The scope and results of selected epidemiological studies conducted at the National Institute of Hygiene in the years 1945-1989.

The authors present the first article in the series concerning the scope ofresearch, scientific, practical, educational and other achievements of the National Institute of Hygiene (PZH) since 1945. This article is limited to discussing selected studies conducted in the field of epidemiology until the year 1989. The selection was based on PZH annual reports on the accomplishment of planned objectives and the literature positins listed in these reports, as well as other documents. The criterion for selection was how the scope of the research matched the epidemiological situation within a historical context. The authors chose research that yielded practical results which made an impact on the epidemiological situation, particularly concerning infectious diseases in Poland. The significance of epidemiological research of non-infectious diseases was also stressed. In addition, research that was considered by scientists in Poland and abroad as contributing to the development of medical methodology was included in the selection.

[Department of epidemiology of the National Institute of Hygiene in Warsaw in the years 1951-2011--origins of forming, developmental ways in 60 years of work]. / Zaklad Epidemiologii Panstwowego Zakladu Higieny w Warszawie w latach 1951-2011--geneza powstania, drogi rozwoju w ciagu 60 lat pracy.

The paper discussed the origins of forming in 1951 the Department of Epidemiology, National Institute of Hygiene in Poland and its subsequent tasks. Relating to the evolving tasks, changes in the organizational structure, professional profile of the staff, main professional challenges and scientific achievements are described in 10 years cycles. Successive chapters address: scientific careers of the Department staff and contribution to scientific development of the whole institute among others; teaching and training, mainly targeted at the epidemiological service staff in Poland; editorial and publishing activities.

[The role of the National Institute of Hygiene in historical perspective]. / Rola Panstwowego Zakladu Higieny w perspektywie historycznej.

The article presents the role of the National Institute of Hygiene, during the 90 years of its presence, in the struggle for health of the population. It underlines how the scope of action of the Institute was continuously adjusted in response to existing health treats and how the Institute contributed to detection of new risk factors. The main tasks of the Institute included prevention of disease and implementation of the most up-to-date developments in the country public health system.