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.

Meeting of the Education Quality Commission - improving the quality of education and streamlining teaching processes

On 9 May 2025, the Education Quality Committee met to discuss a number of issues relating to improving the quality of education and streamlining the University's teaching and organisational processes.

Following the approval of the agenda and the adoption of the minutes of the previous meeting, the members of the Commission reviewed the draft regulations and procedures re: support for students with disabilities, transfer, recognition and completion of ECTS credits, the functioning of the Programme Boards and the Student Council.

A schedule of hospitalizations was also presented and gave its opinion on study programmes and diploma examination questions. Proposals to increase the supervision of Programme Directors over teaching activities and the availability of academic staff were also discussed. The meeting was held in an atmosphere of substantive discussion and the topics discussed were well attended by Commission Members.

Online workshop "Psychologist in the Prison Service" - coverage of the event

On 6 May 2025, second and third semester psychology students had the opportunity to take part in a unique workshop organised by the Institute of Psychology at the College of Professional Training. The meeting, conducted in an online format, was led by Dr Marta Jastrzębska, a retired Prison Service officer, who shared her knowledge and experience of working as a penitentiary psychologist.

Practice and theory - two worlds of work in penitentiary units

The workshop entitled "Psychologist in the Prison Service (official pragmatics)". lasted two hours - from 18:00 to 20:00 - and attracted a group of 25 students interested in the specifics of working in prisons and detention centres. During the meeting, participants learnt about the key provisions of the Criminal Executive Law and other regulations concerning the role of a psychologist in penitentiary units.

The workshop addressed the following issues, among others:

• The legal basis of the work of the penitentiary psychologist;
• classification of prisons and typology of the prison population;
• The impact of prison isolation on the mental state - as a total and deprivational situation.

Real-life challenges and competences of the penitentiary psychologist

The workshop aimed to make participants aware of the realities of a psychologist's work in a closed environment. Dr Jastrzębska discussed not only the formal aspects of the profession, but also pointed out the practical skills that are required on a daily basis in a penitentiary department or diagnostic centre. Students learnt what qualities and attitudes are key to performing this role effectively and ethically.

Thanks to the professionalism of the presenter and the opportunity to ask questions, participants were able to better understand the challenges faced by a psychologist working in the Prison Service units. This event not only broadened the horizons of the young psychology students, but also encouraged them to further explore this demanding but much-needed professional path.

Contest for a gloss on the Constitutional Court's ruling - take up the challenge and speak out on freedom of speech!

Are you a student at WSKZ and interested in constitutional law, human rights or freedom of expression? Do you want to gain new skills and train your scientific and legal skills? Stand out! Take part in the glosses competition and tackle one of the most controversial rulings of recent years!

Gloss topic:

Constitutional Court judgment of 6 October 2015, ref. SK 54/13 - the case of singer Doda and the limits of freedom of expression in the context of offence to religious feelings.

You can find the verdict to the gloss on the website: Case SK 54/13

Your task is to prepare a gloss - that is, a short, analytical form of commentary on the judgment. Show how you understand the constitution, freedom of speech and the limits of expression!

Deadline for submission of works: until 5 May 2025.

Address for submissions: glosa@wskz.pl

To win: prizes and publication of the best works on the university website!

Glos will be assessed by a professional jury.

The text must be no more than 20,000 characters with spaces. Glossary should be formatted in the following way: font Times New Roman - 12 p., leading 1.5, margins on both sides: 2.5 cm. Footnotes: font Times New Roman - 10 pt., interline 1.0. Bibliography divided into legal sources, case law, literature, Internet sources.

Detailed editorial requirements and competition rules can be found in the competition regulations.

Don't miss this opportunity to shine with your knowledge and argumentation! It's not just a competition - it's a chance to make a name for yourself as a young, critical-thinking lawyer!

The International Scientific and Practical Conference organised by our University took place on 29 April.

In an era of increasing digitalisation and global technological challenges, international cooperation is a key foundation for the development of education and research. University of Vocational Training in Wrocław (Poland) and Vasyl Sukhomlynski Department of ICT and Safe Learning Environment KPI (Ukraine) launched a joint initiative to organise International Scientific and Practical Conferencewhich took place on 29 April 2025 in an online format using the ZOOM platform.

Aim of the conference

The conference was designed as a space to integrate researchers, experts, educators and technology practitioners, enabling the exchange of knowledge and experience in the digital transformation of education. The event aimed to:

• An analysis of the key challenges arising from digitisation processes in education.
• Promoting innovative technological solutions to support teaching.
• Exchange of international experiences on the adaptation of educational systems to modern technological requirements.

Thematic areas of the conference

The conference covered the following topics:

1. The European experience of digital transformation of education.
2. Development of digital competences of educational participants.
3. Psychological, pedagogical and methodological aspects of the use of information technology in education.
4. Artificial intelligence systems and technologies in educational activities.
5. Safe learning environments in the context of digital transformation.
6. Universal learning process design in the digital age.
7. Legal aspects of the digitisation of education.
8. Ethical, social and psychological consequences of the digital transformation of education.

Organisers and international scientific committee

The joint initiative to organise the conference stems from the dynamic cooperation between the University of Vocational Training in Wrocław and Vasyl Sukhomlynsky KPI. This partnership is an example of effective international action for science and development.

Importance of international cooperation

The partnership between Poland and Ukraine strengthens scientific exchange and the development of joint research projects in education. Cooperation between the two institutions contributes to the promotion of innovative educational standards and global solutions for digital transformation.

Cooperation without borders: Professor Soboń and Dr Seleznova at the conference in Szymkent

We would like to inform you that on 22 April this year. Professor Janusz Soboń and Dr. Ruslana Seleznova took part in the International Student Scientific and Practical Conference held in the city of Shymkent, Republic of Kazakhstan.

Together with the lecturers National University of Biological Resources and Natural Economy of Ukraine (Kyiv) prepared student papers on current topics related to the digital economy. Professor Janusz Soboń and Dr Ruslana Seleznova acted as research supervisors for the students as part of the joint international scientific project Poland-Ukraine-Kazakhstan.

Professor Soboń and Dr Seleznova also express their hope for further development of international academic cooperation and invite Polish students to actively participate in scientific activities together with students from other countries.

Silence and loyalty in the uniformed services. Psychosocial mechanisms of victims' failure to report bullying - conference findings

There is a strong culture of loyalty and so-called 'conspiracy of silence' among uniformed services such as the police, border guards and firefighters. As a result of this phenomenon, officers rarely decide to report mobbing, as they fear exclusion from their environment, professional consequences and social stigmatisation. About covert psychological violence in the services during the conference on 23 April 2025, spoke Dr Rafał Guzowski, lecturer and programme director Institute for Homeland Security and Criminology.

Bullying - hidden violence in uniform

Bullying is not just a one-off conflict - it is systematic, long-term psychological harassment in the workplace. It manifests itself through humiliation, ridicule, criticism or obstruction of duties. In the services, where discipline and hierarchy play a key role, distinguishing between command and violence can be difficult - but necessary.

Why are the victims silent?

In his paper, Dr Rafał Guzowski from the University of Vocational Training in Wrocław analysed the complex web of psychosocial conditions that cause officers not to report violence. These include:

• shame, guilt and the need to belong;
• fear of losing one's position, entitlements or even one's job;
• disbelief in the effectiveness of the support system;
• strong pressure to "be tough" and avoid "complaints";
• an organisational culture that prizes loyalty to the group, not to values.

What does the research show?

Surveys among police officers in the Lubelskie Voivodeship showed that:

• 30% experienced verbal aggression;
• 17% received absurd tasks in a systematic way.

In turn, a 2014 Interior Ministry report revealed that:

• Over 40% women in the uniformed services felt discriminated against on the basis of gender, maternity plans or lack of availability outside working hours.

Bullying as the theme of an international conference

This topic was further discussed during the international scientific conference organised by our University and entitled 'The European Union.
"Bullying as a destructive aspect of the work environment"..

This event, aimed at representatives of various professions - not just the uniformed services - addressed the universal issues of bullying:

• How do you recognise the first signs of psychological violence?
• What are its implications for individuals and organisations?
• How to prevent and respond effectively?

Renowned experts from Poland and abroad shared their knowledge, and the conference provided a space for the exchange of experiences, reflections and proposals for viable solutions.

Conclusions

Silence is not the absence of violence - it is the result of it. Loyalty, which is intended to protect the common good, is unfortunately sometimes a tool of intimidation and exclusion. If bullying is operating in the institutions set up to protect society, we must ask a fundamental question: Who protects those who are supposed to protect us?

Excellent scientific event at the College of Vocational Training in Wrocław - guest lecture by Prof. Peter Nijkamp and Dr. Karima Kourtit

On 26 April 2025, the College of Vocational Training hosted a unique academic event - a guest lecture by two prominent figures of world science, Prof Peter Nijkamp and Dr Karima Kourtit. The auditorium attracted a large number of students and academics who attended the event with great interest. The lectures delivered by our guests were not only a source of a huge dose of knowledge, but also a inspiration for deeper reflection on the challenges of today.

Prof. Peter Nijkamp on AI in urban planning processes

Professor Peter Nijkamp, one of the world's most influential regional economists, Professor Emeritus of the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam and former President of the Regional Science Association International, presented a lecture entitled Artificial Intelligence: Save Our Souls - More Information, Better Planning?. In his speech, the Professor gave an extremely insightful overview of the the role of artificial intelligence in spatial and social planning processesemphasising the importance of using modern technology. His profound erudition, clarity of delivery and unique ability to combine science with practice impressed the audience.

Speech by Dr Karim Kourtit on the governance of modern cities

Dr Karima Kourtit, a distinguished economist and urban planner affiliated with the Open University of the Netherlands and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, spoke next. In her lecture titled 'The urbanisation of the Netherlands. Urban Love in Troubled Cities Dr Kourtit raised issues relating to urban dynamics, migration and innovation in the management of modern cities. Its interdisciplinary approach, based on research and practical experience, opened up new perspectives on the future of urbanised areas to the audience.

The lecture section was followed by a lively session of questions and insights, which turned into a passionate discussion. Students and participants in the meeting were keen to take advantage of the opportunity for one-to-one discussions with the speakersThe atmosphere of mutual exchange of ideas and scientific curiosity continued late into the afternoon. An atmosphere of mutual exchange of ideas and scientific curiosity accompanied us until late in the afternoon.

Guests visited key sites in Wrocław

The following day, Prof. Peter Nijkamp and Dr Karima Kourtit had the opportunity to learn more about the charms of Wrocław. The guests visited the city's most important monuments, starting with the monumental Panorama of Racławicewhich delighted them with its artistic grandeur and rich historical content. During a walk around Ostrów Tumski they admired the majestic St John the Baptist Cathedral - a pearl of Gothic architecture. The tour could not miss a visit to the Leopoldina Hall of Wrocław Universitywhere the baroque interiors and rich history of the city's academic life made a special impression on visitors. Wrocław Market Square with its impressive Town HallThe Pillory and charming townhouses were the next stop on the route to discover the cultural heritage of the capital of Lower Silesia. Among the many impressions, there was also the admiration of the wrocław dwarves - a symbol of the city which, as our guests emphasised, gives it a unique character and atmosphere.

Academics appreciate WSKZ's commitment

Professor Peter Nijkamp and Dr Karima Kourtit emphasised the exceptionally friendly atmosphere of the meeting, the high quality of the questions asked and the the high level of commitment and friendliness of the students of the College of Vocational Training. In their speeches, they also drew attention to the beauty of Wrocław, appreciating its rich history, architecture and unique character. They expressed their gratitude for the warm welcome and their hope for further development of scientific cooperation and further meetings in the future.