On white (silver or transparent) field the blue double cross grows out of the open gold book. Under its bottom (longest) arm is an abbreviation of the scientific department of the Slovak Academy of Sciences: SÚJS (Jan Stanislav Institute of Slavistics)
The white (silver or transparent) field represents the objectivity of the basic scientific research.
The open book represents a body of cognition, knowledge and sources necessary for scientific research. Gold color of open book symbolizes inspiration and prudence.
The double cross growing out of gold book is a symbol of Cyrillo-Methodian tradition and national heritage. The blue color of the double cross demonstrates the truth and represents plurality of views as an assumption of interdisciplinary research.