Instytut Geofizyki Polskiej Akademii Nauk

Their core work

IGF PAS is Poland's leading geophysics research institute, operating under the Polish Academy of Sciences. They specialize in solid earth science — seismology, atmospheric physics, and environmental monitoring — with particular strength in Arctic and polar research. Their work spans seismic hazard assessment, atmospheric trace gas monitoring (ACTRIS network), and integrated observation systems for polar regions. They also run educational programs that bridge geophysical science with public engagement, notably through Arctic-focused STEM initiatives.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early H2020 period (2015–2018), IGF PAS focused heavily on Arctic and polar science — research coordination, climate change monitoring, and educational outreach — alongside atmospheric hazard research and shale gas risk assessment. From 2018 onward, the emphasis shifted toward research infrastructure sustainability (EPOS SP, ACTRIS IMP, INTERACT continuation), seismic hazard model revision, and mineral exploration geophysics. The trajectory shows a move from participating in exploratory and coordination-phase projects toward consolidating their role in long-term European research infrastructure networks.

IGF PAS is evolving from a project participant into a permanent node in Europe's geophysical and environmental monitoring infrastructure networks, making them a reliable long-term partner for observation-based research.

How they like to work

IGF PAS operates almost exclusively as a consortium partner rather than a leader — coordinating only 1 of 14 projects (EDU-ARCTIC, an education initiative). They consistently join large European consortia, with 286 unique partners across 37 countries indicating broad but non-exclusive networking. This profile suggests a dependable specialist contributor that brings geophysical instrumentation and monitoring expertise to large-scale infrastructure projects without seeking to drive the agenda.

With 286 unique consortium partners across 37 countries, IGF PAS has a remarkably wide European and circumpolar network for an institute of its funding size. Their connections span atmospheric science (ACTRIS network), solid earth science (EPOS community), and Arctic research (INTERACT, EU-PolarNet), giving them reach into three distinct research communities.

What sets them apart

IGF PAS sits at a rare intersection of three major European research infrastructure networks — EPOS (solid earth), ACTRIS (atmosphere), and INTERACT (Arctic) — giving them cross-domain monitoring capabilities few single institutes can match. Their geophysical expertise applies equally to seismic hazard assessment, subsurface energy exploration, and polar environmental change. For consortium builders, this means one partner that can bridge earth science, atmospheric science, and Arctic observation within a single collaboration.

Highlights from their portfolio

• EDU-ARCTIC
  Their only coordinated project (EUR 470K) — a polar STEM education program, revealing institutional commitment to science communication beyond pure research.
• SHEER
  Largest single EC contribution (EUR 680K), applying geophysical monitoring expertise to assess environmental risks of shale gas exploration.
• EPOS SP
  Sustainability phase of Europe's plate observing system — signals IGF PAS's transition from project participant to permanent infrastructure contributor in solid earth science.