We perform research of the biota from the viewpoint of evolutionary systematics, phylogeography, phytosociology, ecology, population genetics, chorology and physiology in Slovakia. Our research objects are mainly naturally growing cryptogams (cyanobacteria, algae and fungi), and vascular plants and their communities, including invasive, non-native and culture species. The Institute also carries out zoological research, mostly invertebrates and fish. The research area covers the Carpathians and adjacent Pannonia as well as the distribution ranges of model groups (e.g. the Alps, the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, America and Asia).
Situated in the Western and Eastern Carpathians as well as in Pannonia, the territory of Slovakia is among the richest areas in terms of biodiversity within Europe; ca 32% of all the plant species reported from our continent grow here. It is a crossroads of biogeographic regions and migration routes of living organisms, and one of the northernmost endemism centres in Europe. Our role is to survey this unique natural heritage, to promote it and to contribute to its conservation for future generations.
The aims of our research are
- to explain processes forming diversity of organisms and their communities, and to conserve it;
- to identify the mechanisms of plant cell ontogeny and their adaptation to unfavourable environmental conditions with an emphasis on abiotic and biotic stress; and
- to discover and document the diversity and distribution of organisms and their communities.
These findings make it possible to preserve essential functions that organisms and their communities provide to ecosystems as well as to human society, which immensely benefits from their services and economic value.
We provide consultation and expertise in various areas of applied biodiversity studies and environmental monitoring.
We keep and maintain collections of vascular plants, lichenized and non-lichenized fungi, bryophytes, and algae, registered in the Index Herbariorum (SAV).