Institute of
Speleology
"Emil Racoviță"
The world's first speleology institute — under the auspices of the Romanian Academy, dedicated to the study of underground ecosystems and the protection of Romania's karst.
Science from Underground,
World Recognition
The Institute of Speleology "Emil Racoviță" is the first of its kind in the entire world. Founded in 1920 at the initiative of the great scientist Emil Racoviță — biologist, polar explorer and founder of biospeleology — the institute operates today under the Romanian Academy, with its headquarters in Bucharest and a branch in Cluj-Napoca.
Emil Racoviță
Academician, Antarctic explorer, founder of modern biospeleology (1868–1947).
Cutting-edge Research
1,300+ species collected, 60+ volumes published from the Antarctic Belgica expedition.
International Recognition
Partnerships and collaborations with institutions across Europe and the world.
Karst Protection
The Karst Cadastre of Romania and active conservation programmes.
Areas of Expertise
Research interdisciplinară care acoperă biologia, geologia, chimia și ecologia mediilor subterane.
Biospeleology & Edafobiology
The study of underground fauna — organisms adapted to life in caves and groundwater.
Geospeleology & Palaeontology
Geological formations, speleothems, fossils and palaeoclimatic reconstructions.
Karstology & Cadastre
Mapping and protection of karst systems in Romania.
Hydrogeochemistry
Geochemical processes in karst environments, groundwater quality.
Geochronology
Absolute age determination via U–Th series in in-house laboratories.
Ecology & Conservation
Karst vulnerability management and conservation programmes.
Recent Events & News
Caves of Romania
Over 12,000 caves have been identified in Romania. Some of these are developed for tourism, offering easy access and marked trails. ISER manages the national speleological cadastre.
Doing science since 1920
The world's first Speleological Institute — under the auspices of the Romanian Academy
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