Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków Branch
The Branch brings together 63 Members of the Polish Academy of Sciences representing its five scientific divisions: 30 Corresponding Members and 33 Full Members. Representatives of Kraków’s academic community have played a significant role in the Branch’s leadership throughout its history, with the office of President held by distinguished scholars of outstanding academic reputation.
The Branch’s mission is to support the development of science in the region by fostering collaboration among researchers from diverse disciplines, initiating and endorsing scientific research, cooperating with academic institutions and local authorities, promoting scientific knowledge, and supporting education.
The Branch actively represents Kraków’s scientific community on advisory and strategic bodies, including the Conference of Rectors of Higher Education Institutions in Kraków, the Citizens’ Committee for the Restoration of Kraków’s Historic Monuments, and regional committees responsible for the development strategy of the Małopolska Province.
Scientific Commissions – The Core of the Branch’s Academic Activity
The Scientific Commissions constitute the core of the Branch’s scholarly activities and reflect the breadth and diversity of Kraków’s research community. Since the Branch’s establishment, 46 commissions have been created, 27 of which are currently active. Together, they bring together around 1,000 researchers from universities, institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences, museums, and other research institutions.
The Scientific Commissions:
- conduct independent research projects;
- organise conferences, symposia, and scientific meetings;
- cooperate with partner institutions in Poland and abroad;
- publish scholarly monographs and academic journals;
- promote science and public engagement within the local community.
Over the years, the commissions have produced significant scholarly documentation in fields such as the archaeology of the Carpathians, the geography of Kraków, the folk culture of Małopolska, and international relations in Central Europe.
Publications
The Branch has maintained an extensive publishing programme for many years. It currently publishes seven specialist academic journals with both national and international reach.
Cooperation and Regional Engagement
The Branch has established long-standing partnerships with universities, local and regional authorities, scientific societies, cultural associations, and numerous enterprises. It actively co-organises and supports scientific events, provides academic patronage for research initiatives, and contributes to the preservation and promotion of the region’s cultural and scientific heritage.