new 2027–2030 development strategy, with an outlook to 2040, setting out the following strategic objectives:

• Contributing to the security of raw material supplies and supporting the country’s energy transition.
• Supporting the state and society in environmental protection, the sustainable management of groundwater resources and adaptation to climate change.
• Developing digital geological data resources and information security.
• Strengthening the role of PGI-NRI as an operational and expert support base for state institutions and citizens.
• Disseminating geological knowledge and raising public awareness about the importance of geology and mineral resources.

The Director of PGI-NRI emphasised that, in response to growing geopolitical, economic, and climate-related challenges, a new approach to tasks related to the country’s resource and environmental security is becoming essential. Groving instability of the international situation is affecting the security of critical infrastructure, energy security, and the continuity of mineral resource supplies. Cybersecurity threats also remain a significant challenge.

He also drew attention to the need for greater public awareness regarding the importance of geology and mineral resources for the functioning of a modern economy. The inclusion of geological topics in educational curricula remains limited, which contributes to the low level of public knowledge in this area.

Prof. Krzysztof Szamałek

Professor Krzysztof Galos, Chief Geologist of Poland, offered his congratulations on the anniversary and emphasised the Institute’s important role in ensuring Poland’s security of raw materials. The Minister also referred to the objectives of the new strategy, noting that the directions set out therein are well suited to the country’s future needs and identify the most prospective areas for the development of geology and mining.

Prof. Krzysztof Galos

Tsevegmed Lhagva-Ochira – Secretary of the Mongolian Embassy in the Republic of Poland – read out a letter from Her Excellency the Ambassador, in which she recalled the long-standing and highly fruitful cooperation between the Institute’s geologists and the geological services of her home country.

Tsevegmed Lhagva-Ochira 

During the anniversary celebrations, distinguished staff members were presented with awards for their contribution to the development of Polish geology and environmental protection.

Text: Artur Baranowski
Photos: Michał Zieliński