The Institute of Rock Structure and Mechanics is a research institute focused on the study of the structure and properties of the rock environment, rocks, derived inorganic and organic materials and special composite materials. In six scientific departments, it examines natural and induced phenomena and processes affecting the behavior, development and stability of rocks in their natural deposition in the Earth's crust.
Research ranges from estimates of seismic hazards of important constructions, through the determination of structure, stress and rock failure through the propagation of seismic waves, rock testing to stabilize underground structures, investigation of dangerous slope movements and failures, identification of geological risks threatening historical monuments, to the study of genesis and properties of natural resources, minerals and coal and its derivatives important for the development of processes of treatment and ecological processing of natural and waste raw materials and the preparation of composite and carbon materials.
The department participates in the training of doctoral students and the management of their dissertations in the fields of applied geology, physics and geophysics, energy and chemical processing of fuels, chemistry and technology of inorganic materials. It also publishes the magazine Acta geodynamica et geomaterialia.