Irena Pidek

Prof. Irena Pidek is a full professor in the Department of Geomorphology and Paleogeography at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (UMCS), where she also serves as Deputy Director of the Institute of Earth and Environmental Sciences. She holds a doctorate in biological sciences (2001) and professorship in exact and natural sciences (2021), specializing in Quaternary paleoenvironmental reconstructions.

Research expertise: Her work focuses on paleoclimatic reconstructions using palynological methods, particularly analyzing Eemian and Holocene interglacial periods. Key research themes include:

• Pollen-based climate modeling and vegetation history
• Multi-proxy analysis of lake and wetland sediments
• Human-environment interactions in archaeological contexts
• Landscape evolution in Central and Eastern Europe

Publication analysis: Her recent articles (2017-2022) demonstrate consistent focus on high-resolution paleoclimate reconstructions using pollen and diatom records. Over 85% involve multi-proxy methodologies analyzing sediment cores from Polish paleolakes, with frequent international collaborations. Research frequently examines climate stability during interglacials and anthropogenic impacts on medieval landscapes.

Research leadership: Principal investigator for multiple national science projects including NCN OPUS grants (2017-2022) studying mid-Eemian climate oscillations and actuopalinological research. International collaborations include DFG-funded projects with German institutions on lake-dune system evolution.