Institute of Speleology
"Emil Racoviță"
Under the auspices of the Romanian Academy · Headquarters Bucharest · Branch Cluj-Napoca
The World's First Speleological Institute
The first of its kind in the entire world, the institute owes its existence to the initiative of the great scientist Emil Racoviță (1868–1947), biologist, polar explorer and founder of biospeleology — its creation enshrined in a special law promulgated on 26 April 1920.
Initially, the institute operated as part of the Faculty of Sciences in Cluj, providing the official framework to which its founder also transferred the headquarters of the Scientific Society "Biospeologica", which he had established in 1907.
Alongside Emil Racoviță, two eminent biologists carried out their work: the Frenchman René Jeannel and the Swiss Pierre-Alfred Chappuis — a truly international team.
In 1956, the institute was reorganised under the leadership of Professor Constantin Motas, with its central headquarters in Bucharest and a branch in Cluj. Four years later it came under the auspices of the Romanian Academy, receiving its current name Institute of Speleology "Emil Racoviță".
In the following decades, the initial biospeleological programme was expanded with studies in physical speleology and palaeontology, further consolidating the institute's international recognition.
Departments and Laboratories
Biospeleology Department
The study of subterranean fauna — organisms adapted to life in caves and groundwater.
Physical Speleology and Palaeontology Department
Subterranean geological formations, speleothems, fossils, and the cadastre and protection of Romania's karst.
Cluj-Napoca Department
The long-established regional branch and the birthplace of the institute in 1920.
Hydrogeochemistry Laboratory
Geochemical processes in karst environments, groundwater quality and vulnerability to pollution.
Main research directions
Research fields
Lily
Here to help! 🦇