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.

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.