Karst is  a landmark of Slovenia. Almost half of the country is karstic with  about 8000  caves registered. More than half of the population is supplied by karst waters. An international term KARST is derived from the name of Slovenian region Kras, an  area  also regarded as the cradle of scientific discipline - karstology.
Karstology has become a complex multidisciplinary science, covering wide range of earth sciences related to karst. Long tradition of excellent research and unique position in the center of classical karst have established the Institute as  one of the most recognized karstological centers in the world.
Karst is in the focus of our research. We study its hydrology, geology, morphology, ecology, microbiology and speleology as well as history of our own science. Institute's researchers come from various backgrounds including geology, geography, physics, chemistry, biology and microbiology, thus enabling a multidisciplinary approach. Our research includes field studies, laboratory investigations and numerical modeling. We conduct basic studies and applied studies.
Institute hosts a karstological library, one of the most complete of its kind, laboratory specialized in water chemistry, geological laboratory and a lecture room with modern presentation equipment.
Institute's researchers are enrolled as lecturers at the postgraduate study of karstology, which has recently started at the newly founded School of karst studies at Nova Gorica Polytechnic.