Director

Iwona Szwach, PhD, MBA, graduated from the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection at University of Silesia in Katowice with MSc degree in biology. In the same year she has started work in the Surfactant Department of the Institute of Heavy Organic Synthesis "Blachownia". In 2000 she got a PhD in Technical Sciences.

Dr Szwach is the co-author of 22 publications, 35 lectures, 6 implementations and 69 reports. She specializes in ecotoxicological research and environmental protection related analyses. She also has the experience in cooperation and project management.  Dr Szwach has been realizing various kinds of projects: research, own, targeted and investment ones.

During her work in the Institute she has been the manager of Biodegradation Evaluation Team and the manager of the laboratory accredited by the Polish Centre for Testing and Certification. From 1st March 2005 till 31st August 2010 she was the manager of Analytical Department. Since October 2010 she acts as Deputy Managing Director for Research and Development.  She is a Member of the Research Units Evaluation Committee, Member of the Board of Experts for Evaluation of Proposals at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and Member of the Scientific Council of the Textile Research Institute in Łódź. Currently she is a vice-chairwoman of Institute of Environmental Engineering of the Polish Academy of Sciences Scientific Council, member of CEN/TC19/WG33 European Committee for Normalization, Main Technical Organization expert. Starting  April 21st 2021, she is a member of newly founded Social Council of Silesian University of Technology.

She became Director of Łukasiewicz - ICSO "Blachownia" April 1st 2020.