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.

Agreement on cooperation between the WSKZ and the District School Complex No. 2 in Środa Śląska

We are pleased to announce that in May 2025. WSKZ has signed a cooperation agreement with District School Complex No. 2 in Środa Śląska. Among other things, this will enable students at our university to undertake student internships in selected fields of study, while academics will be able to cooperate with the university in the area of research, training and workshops - for example in the area of security.

In addition, the school's management supports our efforts to launch a new course of study in the field of psychology, recognising the welfare needs of our region's society, including the young people of Środa County, and is also open to cooperation on training in civil defence and building social resilience. 

Report after the conference 'President of the Republic of Poland: Campaign, Elections, Political Position"

New technologies bring great potential for the democratisation of the electoral process, but also new challenges that are not yet fully recognised by the legislator. Internet voting, social media campaigns or the targeting of selected content to specific individuals are issues that need to be regulated, conference participants pointed out 'The President of the Republic: Campaign, Elections, Political Position'.

Our University co-organises the conference

The conference was organised by: Centre for Constitutional Law and Rule of Law Monitoring and University College of Professional Education in Wrocław. Experts - constitutionalists, political scientists and representatives of public life - discussed the role of the president in the Polish political system, the transparency of the election campaign, the impact of new technologies on elections and many other issues related to the competences of the head of state. The conference was held 13 May, moderated by Dr Kamil Stępniak, President of the Board of the Centre for Constitutional Law and Rule of Law Monitoring. The Law.pl service was a media patron of the event.

Protection of the presidential election - identification of the most important provisions and risks by an expert of the JCCC

Dr Damian Wąsik, an expert in criminal law from the Higher School of Vocational Training in Wrocław, discussed the criminal law protection of presidential elections. He cited historical examples of fraud from the interwar period, viz:

• bringing ballot papers to be consecrated in church;
• stamping bread with election slogans;
• satirical chants suggesting election rigging.

The speaker recalled that we have an entire chapter in the Criminal Code dedicated to offences against elections. This inter alia. articles relating to:

• falsification of electoral documents;
• giving false data in order to obtain the right to vote;
• violation of the secrecy of the vote;
• agitation offences, especially on voting day.

In addition to the Penal Code, there are also relevant provisions in:

• the Electoral Code, which provides for inter alia. liability for violating the silence of the electorate or conducting illegal canvassing;
• Act on referendums and certain special laws.

The speaker pointed out that the most serious electoral offences are falsification of voting results, pressure on voters, vote buying or obstruction of voting.

"A very worrying phenomenon is also the organisation of so-called electoral transports, i.e. the transportation of organised groups of voters by committees which, one could say, 'invest' in certain local communities - in order to force a certain electoral result. These practices, although sometimes difficult to prove, can bear the hallmarks of a violation of the principle of free and equal elections, he stressed. He pointed out that there are also situations involving violations of the secrecy of the vote - such as when a third party accompanies a voter to the booth or when a voter is instructed on how to vote."

"I would also like to mention media crimes, i.e. those involving canvassing conducted illegally - for example, during the electoral silence, or using misleading material, such as false information about candidates. We have had cases where manipulated material was published on the eve of the election to discourage people from voting for a particular candidate. And although formally it is sometimes difficult to attribute them to specific individuals, the disinformation effect remains," the speaker said.

Dr Damian Wąsik He also pointed out that all such cases violate citizens' trust in electoral institutions.

WSKZ lecturers at the Congress of Dual Training

15 May 2025 at the National Chamber of Commerce in Warsaw, jointly with the National Forum for Career Guidance, the Vocational Education Committee, the Congress of Dual Education was organised. The event was actively attended by Dr Irena MalinowskaProf. WSKZ - Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Prof. Janusz Soboń from the Institute of Management and Quality Sciences at the Vocational Training College in Wrocław. Their participation enriched the discussion on the future of dual education in Poland, highlighting the key role of cooperation between academia and the business sector.

Dual training - an investment in the future

The dual education system, combining schooling and apprenticeships, is the foundation for effectively preparing young people for the challenges of today's labour market.

Congress speakers

The invited experts included recognised specialists whose experience guaranteed the high level of the event:

• Ewa Flaszyńska - Director of the Labour Market Department, Ministry of the Family, Labour and Social Policy -Piotr Golębiowski - Coordinator of WorldSkills Poland, Foundation for the Development of the Education System;
• Krzysztof Symela - Director of the Research Centre for Vocational Education and Innovation Management, Łukasiewicz Research Network;
• Katarzyna Pawlak-Weiss - Director of the Lower Silesian Teacher Training Centre;
• Hubert Gęsiarz - Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Education Zone Ltd;
• Anna Wilińska - Head of the Office of the Guild of Miscellaneous Crafts in Włocławek.

Importance of dual training

🔹 Development of key competences - professional realism, entrepreneurship, aspiration development.

🔹 Partnership between education and business - the participation of public institutions, businesses and students in the learning process.

🔹 Effective matching of education and the labour market - upgrading of professional skills in line with current needs.

Promoting good practice

An important highlight of the Congress was the presentation of the "Angel of Dual Education" awardshonouring companies that set new standards in vocational education in the workplace. The event highlighted the important role of synergies between education and business in building a qualified workforce for the Polish economy.

Career guidance and the future of dual education

The Congress emphasised the need to develop systemic career guidance and effective information activities on education in the workplace. Cooperation between academia, public administration and entrepreneurs is a key element in preparing young people for the rapidly changing labour market.

Lecture by a legend of Polish forensic science at WSKZ

It is with great pleasure that we announce that on 17 May at 11:30 a.m. in the John Paul II Auditorium at Wrocław University of Life Sciences, a distinguished expert in forensic science and forensic psychology will be a guest of the Higher School of Vocational Education - the Prof. Dr. h.c. mult. Brunon Hołyst.

He will give an open lecture that is sure to be of interest to all lovers of law, psychology and criminology. Professor Bruno Holyst's lectures are renowned for their charisma, erudition and extraordinary ability to translate difficult content into a fascinating story
about man, society and crime.

Who is Professor Bruno Holyst?

Professor Brunon Hołyst is a legend of Polish criminology - lawyer, criminologist, suicidologist. Distinguished professor, doctor habilitated and doctor honoris causa University of Bialystok (2011) and Nasarawa State University in Keffi (Nigeria, 2023). Keffi University awarded him the title honorary professor and set up an Institute for European Studies his name. He is also a consultant University of Vocational Training in Wrocław.

He specialises in forensic science, criminology and victimology. He holds professorial positions in Academy of Applied Sciences in Warsaw and on University of Siedlceand honorary professor University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn.

He is the initiator and founder of Polish Forensic Association, Honorary President of the Polish Society of Mental Hygiene and President of the Polish Suicidological Society. He serves on numerous international scientific committees and has lectured as a visiting professor in many countries, discussing suicidology, victimology
and criminology.

He is the author of more than 1250 publications, including 80 books and academic textbooks, which have been published, among others, in USA, Canada, UK, Japan, China, Germany, Ukraine, Russia and Nigeria. He is a respected expert not only in the world of academia, but also in the legal and law enforcement practice communities. WSKZ students and lecturers are cordially invited to attend.

Summary of the National Academic Conference on the Presidency of the Republic of Poland - an interdisciplinary look at elections and the political system

13 May an All-Poland Academic Conference devoted to the institution of the President of the Republic of Poland was held. The event brought together a wide range of experts - from constitutionalists to political scientists and public life practitioners - who jointly discussed the subject of presidential elections, election campaigns and the systemic role of the head of state. The conference was organised by Centre for Constitutional Law and Rule of Law Monitoring in cooperation with College of Advanced Vocational Training in Wrocław, and was moderated by Dr Kamil Stępniak, President of the Centre.

The meeting provided an important space for the exchange of views and interdisciplinary reflection on the current and future shape of the presidency in Poland. Changes in law, technology and society that affect the functioning of the presidential office and the transparency of electoral processes were discussed.

Law.co.uk has published an article on the conference we are organising, which addresses, among other things, the legal regulation of the use of AI and deep fakes in election campaigns: see material.

Experts and speaking topics - the voice of the speakers on modern challenges of the presidency

Recognised specialists representing various fields of knowledge spoke at the conference:

• Anna Bigaj from the University of Gdansk, focused on the role of new technologies in ensuring the transparency and legitimacy of presidential campaigns. She drew attention to the limited use of tools such as e-ID or trusted profile in the context of elections, pointing to the need to build public trust and advanced safeguards. She also touched on the controversy surrounding online voting (iVoting), which still raises many doubts in Poland.
• Karolina Wilamowska, a lawyer and mediator, presented the impact of artificial intelligence on election campaigns. She pointed out serious risks such as microtargeting, deepfakes, fake accounts and bots amplifying political messages. She emphasised that AI enables the creation of real-time messages, which, on the one hand, increases the effectiveness of communication and, on the other, raises the risk of manipulating public opinion.
• Dr Damian Wąsik from the Higher School of Vocational Training in Wrocław, presented the subject of the criminal law protection of presidential elections. He presented historical examples of fraud from the period of the Second Republic, emphasising how important it is to counteract all attempts to influence the integrity of the electoral process, regardless of the era.
• Dr Malgorzata Andrzejczak-Swiątek from the Police Academy in Szczytno discussed the international context of election monitoring, citing the OSCE ODiHR report on the 2020 presidential election in Poland. She highlighted the role of international institutions in assessing democratic standards and the rule of law.

Acknowledgements and closing thoughts

We would like to thank all the speakers, participants and those involved in the organisation of the conference for creating a space for robust, substantive discussion. The event should undoubtedly be regarded as successful - both in terms of attendance and the level of the papers delivered. We believe that the topics raised will inspire further research and initiatives devoted to the development of the democratic system in Poland.

Psychology in prison isolation - report of an online workshop

13 May 2025 another specialised workshop organised by the Institute of Psychology of the University of Vocational Training. The online meeting, led by Dr Marta Jastrzębska, a retired Prison Service officer and experienced penitentiary psychologist, brought together 25 second and third semester psychology students.

Psychological opinions in prison - theory and practice

During the two-hour workshop, participants had the opportunity to learn about the behind-the-scenes work of a psychologist in penitentiary units, with particular emphasis on the process of providing opinions. The presenter discussed issues related to the provision of psychological assistance in prison isolation, the construction of psychological opinions and psychological-penitentiary judgements on the basis of the applicable regulations.

Among the topics discussed were:

• examples of opinions and judgements created by prison psychologists;
• the rules for referring convicted prisoners to the Diagnostic Centre;
• structure of a professional opinion - from purpose and methods to conclusions and recommendations.

Valuable knowledge and practical perspective

The workshop enabled students to gain specific knowledge about the competences of a psychologist in working with people deprived of their liberty. The meeting allowed for a better understanding of the role of psychological opinion in the context of the criminal executive law and brought the reality of working in prisons and detention centres closer.

An added value of the event was the announcement of a field trip to the Detention Centre, which will take place on an agreed date - providing a practical complement to the knowledge gained during the workshop.

Learn about the function of the head of state from A to Z at the National Academic Conference "The President of the Republic of Poland: campaigning, elections, political position"

Is the presidency merely a representative office or a key element of the balance of power in Poland? The institution of the President of the Republic of Poland has intrigued and stirred emotions for years - both in public debate and among scholars of the political system. Soon, students of our University, doctoral students, lecturers and representatives of the legal community will have the opportunity to take a closer look at the institution during the National Academic Conference 'The President of the Republic of Poland: campaigning, elections, political position'. This is a unique space for discussion with constitutionalists, political scientists and public life experts.

The President of the Republic of Poland under the magnifying glass - a detailed analysis of the functions of the head of state

The National Scientific Conference, organised by our University together with the Centre for Constitutional Law and Rule of Law Monitoring, will take place 13 May 2025 at 10:00 am online.

The theme will be an in-depth reflection on the function of the President of the Republic of Poland - from the electoral process, to campaign strategies, to the constitutional positioning of the office. The meeting will bring together constitutionalists, political scientists and public life experts to look at the evolution of the presidency and the current challenges facing the head of state. 

The focus will also be on the impact of the president's relations with other authorities on the functioning of the state and the political balance. The variety of research approaches and perspectives will enable a comprehensive assessment of the role of this office in the system of the Republic. 

One of the speakers will be Prof. Dr. Krystian Complak - Professor of Constitutional Law at the University of Wrocław, Vice-President of the Polish Constitutional Law Association (PTPK), Member of the Scientific Council of the International Academy of Constitutional Law in Tunis (Tunisia). Author of numerous scientific publications in the field of constitutional law.

At the heart of the debate - key election issues

The National Scientific Conference will address the following topics topics of importance for the functioning of the state. Participants at the event will have the opportunity to look at the following topics, among others:

• Presidential campaign financing - transparency, spending limits, legality of so-called pre-campaigns.
• The role of media and new technologies in presidential campaigns - the challenges of disinformation used to achieve political objectives.
• The principle of the universality of presidential elections and the real accessibility of voting participation - an analysis of statutory solutions.
• Electronic voting in presidential elections (i-voting) - an opportunity for modernisation or a threat to the integrity of elections?
• Mode of electoral dispute resolution in presidential elections - the role of the Supreme Court and its legitimacy.
• Presidential prerogatives.

From the veto to the military - the practical dimension of the presidency

The conference will also provide an opportunity for an in-depth analysis of the constitutional role of the President of the Republic of Poland. Experts will delve into issues concerning his influence on national and international politics, as well as the the evolution of the presidential model in Poland. The meeting will address issues such as:

• The President's role in foreign policy - limits of competence and relationship with the government.
• The so-called presidential veto and its significance for the dual executive model.
• The role of the President as head of the armed forces - competences and real significance in national defence policy.
• The concept of active presidency vs. ceremonial presidency - an analysis of recent presidential practice.
• A non-partisan president in the political system - myth or necessity for systemic balance?

Detailed conference programme and speakers

The conference programme will allow participants to immerse themselves in an interdisciplinary debate, covering both the legal and political aspects as well as the technological or communication challenges of the presidency. A detailed schedule of speeches will open up space for reflection on the real meaning of the office of the President of the Republic of Poland in a changing world.

The conference will be inaugurated by:

• Dr Kamil Stępniak - President of the Centre for Constitutional Law and Rule of Law Monitoring;
• Dr Andrzej Chajbowicz - Director of the Institute of Law at the College of Professional Training.

Expert panel: The presidency and democracy: challenges and models in comparative and forward-looking perspectives

• 10:15-10:35 - Prof. Dr. Krystian Complak (WSKZ): The constitutional position of the president in Poland and selected Latin American countries - a comparative analysis of presidential models;
• 10:35-10:55 - Dr Małgorzata Andrzejczak-Świątek (Police Academy in Szczytno): The role of the OSCE in the context of monitoring free elections;
• 10:55-11:15 - Jakub Kocjan MA (Democracy Action / INP PAN): President vis-à-vis the judiciary and vice versa;
• 11:15-11:35 - Anna Bigaj, MA (University of Gdańsk): The impact of new technologies on the transparency and legitimacy of presidential campaigns;
• 11:35-11:55 - Karolina Wilamowska (University of Gdańsk): Artificial intelligence at the service of democracy or its threat?
• 11:55-12:15 - Discussion;
• 12:15-12:30 - Pause.

Panel I: The struggle for office. The presidential campaign in the light of law, media and political practice

• 12:30-12:45 - Dr Damian Wąsik, Dr Natalia Wąsik (WSKZ): Criminal law protection of presidential elections in Poland;
• 12:45-13:00 - Cyprian Mrzygłód (UG): Problems of debates organised by the election committee of a candidate for the office of President of the Republic of Poland;
• 13:00-13:15 - Magdalena Szypulska (UW): New challenges for justice and social media;
• 13:15-13:30 - Tomasz Jagielski, MA (UO, Doctoral School): The fight for the presidency from the perspective of political groups;
• 13:30-13:45 - Damian Olender (UWM): Social media and the constitutional limits of the President's public activity;
• 13:45-13:55 - Discussion;
• 13:55-14:00 - Pause.

Panel II: The President of the Republic in the constitutional system - between symbol and real power

• 14:00-14:15 - Jan Brzuchalski (UW): Ability to challenge acts issued by the President;
• 14:15-14:30 - Katarzyna Uściłko, Natalia Ozimek (UwB): Mobilisation of the armed forces by the President of the Republic in an emergency situation;
• 14:30-14:45 - Paweł Piszczek (UEK): The president as player, arbiter or statistician?
• 14:45-15:00 - Jakub Drozd (URz): Theory and practice of the legislative veto;
• 15:00-15:15 - Dorota Antczak (UO): The role of the President of the Republic in states of emergency;
• 15:15-15:30 - Weronika Klecha (UMCS): The role of the President in international relations;
• 15:30-15:45 - Aleksandra Trachta, MA (UJDCz): Presidential prerogatives and the legal position of citizens;
• 15:45-16:00 - Dominik Rot (KUL, Centre for Constitutional Law): The right of clemency and the limits of the Presidential prerogative;
• 16:00-16:10 - Discussion;
• 16:10 - Closing of the conference.

Take part in the conference

If you would like to be actively involved in the National Scientific Conference, simply send an abstract (200-300 words) to: konferencja@cpkimp.pl - the deadline for submitting applications is 4 May 2025. Active participation is free and concluded with the issue of certificate. Want to listen to the experts? Submit a passive participation - it's easy, just click!

Do you have any questions? Write to: konferencja@cpkimp.pl.