Strategic directions of development - meeting of the University authorities with academic staff of the Faculty of Social Sciences

Day 10 June 2025 at 16:00 on the platform Google Meet a three-hour meeting between the University's authorities and representatives of the academic staff of the Faculty of Social Sciences was held, attended by around 120 people. The event was of crucial importance for the future of the Faculty, providing not only a forum for the exchange of ideas but, above all, an opportunity to jointly define the strategic development directions - both in the areas of teaching and research activities.

Highlights of the meeting

During the discussion, key issues affecting the development of the Faculty were discussed:

• Modernisation of the teaching offeradapted to the changing needs of the labour market.
• Strengthening student activities, through the development of mentoring and scholarship programmes.
• Expanding international cooperation, enabling participation in global research projects.
• Use of modern technology, supporting innovative teaching and research methods.

Participants and speakers

The meeting started Managing Director, Dr Bartosz Blaszczak, who discussed organisational matters and the aims of the debate. The following spoke next Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Dr Irena Malinowska - continued the meeting, emphasising its unique nature as a space for sharing experiences, reflecting on the common academic mission and setting new directions for the university. In her speech, she also stressed the importance of the university's internationalisation, pointing to the active activities of the Centre for International Cooperation and the anticipation of the European Commission's decision on the Erasmus Charter, which will enable further cooperation with prestigious scientific centres around the world.

She also pointed out that the development of the university is based on scientific and publishing activities, encouraging the meeting participants to actively participate in conferences, workshops and the publication of articles in the university's journals.

At the end of the speech, the Dean thanked everyone for their contribution to the academic and scientific development of the University, emphasising that the commitment of the academic community is the foundation for the future of the Faculty. Later in the meeting, the following spoke:

• Acting Dean for Educational Quality, Dr Justyna Jasińska-Rudzka - study directions and teaching objectives;
• Vice-Dean for Student Affairs, Dr Aneta Kazanecka - perspectives on the development of student activities and academic support;
• Dean's Plenipotentiary for Cooperation with the Social and Economic Environment, Dr Wojciech Kazanecki - cooperation initiatives with the business sector and social organisations;
• Vice-Chancellor for Science and Development - development of scientific staff and raising research standards;
• Vice-Chancellor for International Relations - the internationalisation of the University and the development of foreign cooperation.

Development directions of the Institutes

During the meeting directors of scientific institutes presented their visions and development plans in key areas:

• Institute of Criminology and Homeland Security - Dr Janusz Bryk discussed strategies to strengthen crime research and modern methods of providing security.
• Law Institute - Dr Andrzej Chajbowicz presented plans to expand cooperation with legal institutions and innovative training courses.
• Institute of Psychology - Professor Artur Ziolkowski presented new areas of research in social and clinical psychology.
• Institute of Administration and Political Science - Dr Jan Znajdek discussed the development of public management studies and international politics.
• Institute of Management and Quality Sciences - Dr Marika Szymanska pointed to innovative approaches to managing organisations and improving service quality.
• Institute for Media and Social Communication - Professor Aleksander Woźny presented research directions on digital media and communication in the technological age.

Action on social responsibility and equality

The meeting also discussed relevant initiatives:

• Equality and anti-discrimination measures - The Rector's Plenipotentiary for Equal Treatment, Małgorzata Piórkowska, presented programmes supporting equal opportunities policies.
• Initiatives for people with disabilities - The Rector's Plenipotentiary for Persons with Disabilities, Dr Damian Wąsik, presented solutions to facilitate access to education.
• Organisational matters in the Office of the Dean - The Director of the Dean's Office, Magdalena Nogga, presented the current administrative announcements.

Summary and conclusions

The meeting was key moment in determining strategic orientations for the development of the Facultyand its participants unanimously stressed the need for further cooperation at academic and scientific level. The University authorities committed to:

• Research development, through increased funding and participation in international projects.
• Strengthening internationalisation, through academic exchange programmes and cooperation with foreign institutions.
• Increasing support for students, through new mentoring and scholarship initiatives.

We would like to thank all participants for their engagement, valuable discussions and inspiring ideas. Together we are building the future of the Faculty and the University as a wholemeeting the challenges of modern science and education!

National International Scientific Conference "Communication and Security in Crisis, Border and Difficult Situations"

On days 5-6 June 2025 the International Scientific Conference on Communication in Crisis and Border Situations was held in Wrocław. The event was organised by Institute of Media and Social Communication of the University of Vocational Training chaired by Prof. Aleksander Woźnyand the conference became a space for interdisciplinary exchanges, reflections and analyses of the mechanisms of conformity, socio-cultural barriers to otherness and the challenges of the aid professions in the face of extreme situations such as armed conflicts, natural disasters or epidemics.

Welcome and opening of the conference

The conference was officially opened on behalf of the University authorities by Dr Irena Malinowska, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the College of Vocational Training in Wrocław, emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue and the need to jointly seek effective solutions for communication in crisis situations.

Inspiring talks and debate

The event started film screening "Waiting for the sky", directed by Alina Mrowinska (2020). The show was held in Sense Factoryfollowed by a moving debate with the documentary's protagonist. dr. n. med. Paweł GrabowskiPresident of the Prophet Elijah Hospice Foundation. The discussion provided an important opportunity to reflect on communication in the face of difficult decisions and borderline situations.

Experts and speakers

The conference was attended by eminent specialists from various fields, as well as students. Speakers included:

• Prof. zw. dr hab. n. med. Andrzej Gładysz - specialist in infectious diseases; 
• Dr n. med. Pawel Grabowski - President of the Prophet Elijah Hospice Foundation;
• Prof. Dr. Aleksander Woźny - Director of the Institute of Media and Social Communication;
• Dr n. med. Krzysztof Szmyd - President of the Lower Silesian children's hospice "Formula of Good";
• Prof. Tomasz Pawłowski, MD, PhD - Head of the Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Disorders;
• Prof. Bozhidar Ivkov - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences;
• Monica Marinova - President of the Tarlov's Cyst Patients Association "Treatment Without Borders" (Bulgaria);
• Dr Oliwia Tarasewicz-Gryt - College of Vocational Training;
• Prof. Dr. Urszula Glensk - Institute of Journalism and Social Communication, University of Wrocław;
• Dr Tetiana Vlasevych - Ivan Franko National University of Lviv;
• Dr Michał Rydlewski - Institute of Journalism and Social Communication, University of Wrocław;
• Dr Jerzy Luty - College of Vocational Training;
• Dr n. vet. Wojciech Hildebrand - Vice President of the Council of the Lower Silesian Chamber of Veterinary Medicine;
• Aleksandra Keller, MA - President of the Kociniec Cat Orphanage Foundation.

Summary and conclusions

At the end of the conference, students and participants summarised the issues raised and pointed out the need to continue discussions and further research in the field of crisis communication. Due to the great interest and positive reception of the event, it was reported that a second edition of the conference will be organised to explore this important topic in even greater depth.

National Scientific Conference entitled. "Communication and security in crisis, border and difficult situations".

Already on 5 and 6 June 2025 in Wrocław a unique scientific event on communication in difficult, crisis and border situations will take place. The conference, organised by Institute of Media and Social Communication of the University of Vocational Training will be a space for the interdisciplinary exchange of experiences and reflections of representatives from the world of science and practice.

A special place on the programme will be given to issues concerning mechanisms of conformity and resistance, socio-cultural barriers to Otherness and the challenges of the aid professions in the face of extreme situations - such as armed conflict, natural disasters or epidemics.

Film, debate and international voice

Event will open with a screening of the moving film "Waiting for Heaven" directed by Alina Mrowinska (2020)which will be held at the Factory of Sense and will be the starting point for a discussion that will also include the documentary's protagonist, Dr Paweł Grabowski, President of the Prophet Elias Hospice Foundation, and will also serve as an introduction to the main part of the conference. The meeting will be held in a stationary format (in the Sense Factory and Hotel Scandic).

Wrocław, 5-6 June 2025.
5.06, 5.30 pm - 7.30 pm | Sense Factory, 21/4 Benedykta Polaka St. - film screening and panel discussion
6.06, 9 a.m.-3.30 p.m. | Hotel ScandicPiłsudskiego Street 53-57 - the main part of the conference

Organised by: Institute of Media and Social Communication, University of Applied Sciences

For more information, see the conference programme:

Download the conference programme

Meeting with an authority - Prof. Dariusz Dolinski in the series "In the Circle of Authorities"

Already on 4 June 2025 at 14:00, the second meeting of the "In the Circle of Authorities" series will take place. This time, the special guest will be Professor Dariusz Doliński, PhD - a prominent social psychologist, author and co-author of numerous scientific publications, including the book 'One Hundred Techniques of Social Influence', written together with Professor Tomasz Grzyb. The event will be streamed live online, allowing a wide audience to participate.

Manipulation all around us - how to recognise and defend against it?

The topic of the talk will be the everyday mechanisms of social influence - often unnoticed but extremely effective. Participants will learn, among other things:

• What are techniques for exerting influence - and why we succumb to them so easily.
• How to recognise manipulation attempts - both in private and professional relationships.
• How to defend yourself against peer pressure - and make decisions in a more informed manner.

The talk will be hosted by Dorota Wodecka, a journalist known for her insightful, inspiring conversations with authorities from the world of science and culture.

Meeting the champion - don't miss the broadcast

The meeting with Professor Dolinski is an excellent opportunity to reflect on how everyday interactions shape our decisions and emotions. The event is open and will be streamed live - we encourage you to book a time and join online. This is a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge and look at social mechanisms of influence from a completely new perspective.

Summary of guest lecture by Lt. Col. Res. Dr. Samir Rawat - prominent military psychologist and authority on mental toughness

On Saturday, 24 May 2025, the College of Vocational Training in Wrocław hosted an extraordinary guest lecture by Col. Res. Dr. Samir Rawat, a world-class expert in military psychology, developmental psychology and leadership in extreme conditions.

Lecture topic - "Self-Regulation in Dealing with PTSD and PTG". (Self-regulation in the context of coping with post-traumatic stress syndrome and post-traumatic growth) - was met with great interest by the participants. Dr Rawat shared his unique knowledge and experience gained as an infantry company commander in the extreme conditions of the Siachen Glacier and as a psychologist at the elite National Defence Academy in India.

The lecture was interactive and concluded with a lively discussion. Students actively asked questions, often of a problematic nature, raising issues of practical aspects of self-regulation and psychological support for people after traumatic experiences. The meeting was not only a source of valuable knowledge, but also an inspiration to reflect on the role of mental resilience in the modern world.

Dr Rawat's visit to Wrocław had a wider dimension. On 22-23 May, he also participated as a speaker at the 2nd WSKZ Conference "Trauma of floods, domestic violence and war - new challenges of psychological support", organised by the Institute of Psychology of the Higher School of Vocational Training in Wrocław. The event brought together prominent professionals involved in trauma support, and Dr Rawat's participation was highly appreciated by academics and practitioners.

During his stay in Wrocław, Dr Rawat also had the opportunity to explore the city - he visited, among others, the Racławice Panoramawhere he was accompanied by the Director of the Institute of Psychology and a representative of the Centre for International Cooperation. The meeting was not only an opportunity to exchange experiences, but also to strengthen international cooperation in the field of extreme psychology and intercultural education. We would like to thank all the participants for their activity and Dr Rawat for his inspiring speech, which will remain in the memory of the audience for a long time.

Guest lecture by Dr Magdalena El Ghamari

On 25 May 2025, the School of Professional Training, Institute of Criminology and Homeland Security, hosted a guest lecture by Dr Magdalena El Ghamari, entitled 'The Criminology and Homeland Security'. "Russian disinformation in the Middle East and North Africa - threats and challenges"..

The lecture was organised for second-level students of the criminology and provided an opportunity to deepen the understanding of contemporary information threats in a geopolitical context. Dr M. El Ghamari presented mechanisms of action of russian disinformation campaigns, their impact on regional security, particularly in Syria and Libya, and the challenges they pose to states and the international community.

The presentation was of great interest to students and was a valuable addition to the training programme in the area of threat analysis and contemporary forms of hybrid operations.

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