"Faces of Sadness. Depression in its various guises" - A masterful lecture that makes you think

Last Saturday, as part of a series of masterclasses, a meeting was held on one of the most serious mental health challenges - depression. The theme of the event was a lecture entitled 'Faces of sadness. Depression in its various facets'. The event was initiated by Professor Ryszard Poprawa, to whom we would like to thank him for his involvement in organising the lecture.

Expert perspective of Prof. Dr. Jan Chodkiewicz

The speaker was Professor Jan Chodkiewicz, Ph. - recognised clinical psychologist, certified psychotherapist and specialist in addiction psychotherapy, who has been combining academic work with psychotherapeutic practice for more than 30 years, helping people with addiction problems and their families.

Professor Chodkiewicz shared his extensive knowledge and clinical and scientific experience, focusing on the complexity of the phenomenon of depression.

The different faces of depression and their consequences

The topic of the meeting was not only classical depressionbut also its less obvious 'faces'. The lecture provided an introduction to the issue, presenting both the classic symptoms of (internalising) depression - such as disorders of mood, motivation, cognitive function or somatic complaints - as well as the various variants of this disorder, occurring in different age groups and situational contexts, such as depression in children and adolescents, the elderly, postnatal, seasonal or existential depression.

Male depression, comorbidity and counteracting stigma

Particular attention was paid to externalisation depression, also known as 'male depression'. Professor Chodkiewicz discussed the so-called 'male depression'. gender paradox - juxtaposing the higher suicide rate among men with the higher diagnosis of depression in women - and pointed to specific forms of expression of this variety of depression: impulsivity, aggression, substance abuse or escape into work.

During the lecture issues related to the co-occurrence of depression with other mental disorders were also addressed, the diagnosis of this disorder and the importance of education and anti-stigma in the context of helping people struggling with depression.

We would like to thank Professor Jan Chodkiewicz for an extremely valuable lecture and Professor Ryszard Poprawa for his initiative and organisational support. The event certainly contributed to the knowledge of the our academic community and open up space for further reflection on this important topic.

"Applying AI in Business - How Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Market". A practical online workshop for students of our University.

12 June 2025 (Thursday) from 19:00-21:00 an online workshop for students of the College of Vocational Training will be held. The topic of the meeting will be "Applying AI in Business - How Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Marketplace". The workshop will be led by MA Mehmet Ömürlü collaborating with WSKZ, who will present ways in which artificial intelligence can be used in different areas of companies' operations. The workshop has been prepared with the following in mind students interested in modern technologies and their impact on the labour market.

What will you learn during the workshop?

The aim of the workshop is to present, How artificial intelligence is changing the way companies operate, influences process efficiency and enables the creation of new business models. Participants will learn how AI is used in marketing, HR, finance and data analysis.

The following will be discussed specific toolssuch as chatbots, recommendation systems or process automation. The workshop provides for interactive exercises through which participants will learn about real examples of AI implementation in companies and the challenges that come with it. Particular emphasis will be placed on competences that will be key in the labour market in the coming years.

Technical details

The meeting will take place on the Google Meet platform. Participants can also join by phone on +48 22 163 89 13 and PIN: 185 821 777#.

Direct link to the meeting: https://meet.google.com/sgq-fzzk-kgv and additional telephone numbers https://meet.google.com/tel/sgq-fzzk-kgv?pin=3836374194634.

Don't ignore sadness. Learn the truth about depression - masterclass by Prof. Dr. Jan Chodkiewicz

You are cordially invited to a unique masterclass entitled 'Faces of sadness. Depression in its various facets", which will take place 7 June 2025 at 11:30 am w the 3D Hall of the Faculty of Law and Administration of the University of Wrocław. The lecture will be given by Mr. Professor Dr Jan Chodkiewicz - a prominent specialist in clinical psychology, psychotherapy and addiction psychology. 

The organiser of the event is the Institute of Psychology University of Vocational Training in Wrocław.

Depression - the disease of civilisation of our time

The modern world presents us with numerous challenges, and depression is becoming one of society's most pressing problems. This disease does not only affect individuals - affects entire societies, changing their functioning and psychological safety.

Depression can cause:

• psychosocial factors - chronic stress, low self-esteem, insecurity, low level of social skills;
• biological factors - hormonal disorders, genetic predisposition;
• sociological factors - difficult family situation, poor financial situation, alcohol abuse, violence.

The multifaceted nature of the causes means that depression remains one of the greatest health challenges of our time.

During the lecture Professor Jan Chodkiewicz will address the key issues of the, such as:

• Biological, psychological and social causes of depression;
• recognising the different facets of depression,
• specific problems associated with depression in men,
• effective methods of psychotherapy for people struggling with depression.

The presentation will not only provide an opportunity to expand knowledge, but also to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of the disease and the social challenges of depression in a rapidly changing world.

Who are you, Professor Jan Chodkiewicz, Professor of the University of Łódź?

Professor Jan Chodkiewicz is a respected clinical psychologist, specialist in addiction psychotherapy and certified cognitive-behavioural psychotherapist. For almost 30 years, he has combined his scientific activity with his therapeutic practice, helping addicts and their families.

On a day-to-day basis, Mr Professor works with the Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology at the Institute of Psychology, University of Łódź. His areas of expertise include:

• addiction psychology,
• the issue of depression in men,
• cognitive behavioural therapy.

The Professor's scientific output includes:

• Co-author and author of numerous books, including:
  • "Bouncing off the bottom? The role of quality of life in the course and outcome of treatment for alcohol dependence" (Łódź, 2012),
  • "Alcohol addiction. Faces of the problem" (Warsaw, 2020);
• More than 100 scientific articles and chapters in monographs;
• Participation in numerous research projects funded by PARPA, NCPU and NCBiR.

He is also an active member of numerous scientific organisations:

• Polish Psychological Association,
• Polish Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies,
• Polish Society for Research on Addictions,
• Section on Addictions of the Polish Psychiatric Association.

Why take part?

Masterclass by Prof. Dr. Jan Chodkiewicz entitled. "Faces of sadness. Depression in various guises" is an excellent opportunity to:

• broaden their knowledge of contemporary psychological issues;
• better understand the importance of mental health in everyday life;
• gain reliable information on effective forms of help for people in mental health crisis.

It is also a chance to meet an eminent scientist whose knowledge and experience inspire both practitioners and those interested in psychology. 

You are cordially invited to participate!

Thanks to the initiator of the master class project

Special thanks go to Mr Professor Dr Ryszard PoprawaHe is the originator of the entire master class project. It is thanks to his initiative and commitment that we can participate in extraordinary meetings with eminent representatives of the world of science, which broaden horizons, inspire and strengthen the academic identity of our University.

Programme "Safe city - Safe student. Opole Against Trafficking in Human Beings. Scientific and didactic levels of research on human trafficking" as an example of good academic practice

The project is being implemented in 2025 from funds of the University of Opole and the budget of the Marshal's Office of the Opole Voivodeship as part of Small Grants for Universities in the Opole Voivodeship. It is called: "Safe city - Safe student. Opole against trafficking in human beings. Scientific and didactic levels of research on human trafficking". The programme is aimed at the region's student and research community. The project is implemented by the Centre for Counteracting Trafficking in Human Beings of the University of Opole and the La Strada Foundation (CPHLUOiFS) in cooperation with invited experts and practitioners, including lawyers dealing with human trafficking issues.

The need for education on human trafficking

Ease of establishing contacts - including via the Internet - as well as freedom of movement and access to employment, particularly in the summer months - bring young people not only positive aspectssuch as the opportunity to learn about new cultures or make friends, but also risks. One of the most serious challenges remains the contemporary phenomenon of human trafficking - involving forced labour, exploitation for prostitution or organ trafficking. It is therefore essential to conduct educational activities to raise students' awareness on hazard identification, countermeasures and available forms of protection.

Programme structure and objectives

The project involves an educational programme, starting with an initial survey of the students' level of knowledge by means of a questionnaire. On this basis, the following will be developed a didactic programme addressing the identified needs of participants. It will include information materials, multimedia lectures and workshops on human trafficking. The content will include an analysis of the current forms of the phenomenon, legal provisions, ways of counteractingas well as the issue of gainful employment - taking into account regional conditions. The role of public institutions such as the Police, Border Guard, courts or labour inspection will also be discussed, as well as the importance of the activities of non-governmental organisations.

Conference and participation of an expert from the School of Vocational Training

The project will culminate in international scientific conference organised at the University of Opole. Among the speakers will be a regular collaborator of the La Strada Foundation - the Dr. Vytautas Yakimko, assistant professor at the Institute of Law of the College of Professional Training. As part of the programme on 4-6 June 2025. he will conduct some of the guest lectures and educational meetings for students at the Faculty of Law and Administration of the University of Opole.

2nd WSKZ Conference 'Trauma of floods, domestic violence and war - new challenges of psychological support' - an interdisciplinary approach to contemporary problems

The 2nd WSKZ Conference entitled "Trauma of floods, domestic violence and war - new challenges of psychological support" brought together a group of eminent professionals from a variety of fields, including psychology, psychotherapy, social and medical sciences. The event aimed to explore the contemporary challenges of psychological support for people affected by trauma resulting from flooding, war and domestic violence. The conference provided a unique opportunity to exchange of knowledge and experience in the face of such pressing social problemsthat the modern world is facing.

Diversity of participants and conference themes

The conference was attended by around 100 participants, including representatives from academia, students and social service providers such as MOPS and crisis intervention units. Such a broad representation from different fields showed the importance of exchange of knowledge and experience between specialistswho work with people experiencing trauma on a daily basis.

22 hours of lectures and workshops - three main thematic blocks

The 22 hours of lectures and workshops, delivered by 18 experts, provided participants with practical tools for working with people affected by trauma. Presentations were given by academics and practitioners, which allowed the transfer of theoretical knowledge embedded in the realities of everyday work.

The event was divided into three main thematic areas: flood trauma, war trauma and domestic violence trauma. Each of these topics provided a space for in-depth reflection on the psychological and social aspects of trauma, as well as knowledge of the latest research in the field.

Pre-conference meeting of multiple perspectives

A great deal of interest was shown in pre-conference workshopswhich addressed the topics of body work in stress reduction, psychological first aid and contact with a person after sexual violence. Participants had the opportunity to acquire practical skillswhich they can use in their daily work.

The speakers represented various professional backgrounds, from clinical psychology to education to the uniformed services. This made the conference an excellent opportunity to exchanges of experience and the combination of theory and practice.

Gala dinner - establishing links and cooperation

After the first day of the conference a gala dinner was heldwhich became an informal but valuable moment for networking and further exchange of reflections and experiences between the event's participants.

Building bridges between science and practice

The conference "The trauma of floods, domestic violence and war - new challenges of psychological support" was not only an opportunity to learnbut also to build bridges between different disciplines. We would like to thank all participants and speakers for their active participation, as well as their commitment to development of scientific cooperation and practical.

Groundbreaking collaboration between the College of Vocational Training and the State Vocational College at the 7th Scientific Conference

On 5-6 June 2025  at the Prof. Edward F. Szczepaniak State Vocational College in Suwałki. Szczepaniak in Suwałki will host the 7th Scientific Conference. The event will address the key topic: "Competences, tasks and capacities of governmental and self-governmental bodies in the field of civil defence and counter-hybrid and anti-cognitive actions used by Russia on a large scale in Ukraine, as well as against the countries of Central and Eastern Europe". This unique endeavour is not only an opportunity to explore international security issues, but also to exchange experiences between academics and professionals in the field.

Scientific cooperation growing in importance

University of Vocational Training in Wrocław as co-organiser of the event, reaffirms its key contribution to shaping the academic space dedicated to security. The Managing Director of the College of Vocational Training, Dr Bartosz Blaszczak, has assumed Honorary Patronage of the Conference, which is a great asset for the eventstrengthening the university's position in the international arena. Cooperation with the State Vocational College in Suwałki means an important step towards the development of scientific cooperation between universities.

Representatives of the College of Vocational Training

Representatives of our University will actively participate in the conference:

• Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences - Prof. Irena Malinowska, University of Applied Sciences;
• Director of the Institute of Law and Criminology - Dr Janusz Bryk;
• Director of the Institute of Administration and Political Science - Dr Jan Znajdek.

International meeting on human trafficking with an expert from the School of Vocational Training

29 May 2025 in Warsaw, in the conference rooms of the National Stadium, hosted a seminar of the European Crime Prevention Network EUCPN (European Crime Prevention Network). The theme of the event was prevention of trafficking in human beings with particular focus on public educationincluding in the context of the situation of migrants affected by the war in Ukraine. The seminar was organised in the framework of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union and lasted from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m..

Speeches, debates and participation of an expert from the School of Vocational Training

The programme included speeches by representatives of government institutions and civil society organisations and the scientific community. Participants in the event included both Polish and foreign experts representing EU Member States. The seminar was held in English, which underlined its international character.

Our University represented by Dr Witold Yakimko, Assistant Professor at the Institute of Law of the University of Vocational Training in Wrocław. He took part in an expert panel on anti-trafficking research and education campaigns by universities and the private sector.

Visionary, counsellor, psychologist - Professor Stanisław A. Witkowski and his influence on Polish business

In the monograph "Wrocław Psychology. People and ideas" (2024), edited by Jolanta Kowal and Kiriakos Chatzipentidis, included a chapter by Dr Magdalena Slazyk-Sobol dedicated to the eminent Wrocław psychologist. Article "Stanisław A. Witkowski - practical activities in the field of work psychology and management" focuses on his impressive practical achievements, which had a real impact on the development of applied psychology in Poland.

Leader in applied psychology

Professor Stanisław A. Witkowski was one of the pioneers of thewho set new standards in the diagnosis and development of managerial competence. As early as 1986, he co-organised the first management competition in Poland, paving the way for the implementation of the Assessment/Development Centre procedures. He was the first on the national scene to introduce these advanced methods, creating comprehensive assessment tools that permanently have become part of human resources management practice. The chapter shows him as a practitioner who:

• implemented complex systems for assessing staff potential and competence;
• developed and adapted diagnostic tools and competence profiles;
• carried out validation of foreign psychometric tests for the Polish market;
• promoted the use of psychometric methods (tests, questionnaires) in evaluation processes;
• emphasised the robust vetting of candidates and the integration of HR management systems;
• carried out extensive consultancy and training activities in cooperation with Polish companies.

From science to practice - a template for future organisational psychologists

The professor consistently combined a scientific approach with practice, adapting methodologies to the real needs of the organisation. He saw management psychology as a tool for improving the effectiveness of teams, and his work was always in close contact with the business. The chapter emphasises that Professor Witkowski's approach is a model of for future work and organisational psychologists. The lesson, how to combine a solid theoretical background with practicewhile respecting ethics and quality of work.

Intercultural leadership according to Professor Jerzy Mączyński

We are pleased to announce the publication of the monograph "Wrocław Psychology. People and ideas" published in 2024 by the Rys Publishing House. The scientific editors of Dr Jolanta Kowal, Prof. UWr, and Kiriakos Chatzipentidis have undertaken the important task of commemorating the outstanding figures and currents of thought that shaped psychology in Wrocław. One of the most valuable elements of this publication is Chapter by Dr. Monika Ziobrowska, collaborating with the School of Vocational Training entitled "Jerzy Mączyński - legacy of cross-cultural leadership research".

The text is dedicated to Professor Jerzy Mączyński - a prominent Polish psychologist specialising in organisational and management psychology. The author presents him as a co-founder of the Wrocław psychology centre management and one of the most important researchers in the field of work psychology. His scientific achievements have had a significant impact not only on the development of theory, but also on the practice of management - both in Poland and abroad.

The international GLOBE project and the role of Professor Mączyński

One of Professor Mączyński's greatest achievements was his participation in the international GLOBE project, which involved the research conducted in 62 countries and focused on analysing leadership styles in different cultural contexts. Findings from this exercise allowed A better understanding of the impact of cultural values on the effectiveness of leaders.

Through this research, universal and culturally diverse models of effective leadership have been developed. The data collected was not only academically applicable - They have also been used in the development of modern training tools for managers and leaders operating in diverse environments.

Contribution to the development of organisational psychology

Scientific publication emphasises that achievements of Professor Mączyński for research on intercultural leadership, decision-making participation and management in multicultural environments set the direction for subsequent generations of researchers.

His work is particularly relevant in the context of contemporary challenges such as globalisation and management in international teams. The importance of his contributions is recognised by academics and management practitioners around the world.

Department of Management Psychology and the legacy of collaboration

The chapter also notes that Professor Mączyński together with Professor Stanisław A. Witkowski initiated the establishment of the Department of Management Psychology at the Institute of Psychology, University of Wrocław.

This was a landmark action - not only for the institutional structure of the university, but also for the development of specialised research in management psychology in Poland.

Inspiration for the future

Chapter by Dr. Monika Ziobrowska is not only a synthetic presentation of the achievements of prof. Jerzy Mączyński, but also an invitation to reflect on how research can have a real impact on everyday managerial practice. In a world where cultural diversity is becoming an everyday reality, Professor Mączyński's thought remains relevant and extremely necessary.

Participation of the Higher School of Vocational Training in the International Scientific Conference in Kharkiv

27 May 2025 an international scientific conference entitled "State Building and Local Government Research Institute of the NAPrN of Ukraine" took place in Kharkiv. "Legal regulation of public management and local government: comparative experiences and contemporary challenges".

The event was organised thanks to international cooperationwhich is based on a partnership agreement between our university and the Ukrainian side, and thanks to the commitment and support of the His Magnificence the Rector, the Vice-Chancellor for International Cooperation and the Dean. The conference organisers would like to thank the University authorities for their kindness, trust and active support of international initiatives.

Papers by representatives of our University

At the conference attended by representatives of the College of Vocational Trainingwho presented interesting scientific papers.

 "Metropolitan governance in local government systems in the context of contemporary challenges".

Prof. Dr. Zdzisław Sirojć in his paper he discussed the specificities of managing large urban agglomerations, which are becoming key centres of socio-economic life. Professor Sirojć analysed models of metropolitan governance in selected European countries, and pointed to the need for a flexible legal framework to enable effective coordination between different local government units. Particular attention was paid to challenges such as suburbanisation, sustainable transport, housing policy and crisis management.

"Digitisation as a factor in the transformation of local governance: e-services, transparency and citizen trust".

Prof. Dr. Janusz Soboń and Dr. Ruslana Seleznova presented the role of digital transformation in public management at the local level. In the paper examples of implementation of local government e-services were presented, the impact of digital tools on the quality of public services and mechanisms to increase the transparency of government operations. It also points to the growing the importance of citizens' trust in public institutions as a result of effective digitalisation, transparency and public participation.

 "Local government in multidimensional crises: legal challenges and adaptation strategies".

Prof. Dr. Jacek Stasiak focused on analysing the functioning of local governments in the midst of complex crises - economic, health, environmental and political. He presented proposals for legal and institutional solutionswhich can support the resilience of local structures in the face of unpredictable challenges. The paper also included examples of good practice from Poland and other EU countries on crisis management and adaptation of public services.

 "Comparative analysis of local government systems in Central and Eastern European countries: between normative frameworks and implementation practice".

Prof. Dr. Adam Muszyński in his speech gave a comprehensive overview of the models of self-governance in the countries of the region, pointing out both common features and differences due to historical and institutional conditions. The gap between formal legal regulations was highlighted and the actual practice of local governance, which is important for the effectiveness of decentralisation reforms. The paper also included recommendations on increasing management efficiency and civic participation.

Importance and effects of participation in the conference

The presentations by our researchers were of great interest to conference participants - both from academia and public administration practitioners. Each of the speeches concluded with a lively discussion and exchange of experiences, confirming the importance of the topics covered in the context of contemporary challenges for the public sector.

As a result of the conference a peer-reviewed scientific monograph is plannedcontaining expanded versions of the presented papers. This publication will become an important tool for further international scholarly dialogue and exchange of good practices in public management and local government reforms.

Once again, we would like to thank the University authorities for the enabling participation in this important event and we look forward to continuing our fruitful cooperation.