Psychology without borders: take part in WSKZ projects abroad and develop your competences

The WSKZ Centre for International Cooperation invites Psychology students to participate in international projects! Thanks to a partnership with the German organisation Pewobe g GmbH, the Centre for International Cooperation of the College of Vocational Training is pleased to offer Psychology students unique opportunities for professional and personal development through participation in two international projects: 

• Summer volunteering in Germany (Frankfurt (Oder), 20 July to 15 August 2025) - participation in the organisation of an international summer camp for young people, creation of workshops and activities. Costs are covered by the European Solidarity Corps. 
• "Pop-up Village" in Germany (Herzershof, from 1 to 29 June 2025) - working on projects in the fields of sustainability, ecology and community life, with the possibility of full EU EVS funding. 

Participation in the above projects is a great opportunity to develop your competences, learn languages, expand your international network and gain valuable experience. 

Applications: email the International Cooperation Centre and we will send you all the necessary information: cwm@wskz.pl. 

Number of places limited. Don't miss the opportunity for growth and international adventure!

Monograph by Katarzyna Durniat on the research, teaching, didactics and achievements of Stanislaw A. Witkowski

We would like to introduce you to the contents of the chapter of the monograph 'Wrocław Psychology. People and Ideas" (2024) - "Stanisław A. Witkowski - research, teaching, learning and achievements", by Katarzyna Durniat. This chapter presents the key areas of research interest and the most important achievements of Professor Stanisław A. Witkowski, showing their connection with his academic career, scientific cooperation and practical activities in the field of work and organisational psychology. The article refers to the professor's extensive scientific bibliography, illustrating the wide range of his research and his interdisciplinary approach. The key aspects of Prof Witkowski's activities described in this chapter cover several areas.

Research

His research interests focused on management psychology, human resource management, career counselling, organisational pathologies (job burnout) and international research projects. Early in his career participated in projects concerning the humanisation of worke.g. at the Copper Mining and Smelting Combine (KGHM). He participated in the international GLOBE project, investigating perceptions of leadership in different cultural contexts and coping with culture shock. He has also conducted research in the area of generational management.

Teaching activities

Professor Witkowski was a respected and valued didactician and educator. He has twice been named Lecturer of the Year and has been nominated for an Education Award. He believed that he owed the respect and appreciation of his students to his commitment, passion, authenticity and credibility. He emphasised that his most important achievements were his students - master's and doctoral students who are professionally successful as experts, researchers and teachers. The earlier chapters of the monograph (Kanafa-Chmielewska, 2024) detail his organisational and management activities, including the initiation of postgraduate courses in management psychology, which were very popular.

Cooperation and integration

A key distinguishing feature of the professor was the integration of scientific development with practical activities. He was a staunch promoter of the transfer of scientific knowledge to professional practice and vice versa. His practical activities, e.g. the implementation of competence diagnosis methods (which is further described in Slazyk-Sobol, 2024), enriched his research and didactics. He pioneered an interdisciplinary approach in research on career success and competence assessment.

Achievements and distinctions

Prof Witkowski left an impressive scientific output and made a significant contribution to the development of work and organisational psychology in Poland. He received numerous awards, including Bronze Cross of Merit and Medal of the National Education Commission. He considers the Medal for Long Marriage to be his most valuable award.

In conclusion, the chapter by Katarzyna Durniat shows Prof. Stanisław A. Witkowski as a versatile scientist, didactician and practitioner, whose research work, organisational activities and commitment to student education had an undeniable impact on the development of work and organisational psychology in Poland. His legacy is not only his numerous publications, but above all the people he shaped.

Link to monograph: https://repozytorium.uni.wroc.pl/Content/141567/PDF/Wrocławska psychology. People and ideas.pdf

Publication by our lecturer Iwona Koczanowicz-Dehnel on Mieczysław Kreutz and the beginnings of psychology in Wrocław after World War II

The monograph 'Wrocław Psychology. People and Ideas', published by the Rys Publishing House in 2024, under the scientific editorship of Dr Jolanta Kowal, Professor UWr, and Kiriakos Chatzipentidis, shows the richness of the history and achievements of psychology in Poland. This publication was born out of the need to commemorate the remarkable path of psychology in Wrocław and to pay tribute to the outstanding researchers who shaped its development. Within the framework of this monograph, it is worth bringing A chapter dedicated to the figure and achievements that started the post-war history of psychology in the capital of Lower Silesia: "Mieczysław Kreutz and the beginnings of psychology in Wrocław after World War II", by Dr Iwona Koczanowicz-Dehnel.

Mieczyslaw Kreutz the hero of the publication

The article focuses on the character Mieczyslaw Kreutz (1893-1971), an outstanding psychologist and student of Kazimierz Twardowski, who played a fundamental role in the reconstruction and organisation of psychological studies in Wrocław after the Second World War. In March 1946, Prof. Kreutz gave the first post-war lecture in psychology in Wrocław, and in May of the same year he led to the establishment of the first Chair of Psychology in post-war Poland. He brought from Lviv the tradition of the Lviv-Warsaw school, characterised by a rigorous scientific and didactic approach.

Dr Koczanowicz-Dehnel portrays Kreutz as a researcher who defined the direction of psychological research at the new academic centre. Of key importance was his work on the methodology of introspection and his publication of 'The Foundations of Psychology' (1949), in which he recognised conscious phenomena as the subject of psychology and introspection as its fundamental research method. He was a prominent introspectionist, defending this method as essential to the science of psychology.

Other researchers described in the publication

The chapter also presents the contributions of other important figures who co-created the beginnings of psychology in Wrocław, such as Dr Helena Sloniewska, who organised research in applied psychology, founding the Department of Educational Psychology and in charge of the Regional Mental Health Clinic. He also mentions Marian Kulczycki, who initiated the development of clinical psychology, and Maria Porębska and Zbigniew Skorny, important figures in developmental and educational psychology. The complementarity of Kreutz and Sloniewska's work in preparing students both theoretically and for practical work is highlighted. Dr Iwona Koczanowicz-Dehnel's chapter perfectly demonstrates how, against enormous damage and subsequent systemic obstacles, Mieczyslaw Kreutz and his early colleagues and students laid the foundation for the dynamic development of psychology at the University of Wrocław, and Kreutz himself is considered the father of Polish post-war psychology.

The article does not overlook the difficulties and obstacles faced by psychology in post-war Wrocław, including the abolition of psychology studies in 1952 and the transfer of Prof. Kreutz to Warsaw. He describes this time as a "complete void" in Polish psychology, when the Department in Wrocław was reduced in size and focused on teacher training. Despite these challenges, others such as Sloniewska, Kulczycki and Porębska continued their work. We invite you to read this fascinating chapter, showing the determination and contribution of the pioneers to the reconstruction and development of psychology in Poland after the war.

Link to monograph: https://repozytorium.uni.wroc.pl/Content/141567/PDF/Wrocławska psychology. People and ideas.pdf

Monograph on our lecturer Prof. Grażyna Dolińska-Zygmunt - pioneer of health psychology in Poland

The monograph 'Wrocław Psychology. People and Ideas', published by the Rys Publishing House in 2024, under the scientific editorship of Dr Jolanta Kowal, Professor UWr, and Kiriakos Chatzipentidis, shows the wealth of history and achievements of psychology in Poland. This publication was born out of the need to commemorate the extraordinary path of psychology in Wrocław and to pay tribute to the outstanding researchers who have shaped its development.

Monograph recognizes an outstanding researcher for her work in the areas of clinical and health psychology

As part of this monograph, it is worth taking a closer look at one of the chapters of this publication: "Grażyna Dolińska-Zygmunt - pioneer of health psychology in Poland", by Agnieszka Nomejko and Małgorzata Włodarczyk. The article presents the figure of Professor Grażyna Dolińska-Zygmunt, our lecturer, describing her as one of the most important figures in Wroclaw psychology oraz an outstanding researcher in the fields of clinical and health psychology. Her scientific achievements have significantly influenced the development of these fields in Poland. Prof. Dolińska-Zygmunt was affiliated with the Institute of Psychology at the University of Wrocław since the 1970s, moving through successive levels of her academic career, from student and assistant to professor and head of the Department of Clinical and Health Psychology.

Grażyna Dolińska-Zygmunt as a pioneer of health psychology in Poland

 The authors highlight her role as a pioneer of health psychology in Poland. A key achievement was the editing and publication of a textbook "Elements of Health Psychology" (1996), which was published in an updated version in 2001 as "Fundamentals of health psychology". This publication became the foundation of the then developing health psychology in Poland.

2001 also saw the publication of her habilitation monograph "Subjective determinants of health-promoting behaviour', who brought a new and original approach to research on health-seeking behaviour. Prof. Dolińska-Zygmunt's research has focused on a broad spectrum of issues, including psychological determinants of health, psychological well-being, quality of life and risk factors for civilisation diseases. She has also made important contributions to research on sexual satisfaction. Prof. Dolińska-Zygmunt was also a valued mentor and educator, training successive generations of researchers, promoting numerous doctoral and master's students.

The chapter by Agnieszka Nomejko and Małgorzata Włodarczyk shows how the scientific activity of Prof. Grażyna Dolińska-Zygmunt played a key role in the development of health psychology in Poland, and her publications continue to inspire contemporary researchers and practitioners. We invite you to read this chapter to learn more about the profile and momentous contribution of one of the most important figures in Polish clinical and health psychology, who for years co-founded the Wrocław scientific centre.

Link to monograph: https://repozytorium.uni.wroc.pl/Content/141567/PDF/Wrocławska psychology. People and ideas.pdf

The role of the expert in the search for missing persons and drowning victims - lecture by Maciej Rokus

On 17 May 2025, an expert lecture was held on the theme of 'The Future. "Trace on the other side - the role of the expert in the search for missing persons and drowning victims using the latest technology and forensic analysis". The event was organised on the initiative of the authorities of the Faculty of Social Sciences and brought together a large number of students, academics and people interested in criminology, psychology
and safety. The lecture was hosted by Mr. Maciej Rokus - Plenipotentiary of the Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivode for Safety, head of the Polish Diving Special Group and an expert witness at the Regional Court in Katowice.

Key issues covered in the lecture

Attendees at the lecture were able to learn about our guest speaker's wide range of specialisms, including reservoir safety, in-water research with divers and sonar, search methods and victim location techniques in difficult conditions. During the meeting, the speaker presented a comprehensive overview of modern methods and tools used in the work of specialist teams. The presentation included numerous references to real-life cases, allowing participants to gain an insight into the practical aspects of an expert witness's work and the challenges of conducting searches in difficult water conditions.

Humanitarian dimension of search operations

Another important element of the lecture was the emphasis on the humanitarian dimension of search operations - roli empathy, responsibility and cooperation with the families of missing persons. The speaker drew attention to the need to combine technical knowledge
with sensitivity to human tragedies, which is an important foundation for the work of experts in the field.

Strong interest in a valuable lecture

The event was met with great interest from the academic community, as evidenced by the numerous questions to the guest speaker and active discussion after the speech. Participants emphasised the exceptional educational value of the meeting and its inspirational nature. On behalf of the Dean's team, we would like to thank Mr Maciej Rokus for accepting the invitation and all participants for their presence and activity. This lecture will certainly remain in the memory for a long time as a an example of the interdisciplinary combination of knowledge, experience and modern technology for safety and human life. After this lecture, we will certainly not look at the surface of the water the same way again.

Report after the workshop: Drugs and new psychoactive substances - diagnosis, prevention and challenges

On 24 May 2025, a stationary workshop entitled 'The importance of the project' took place at High School No. V at 14 Jacka Kuronia Street in Wrocław. "Drugs and new psychoactive substances. Phenomenon, determinants, diagnosis and therapy".conducted by Dr Mariusz Z. Jędrzejko - an expert in psychoprophylaxis. The event was organised by the Institute of Psychology at the WSKZ and was aimed at second-semester psychology students. The meeting was very popular with 25 participants.

Key issues addressed during the meeting

During the intensive workshop hours, participants had the opportunity to learn about the latest data and practices in identifying and preventing drug abuse. Topics covered included:

• development trends of drugs and NSP (new psychoactive substances);
• characteristics of the most common measures on the Polish market;
• the impact of stimulants on mental and physical health;
• the long-term effects of NSP use;
• techniques for recognising substance use behaviour;
• examples of effective drug prevention models.

Skills acquired by participants

The workshop was practical - in addition to gaining theoretical knowledge, participants also acquired competences useful in the work of a psychologist, such as:

• An analysis of contemporary addiction problems;
• ability to recognise drug and NSP use behaviour;
• Understanding the importance of prevention and how it can be implemented among young people.

Certificate and partners

Each participant received a certificate of participation signed by the Bonum Humanum Foundation - confirming the skills acquired and participation in the event.

5th International Scientific and Practical Conference "Health and Society in War"

On 16 May 2025, the 5th International Scientific and Practical Conference "Health and Society in War" took place, organised by the Central Ukrainian Institute of Human Development of the University of Ukraine in cooperation with the Higher School of Vocational Education in Wrocław. The event, held annually since 2022 as part of an international cooperation agreement in the field of science and development, brought together more than 220 participants from Ukraine, Poland, Moldova and the Netherlands. Among them were scientists, doctors, educators, lawyers, military officers, psychologists, social workers, representatives of the public sector and young academics.

Co-organisation and main international partner

University of Vocational Training in Wrocław (Poland) acted as the main international partner of the conference, providing significant organisational and content support. The event was attended by approximately 30 representatives of the University of Vocational Training in Wrocław - university authorities, academic staff and students - who actively participated in thematic sessions and presentations of research results.

The conference was supported by numerous academic institutions and organisations, including:

• Higher School of Vocational Training in Wrocław (Poland);
• Pomorska Szkoła Wyższa in Starogard Gdański (Poland);
• National Centre of Forensic Expertise of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Moldova (Moldova);
• Wszechnica Polish Academy of Applied Sciences in Warsaw (Poland);
• Faculty of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy at the National Medical University of Ivano-Frankivsk (Ukraine);
• Union of Entrepreneurs of Small, Medium and Privatised Enterprises of Ukraine (Ukraine).

Welcome to the participants and opening remarks

At the opening of the conference, distinguished representatives from the academic and scientific world addressed the participants, including:

• Petro Talanchuk - President of the Ukrainian University, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, Member of the Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine;
• Valentina Pupisheva - Director of the Central Ukrainian Institute of Human Development;
• Prof. Alexander Olšansky - Pro-rector for scientific and international activities of the University of 'Ukraine';
• Dr Irena Malinowska, Prof. WSKZ - Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the College of Vocational Training in Wrocław;
• Managers of educational, medical, rehabilitation and human rights institutions from different regions of Ukraine.

Key speeches and scientific topics

The conference was the venue for intense debates and research presentations on the rehabilitation of those affected by armed conflict, cyber threats in wartime settings, military mediation and issues in economics and economic resilience.

International cooperation and the importance of conferences

The conference highlighted the growing importance of internationalisation of academic cooperation and the exchange of experience between universities from different countries. During the event, participants received certificates confirming their participation and contributions to research. In addition, post-conference activities will include the publication of a joint international scientific publication, presenting the key findings and analyses presented during the scientific sessions.

Organisers and participants emphasised that the conference not only provides scientific solutions, but also builds a community united around the values of dignity, responsibility and academic development.

We would like to thank all the speakers, participants and partners for their commitment. Together - towards new scientific achievements!

Lecture by prof. dr. h.c. mult. Bruno Hołyst - legend of Polish criminalistics at WSKZ

On 17 May 2025, the Higher School of Vocational Training hosted a distinguished expert, a legend of Polish forensic science. Prof. Dr. h.c. mult. Bruno Holyst. The topic of the presentation concerned the complex psychological and social mechanisms surrounding crime, victims of crime and the phenomenon of suicide - areas that Mr Professor has been exploring for decades as a researcher and lecturer.

The expert lecture by our distinguished guest attracted a very large audience of students, lecturers and passionate about law, psychology, criminology and homeland security. Professor Brunon Hołyst masterfully combined academic knowledge with practical examples, and his presentation was characterised not only by erudition, but also by an extraordinary ability to convey even the most complex content in an accessible and engaging manner to the audience.

Panellists

The lecture was followed by a panel discussion:

• Prof. Dr. h.c. mult. Brunon Holyst;
• Dr Norbert Malec;
• Dr Irena Malinowska;
• Dr Janusz Bryk;
• Dr Aneta Kazanecka.

Throughout the panel, students actively participated in the discussion and asked questions in large numbers. Many of the listeners declared their willingness to further explore the issues raised, which best demonstrates the power of inspiration that comes from contact with such an eminent representative of the world of science. The best opportunity for another meeting with our guest will be to participate in the 21st International Congress of Forensic Science and Forensic Expertise: Science, Studies, Practice, which will be held on 18-20 September 2025 in European Solidarity Centre in Gdańsk. We warmly invite all those interested to participate in the Congress.

Family patterns and adulthood - meet the new book co-authored by our lecturer Dr Anna Paluszak

A book entitled. "Entangled in family patterns. How childhood influences adult life", authored by Jack Rydlewski, M.A., and Anna Paluszak, Ph. (our full-time lecturer).

Therapeutic parenting - book description

Being a parent is difficult. Although we try with all our might to provide for our children what we did not have ourselves, the results of our efforts are very often far from expectations. This is because no one teaches us how to become a guardian and guide for a child. What we do know is our own homes, the places where we grew up. And things were not always rosy there.

Is it possible to escape the vicious circle of inheriting family patterns, problems and traumas? Yes, it is. Each of us has a tool that really helps. That tool is the systemic perspective presented in this book in a conversation between two experienced therapists - Anna Paluszak and Jacek Rydlewski. Think of this guide as a map on which to find yourself easily, identify your main difficulties and their causes. It will give you concrete guidance on what direction to take and what steps to take to restore peace in your family.

Find the key to healing relationships and changing toxic patterns. Learn about systemic therapy in practice!

Anna Paluszak For more than ten years she taught psychology at the Universities of: Wrocław and Zielona Góra. She has been working as a psychotherapist for five years, remaining in supervision. As a psychologist, she supports people before and after undergoing bariatric surgery, as well as patients with endometriosis. She was the originator and co-host, together with Jacek Rydlewski, of a series of talks on relationship problems; the half-hour programmes were broadcast in 2016-2017 on Wrocław's Academic Radio Luz under the common title "Związki na luzie" and were very popular with listeners.

Prominent representative of the Białystok school of criminology as a guest of our University

We are delighted to announce that our University will be visited by Prof. zw. dr hab. Ewa Guzik-Makaruk from the University of Białystok - a recognised expert in criminal law and criminology, representative of the the bialystok school of criminology.

On 24 May 2025 She will deliver two open lectures for students of Criminology first and second degree. This will be a unique opportunity to come into direct contact with a scientist with an established academic background, and at the same time a chance to confront theoretical knowledge with practical experience.

Lecture topics:

1. Selected legal and criminological aspects of organ, tissue and cell transplantation in Poland.
2. Patostreaming and patoinfluencing as contemporary challenges for criminal law and criminology.

A meeting with the Professor will certainly enrich the didactic process, broaden the students' perspective and enable discussion of current issues in the contemporary world.