3rd National Congress on Security Studies - Wrocław - centre of debate on the future of the discipline

On 22-23 October 2025. Wrocław will host the 3rd All-Poland Congress on Security Sciences under the theme "14 Years of Security Science. Opportunities, challenges and developments". The event will provide an opportunity to exchange views on the theoretical and practical dimensions of security research and is organised by the University of Wrocław and the General Tadeusz Kościuszko Academy of Land Forces. The Congress is also co-organised by the College of Vocational Training in Wrocław.

Scope and purpose of the event

The congress will bring together representatives of leading academic centres, experts from institutions dealing with security issues, including uniformed services and think tanks. The main objective of the meeting is identification of needs and challenges facing the security sciences and identifying directions for their development.

How WSKZ is contributing to this year's Congress

The College of Vocational Training in Wrocław, as a official co-organiser, will engage in organisational and substantive activities, supporting scientific initiatives for the development of the discipline of security sciences. The university thus emphasises its commitment to the integration of the scientific community and building a platform for collaboration between universities, experts and practitioners from different sectors.

Academic responsibility and the future - the strategy of the Faculty of Social Sciences Council

25 July 2025 meeting was held Councils of the Faculty of Social Scienceswhich has become an important step towards a modern sustainable and responsible academic future. The meeting resulted in the adoption of key developments and highlighted the importance of integration of the scientific community.

Strategy, quality, development

The meeting initiated implementation of the Faculty Development Strategy 2025-2030 presented by Dr Rafał Guzowski - Vice-Dean for Development and Cooperation. Chaired by the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Dr Irena Malinowska, and with the participation of Dr Bartosz Blaszczak - Managing Director, the Council focused on:

• improving the quality of education;
• developing interdisciplinary research;
• strengthening relations with the socio-economic environment;
• promotion of innovative forms of teaching.

Action plans for the academic year were also presented 2025/2026 emphasising consistency of objectives and staff involvement.

International dimension of education

The Vice-Chancellor for International Relations presented an ambitious approach to the development of the Erasmus+ programme made possible by the university's ECHE Cards. Among the priorities were:

• digitisation;
• inclusiveness;
• internationalisation.

The Centre for International Cooperation announced expanding relations with European universities and the development of teaching offerings in English.

Diplomacy - flexibility and practice

The College of Vocational Training has announced the implementation of a new graduation arrangements incorporating mentoring, flexibility and a strong link to professional practice. This is a step towards a more accessible, practical and supportive graduation process.

Responsibility and safety

Social and organisational activities presented new initiatives for the safety and social responsibility. A resolution of appointment was adopted:

• University Centre Against Trafficking in Human Beings;
• University Missing Persons Information Centre (in the design phase).

The Security Advisory Panel, together with the Institute of Criminology and Homeland Security, is preparing to participate in the 8th SAFE PLACE Congress, where social and digital security projects will be showcased.

Society, religion, mental health - what Professor Tomasz Witkowski is talking about

We invite you to read current material by psychologist and lecturer at the Vocational Training CollegeProfessor Tomasz Witkowski. His texts and media appearances disseminate psychological knowledge, emphasising its importance in a social context.

Psychology in the media - the latest topics and conversations

Thanks to their accessible format, the publications reach the general public, are thought-provoking and foster informed discussion.

• "Psychology as religion: has the cult of self-development replaced our faith?"
  Holistic News, 15.07.2025
  Read article
• "A step in the wrong direction - Psychologists versus psychotherapists".
  Interview on TOK FM radio with Cezary Łasiczka
  Issued: 17.07.2025, 9.00 a.m.
  Listen to the broadcast
• "Where there is no psychiatrist. Also in Poland - a conversation with Dr Tomasz Witkowski".
  Holistic News, 10.07.2025
  Read the interview
• "The Age of Discernment. First Confession through the eyes of a psychologist"
  Dziennik Gazeta Prawna, 04.07.2025
  See article

Knowledge that inspires and encourages discussion

We would like to thank Prof. Dr. Tomasz Witkowski for continuous sharing of experience and contribution to building psychological public awareness. Each resource presents psychology in an understandable and engaging way, while also addressing the key social issues and enriching the public debate on the role of mental health.

Strategic research and education partnership between the University of Vocational Training and the Sophie Zamenhof Foundation

On the initiative of the Safety Advisory Panel of the College of Vocational Training a key cooperation agreement was concluded with the Zofia Zamenhof Foundation. The document was signed by Dr Bartosz Blaszczak, Managing Director of the WSKZ, and constitutes a an important pillar of scientific development and community college.

Common mission, common goals

The scope of joint activities includes, among others:

• initiation and implementation interdisciplinary research projects;
• joint organisation scientific conferences and seminars experts;
• development of materials post-conference and thematic publications;
• co-creation of innovative curricula;
• participation in the External Stakeholder Council and exchange of good practice;
•  Running specialised training particularly in the field of artificial intelligence - dedicated to both students and academic staff.

Direction for the future of science and education

The signed agreement is part of a strategic vision for the integration of academia and the non-governmental sector. Cooperation will be actively coordinated and aligned with current scientific, educational and social development priorities.

Potential and opportunities

Partnership with the Sophie Zamenhof Foundation significantly will enrich the teaching offer of the universitywill enhance the scientific competence of its community and contribute to the creation of a innovative solutions in the field of education and research.

International partnership in practice - Chancellor of Swiss SIMS visits the School of Vocational Training

26 July 2025 At the invitation of the Centre for International Cooperation of the Higher School of Vocational Training in Wrocław came to Wrocław Prof. Aleksandra Zając, Chancellor a renowned Swiss university - The Swiss Institute of Management and Sciences (SIMS) to meet with the Management Staff of our University. Her visit was a great honour and a testament to the strong partnership and the high prestige of the College of Vocational Training on the international stage.

A new phase of international cooperation and scientific synergy

The meeting discussed plans for further development of cooperation, bearing in mind the Letter of Intent recently concluded by the Centre for International Cooperation of the College of Vocational Training with SIMS University.

Among the participants of the event was also the eminent scientist Prof. Dr. Andrzej Misiuk, internationally recognised as a pioneer of security science in Poland. Prof. Dr. Misiuk has numerous scientific achievements that have contributed to the development of the field. His contributions to science, his membership of international committees and his participation in global projects are extremely valuable contributions to science and education.

More than a visit - a shared vision of development

A wide range of future activities were discussedsuch as joint research, lectures by visiting professors, opportunities for exchange of students and academics for internships, and the realisation of joint international publications. There was also discussions on dual degree programmeswhich will allow our students to gain knowledge and experience at the highest level, using the resources of both universities.

We are proud to work with such a renowned institution as the The Swiss Institute of Management and Sciencesand this visit represents another step towards developing and strengthening our shared educational mission. We look forward to further joint initiatives to enhance the quality of education and learning.

Meeting with a member of the Stakeholder Council of the College of Vocational Training

On 11 June 2025 a meeting was held Ms Sylwia Rzepka - owner of Rzepka sp. z o.o. and member of the Accountants' Association in Poland - with the authorities of the College of Vocational Training. The creative atmosphere surrounding the meeting laid the groundwork for further developing the Council's activities in the local socio-economic environment.

Practical suggestions and support for the development of study programmes

The meeting discussed ideas for the practical elements of the activities conducted with students and valuable comments were made on current study programmes. Ms Sylwia Rzepka's suggestions proved to be a valuable contribution in the process of improving the educational offer of the university.

Joint action on economic education

Thank you Ms Sylwia Rzepka z Accounting Office Rzepka sp. z o.o. for their commitment so far. We believe that further cooperation will contribute to the dissemination of knowledge in the field of economics in Lower Silesia and to strengthen relations between the university and the business environment.

Participation of the WSKZ Stakeholder Council in the meeting of the Partner Business Clubs

On 4 June 2025. Representatives of the Council for Social and Economic Relations of the College of Vocational Training participated in a meeting of Partner Business Clubs held at the AC Hotel by Marriott in Wrocław. Discussions included business relations, logistics, business management and the implementation of modern technologies in the business sector. The contacts established with the local business community constitute a a further step towards empowerment University of Vocational Training on the map of Wrocław.

The new Big Five in Management - the values and vision of an effective leader

Sunday, 13 July 2025., on the initiative of the Institute of Psychology of the School of Vocational Training, a meeting of students from the Prof. Dr. Jerzy Mączyński - eminent organisational and management psychologist, recognised expert in the field of intercultural leadership. The event was also attended by Dr Artur Ziolkowski, Professor of the School of Vocational Training, Director of the Institute of Psychology, and Piotr Stępkowski, M.Sc. The aim of the event was to present the innovative concept of the New Big Five in Managementbased on the results of a long-term study conducted by the international GLOBE Leadership Project.

Five pillars of effective management according to the New Big Five

Prof. Dr. Jerzy Mączyński and Prof. Dr. Artur Ziółkowski from the School of Vocational Training presented five fundamental dimensions of effective leadership:

• Achievement orientation.
• Vision for the development of the organisation.
• Inspirational leadership.
• Honesty and integrity.
• Participatory leadership.

The meeting became a space for a valuable exchange of ideas with students on contemporary challenges in management. The role of organisational culture, the importance of ethics in leadership and the practical implications of the research findings for 21st century leaders were at the centre of the discussions.

Take a look at the photo report of the event!

Vocational Training College establishes cooperation with therapeutic centre in Aleksandrów Łódzki

University of Vocational Training in Wrocław has concluded a cooperation agreement with Special Schools and with the Non-public Health Care Institution Międzyszkolny Zakład Rehabilitacji i Korekcji Wad Postawy (Inter-school Rehabilitation and Postural Defects Correction Centre) in Aleksandrów Łódzki. The facility provides comprehensive care for primary and secondary school pupilsincluding for children with a special educational needs assessment. The establishment offers a wide range of services: psychological and pedagogical support, speech therapy, neurology, dog therapy, sensory integration, music therapy, physiotherapy and art therapy.

Purpose of the visit

Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences Dr Irena Malinowska on behalf of Managing Director Dr Bartosz Blaszczak together with Prof. Janusz Soboń from the College of Vocational Training visited the facility in Aleksandrów Łódzki to learn about its activities and the way the therapy team works. The meeting was a working one and dealt with the possibility of cooperation in the area of practical training and the joint development of educational programmes.

Summary of the visit

The meeting took place in a friendly and professional atmosphere with the full commitment of the hosts. The visit confirmed the high potential of the partnership between the University and the Department and the will to continue the joint activities in the practical field of education, therapy and specialist support.

Development prospects

As part of the planned development activities, consideration is being given to the possibility of extending the educational offer University College of Professional Education graduates Erasmus' High School with Integrated Branches in Aleksandrów Łódzki. This provides an opportunity for young people with the experience of inclusive education to continuing education at university level in areas particularly suited to their interests and aptitudes.

Security in the 21st century: a new look in the latest issue of "Law & Security"

The College of Vocational Training in Wrocław is pleased to announce the publication of a new issue of the scientific journal "Law & Security", edition 3(4)/2025. The publication contains a collection of interdisciplinary articles on current legal issues and security challenges in local, European and global dimensions.

In the issue, among others:

- International cooperation in countering global threats. Julia Kobets, Tetyana Strutynska. pp. 7-17 | DOI.
- Security versus openness: dilemmas of border protection in the Schengen area. Grzegorz K. Hare. pp. 18-35 | DOI.
- Security threats in times of contemporary conflict. Weronika Parczewska, Emilia Kurzyk. pp. 36-45 | DOI.
- Factors influencing Russia's initiation of war with Ukraine (part 1). Marcin Liberacki. pp. 46-61 | DOI.
- The main causal factors of Russia's military intervention in Ukraine. Mieczysław Stolarczyk. pp. 62-95 | DOI.
- The impact of the war in Ukraine on global energy security. M. Chodyka, T. Grudniewski, M. Dobrzyńska-Dąbska. pp. 96-108 | DOI.
- Legal protection of police officers. Mariusz Michalski. pp. 109-122 | DOI.
- Unmanned aerial vehicles in rescue. M. Magniszewski, P. Grelewski, R. Parczewski. pp. 123-141 | DOI.
- Social determinants of cultural security. Marek Bodziany, Małgorzata Pacer. pp. 142-162 | DOI.
- Methods for the classification of fingerprint images. Tadeusz Niedziela, Brunon Hołyst. pp. 163-199 | DOI.
- NGOs under the Civil Protection and Civil Defence Act. K. Ochyra-Żurawska, W. Marcinek. pp. 200-211 | DOI.
- Anti-victimisation competences in the formation of pro-social attitudes. Bartosz Błaszczak, Brunon Hołyst. pp. 212-240 | DOI.
- Protecting citizens' bank deposits and social security. Irena Malinowska, Jan Znajdek. pp. 241-254 | DOI.
- Acquisition of real estate by foreigners - legal analysis. Aleksandra Siewert. pp. 255-277 | DOI.
- Compensation or repression? Article 244c of the Penal Code as a tool to counteract the evasion of reparation. Marcin Czosnek, Marta Czosnek. pp. 278-296 | DOI.

Why reach for the latest issue?

Issue 3(4)/2025 of the journal "Law & Security" presents a broad spectrum of topics of high societal and legal relevance - from geopolitical conflicts to modern technologies in the service of security. The publication represents an important a source of knowledge and reflection for students, experts and representatives of professional practice.

We encourage you to read!