The Museum of Amber Inclusions at the University of Gdańsk (MAIG) is a scientific institution dedicated to the study and preservation of various fossil resins and their inclusions. It was established 25 years ago and is one of the leading institutions in the field of amber research. The museum’s collection comprises a vast number of specimens (7.001 amber nuggets, over 17,000 inclusion organisms recognized in those, and 162 type specimens with 127 holotypes included in total), providing an opportunity for scientific research and public education. The rank of MAIG collection is enhanced by its affiliation with the University of Gdańsk, located in the World Capital of Amber.
The Museum’s mission is to gather scientific material, elaborate it and promote scientific knowledge of fossil resins and their inclusions, as well as to conserve and to preserve the specimens for future generations. During its 25 years of activity, a unique collection of fossils preserved in amber has been built in the Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Parasitology, and professional facilities in the form of a fossil resin palaeontological laboratory have been established. In terms of the number of inclusion specimens, we rank second in Poland, with our Museum being the only national centre with such a transparent collection – data on holotypes is available on the website, and a full database will soon be available. The Museum of Amber Inclusions (MAIG) collaborates with international institutions and researchers to further the study of fossilized resins and their inclusions. Each year approximately 20 papers based on and using materials from MAIG are published.
In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the Museum of Amber Inclusions is hosting the international Conference Fossil Record in Resins and Sediments Conference. This event brings together palaeontologists to discuss and share their research and knowledge on fossils in resins and sediments. It provides a platform to connect different areas of palaeontological studies and focus on the fossil resins record. 25 years ago, the idea of creating scientific collection of amber and its inclusions at the University of Gdańsk could only be realised thanks to the kind support of the University Authorities at the time. Placing our Conference under the Honorary Patronage of the Rector of the University of Gdansk will emphasise the University’s role in building a scientific collection and its relationship with amber-based palaeontological research.