The main task of both the Academy and the Institute is to conduct high quality research in the areas which are the focus of the world's science. As the name of the Institute suggests, from the day of its establishment in 1953, it is and has always been focused on basic theoretical and experimental research in the area of technology. Over many years, the Institute has become the leading research establishment making a considerable contribution to numerous areas of science and technology, successfully promoting new trends of development and having a very good reputation in Poland and abroad.
The principal areas of scientific research conducted by the Institute include theoretical and experimental mechanics of materials, constructions and fluids, computational methods in mechanics, acoustoelectronics and application of ultrasounds in medicine, continuum physics, polymer physics, electromagnetic effects, applied information science, mechatronics and robotics, engineering and energy-saving pro-ecology oriented building.
In order to concentrate the Institute's potential, in the most promising and innovative areas the Institute created highly specialised research groups known as Excellence Centres. Within the framework of the Fifth and currently also the Sixth EU Framework Programme four such Centres were operating. Their activity was financed from external sources.
The Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials and Structures (AMAS) (2000-2003) was created in the Institute as a result of international selection in the conditions of strong competition. The Centre conducted its activity in three complementary areas, i.e.: basic scientific research in the area of technology, education and training, and finally co-operation with the leading European research centres.
The Center of Excellence for Safety-Critical Pressure Systems (2000-2003) was created in co-operation with the Faculty of Materials Technology of the Warsaw Technical University and three industrial partners. The aim of its establishment was to solve theoretical and practical problems connected with installations operating in the conditions of extreme, variable pressure and temperature as well as in aggressive corrosive environment.
Center of Excellence for Applied Biomedical Modelling and Diagnostics (ABIOMED) (2002-2005) was created in order to conduct interdisciplinary research covering theoretical and applied modelling and design in modern biomechanics and biomedical engineering. The Centre was conducting activity in three complementary areas, i.e. basic scientific research and application-oriented research, education and training, and finally co-operation with the leading research and medical centres.
The area of activity of the Centre of Excellence for Laser Processing and Material Advanced Testing (LAPROMAT) (2002-2005) was focused on modern laser technologies, i.e.: forming, welding and machining of surfaces as well as new technologies of endurance tests. The Centre was organising conferences, workshops and seminars, which served to integrate researchers and engineers employed in industry, and facilitated exchange of information regarding the modern laser technologies.
The Institute was coordinator of the international Network of Excellence (2003-2006):
International Excellence Network AMAS-ISN (Advanced Materials and Structures: Material Microstructures, Modelling, Safety and Application) financed by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. The network consists of four thematic groups: Materials Microstructures, Biomaterials, Smart Systems, Durability and Safety. The main objective of the Centre is to integrate domestic and foreign research groups dealing with the subject of modern materials and structures, with particular focus on multifunctional materials, for the purpose of deepening, creating and disseminating knowledge in the area of research.
Moreover the Institute is a coordinator of the international Network of Excellence (2004-2008):
The Excellence Networks KMM-NoE (Knowledge-based Multicomponent Materials for Durable and Safe Performance) financed by the European Commission within the framework of the Sixth EU Framework Programme. The principal goal thereof is to create a European structure (virtual institute) composed of prominent academic and research establishments, small and medium enterprises and large industry partners dealing with issues of multi-component materials designed for safe and durable structures operating in the conditions of extreme loads, such as: complex thermo-mechanical loading, impact loading, cyclic loading, large deformations, high strain rates, high temperature regimes, variable temperatures and aggressive chemical environment.
The Institute has an extensive experience in international co-operation particularly in the area of international Research and Technology Development projects (RTD), which resulted in establishing the EU National Contact Point for Research Programmes in the Institute, responsible for information and advisory support concerning participation of Polish researchers and enterprises in the Fifth, Sixth and currently also the Seventh EU Framework Programme.
The Institute has always been attaching great importance to various forms of co-operation with industry. Together with the results of scientific research, the Institute has managed to prepare a wide range of modern technologies, a considerable number of original measurement and diagnostic equipment, both engineering and medical, and a number of innovative computer programmes. We co-operate with numerous Polish and foreign renowned companies such as for example WSK "PZL Świdnik" S.A., Echo-Son S.A. Puławy, Snecma Moteurs, Usinor Sollac-Florange, France and Pratt & Whitney, United State Steel Corporation, USA.
It has become a tradition that the Institute runs PhD studies within the framework of which young scientists from Poland and abroad obtained 600 PhD degrees. Over 180 postdoctoral programmes have been completed. Agreements have been signed with numerous universities on mutual co-operation in the area of research and education. Together with the University of Kazimierz Wielki in Bydgoszcz we conduct Environmental Doctoral School. The Institute also organises Experts' Courses entitled "Smart Technology Expert Courses".