From native Polish plants to species from around the world. The first collections of the Herbarium were gathered thanks to Michał Szubert, the founder of the University of Warsaw Botanical Garden. Szubert brought several thousand plant specimens from Paris, many of which are still preserved at the University today. This collection represents an extraordinary scientific and historical resource that requires constant, careful maintenance – and now you can become one of its caretakers.
What does the volunteering involve?
Your main task will be mounting plant specimens together with their labels onto acid-free cardboard sheets. It is work that is:
- manual,
- calm and almost meditative,
- requiring accuracy and consistency,
- not requiring specialist botanical knowledge.
You may work with plants from Poland, Europe, or more exotic regions (such as Mexico or Java). Sometimes you will encounter a real “mystery box” – packages whose contents remain unknown until opened. Many of them are over 100 years old. Some specimens are wrapped in historical newspapers, so besides working with plants, you may literally touch a piece of history.
How will the collaboration work?
The plan includes:
- one in-person meeting per month at the Biological and Chemical Research Centre of the University of Warsaw (CNBCh) in Ochota (next to the Faculty of Biology building), Żwirki i Wigury 101;
- about 5 hours of work (for example 09:30–14:30);
- long-term cooperation.
Introductory meeting: 26 March 2026, around 10:00
Proposed next dates: 23 April, 14 May, 11 June, 23 July
The coordinators are flexible and can adjust the schedule to the group.
This opportunity is open to the entire University of Warsaw community.
How can you apply?
Send an email with the subject line “Herbarium UW”, including your name and surname and confirmation that you will attend the organizational meeting on 26 March, to: wolontariat[at]uw.edu.pl
Applications are open until Tuesday, 24 March.
