Conference "Contemporary challenges for children and young people" - welcome!

We are pleased to announce the cooperation of the Higher School of Vocational Education and the Polish Mediation Centre Wroclaw Branch in the organisation of the conference 'Contemporary Challenges for Children and Youth'. The event will take place 28 February 2025 at 9:00 w Silesia Hotel in Wroclaw. The conference is organised by Ewelina Kościukiewicz-Świerczewska, M.A., who is our employee and President of the Wrocław Branch of the Polish Mediation Centre.

The conference is aimed at to teachers, educators, psychologists, mediators, parents and all those involved in education and development of children and young people. Participation in the event is free of charge. Why take part?

The conference will address important topics related to the challenges faced by children and young people in today's world, including:

• adolescent mental health problems such as anxiety disorders, depression or eating disorders;
• Peer mediation as an effective method of relationship building and conflict resolution;
• school safety and counteracting hate speech;
• supporting children in family situations and in an environment of cultural diversity;
• adapting education to the individual needs of neurotypical pupils.

Registration

Registration for the conference opened on 7 January 2025. To reserve your place, please complete the registration form available at: https://konferencja-28-02-2025.grwebsite.pl/. 

Participation in the conference is free of charge, but places are limited and the order of registration is decisive! We invite you to participate and work together to better support children and young people in their daily challenges. Together we can change the future!

Invitation to the 21st International Congress "Forensic Science and Forensic Expertise: Science, Studies, Practice" under the Honorary Patronage of the Chief of Police

A reminder of a unique scientific event! On the days of 18-20 September 2025 the European Solidarity Centre in Gdansk will host the 21st International Congress on Forensic Science and Forensic Expertise: Science, Studies, Practice. It is organised by a wide range of institutions, including the Polish Society of Forensic Science, the Higher School of Vocational Training in Wrocław and numerous academic centres and international organisations. The event was held under the Honorary Patronage of Police Chief Superintendent Marek Boron.

What will be on the programme?

This prestigious gathering of researchers and practitioners from around the world will include lectures, workshops and discussions on the latest trends in forensic science and forensics. The programme will include topics such as human rights issues, the use of artificial intelligence in research and methods of combating cross-border crime, among others. The congress is an excellent opportunity to exchange knowledge, experience and establish international contacts in the field of forensic science.

Also check out the YouTube video promoting this prestigious event:

Registration process

Please send your application form to: kongres@wskz.pl to 15 March 2025. You will receive confirmation of your registration by email, at which time we ask you to pay the congress fee of:

• PLN 560 - passive or active participation,
• additional payment of PLN 300 - if the content of the article created by the participant is submitted for publication and, once checked, published in separate monographs.

If you would like to submit an article, please send it to: kongres@wskz.pl at the latest by 30 April 2025.

Payment details

If you are interested in participating in the event, please make a bank transfer to the number of the account holder, the College of Vocational Training:
PLN: 64 1090 2457 0000 0001 6041 7349,
EUR: 76 1090 2457 0000 0001 6041 7327 (SANTANDER BANK POLSKA S.A., SWIFT CODE: WBKPPLPP).

Please state in the title: the name of the participant and/or author and the purpose of the transfer (registration fee for the 21st Congress).

The deadline for making payments is 30 April 2025.

What does the congress fee cover?

• active or passive participation in the congress,
• certificate of participation,
• publication of a scientific text (if an appropriate declaration is made),
• coffee breaks and lunch breaks,
• gala dinner,
• Visiting the Permanent Exhibition of the European Solidarity Centre in Gdansk,
• optional excursion.

Requirements for scientific articles

The article should have a maximum of 1 issue sheet (40,000 characters). Each submitted text will be assessed by two reviewers. Following positive feedback, the articles will be published in separate monographs. The following details should be included under the title of the article:

• name,
• academic title,
• the name and address of the institution represented,
• position,
• e-mail address.

For more information and application details, visit: https://studia-wroclaw.pl/wydarzenia/kongres-kryminalistyki/. We welcome researchers, practitioners and, above all, students!

MentorLab - your path to professional development!

The WSKZ Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship invites all students to participate in the unique Mentoring Programme MentorLab. This is an innovative project that connects students with experienced mentors, offering support in developing skills, achieving goals and preparing for professional challenges. If you are ready for a new educational adventure and personal development, you cannot miss this opportunity!

Are you interested? Find out more!

For students interested in joining the programme, there are also plans to informational webinarwhich will take place on 5 March 2025 at 6 p.m. During this online meeting, you will learn all about the mentoring, the objectives and the benefits of participation. As a participant, you will learn about the technical details of the programme and the timetable for the next steps. Fill out application form now and join the MentorLab programme.

MentorLab - what is the programme about?

MentorLab is a unique programme that has been developed by the WSKZ Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The main aims of the programme include:

• Recruitment of mentors from among the academic staff of the WSKZ;
• recruiting mentees - students open to personal and professional development;
• group mentoring sessions held in small teams (3-5 people);
• 5 mentoring meetings aligned with the academic calendar;
• completion of the programme by September 2025 at the latest.

MentorLab will give you the opportunity to working in an intimate environment, so that each session is tailored to the needs of the participant. Mentors help to set goals, develop competences and deal with professional challenges.

Why join?

Participation in the MentorLab is for you the chance to acquire practical knowledge, develop skills and make valuable contacts. Key benefits include:

• individual mentor support in achieving personal and professional goals,
• learn practical tips and experiences from experts,
• building self-confidence and preparing for challenges in the labour market,
• the opportunity to work with inspiring people.

How to sign up?

Recruitment to the programme takes place by email - SUBMIT APPLICATIONwhich includes personal data, motivation for participation, areas of interest and consent to the processing of personal data. You will find detailed information on the website of the WSKZ Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

The deadline for applications is already mid-February 2025. Places are limited, so fill in application form - you need to act fast!

The future begins today

The MentorLab Mentoring Programme is an initiative that can transform your career. With the support of experienced mentors and working with a team of peers, you can gain an edge in the job market and develop your passions in directions that match your aspirations. Join the meetings and start your mentoring adventure!

How do we build community resilience and security? - join the conference

In the face of contemporary challenges, such as climate change, armed conflicts or migration crises, urban resilience cannot simply be limited to a return to a pre-crisis state. It must mean striving for a new, more resilient model of functioning, able to cope with further, often unpredictable crises. It is on this theme that the conference will focus 'Resilience of cities to crises and threats. Security. Public policies. Education"which will take place 28 March 2025.

Find out about the topics covered at the conference

Event will bring together theoreticians, experts and practitioners to discuss key strategies, exchange experiences and present research findings on building safe and resilient cities of the future. The conference programme will be divided into 11 panelsin which recognised experts will provide insight into important topics on the current situation regarding the resilience of cities to crises and risks.

Panel I will be devoted to the analysis of emergency situations related to floods and the role of local communities and services in managing such threats. The experiences of the municipality of Lądek-Zdrój and Wrocław Kozanów in 2024 will be discussed, as well as the cooperation of various entities (army, police, Border Guard, health protection) in the framework of Operation Phoenix. Special attention will be given to the role of the Armed Forces in ensuring the safety of cities and the integration of crisis management systems in Poland.

Link to panel I.

Panel II will touch upon themes of urban risk, covering both infrastructure and social security. The vulnerability of public transport to crises, new dimensions of risk in urban space, and the impact of law and institutions, including the Catholic Church, on local security will be discussed. Experts will also address issues such as phonoholism, synthetic drugs and random risks affecting urban resilience.

Link to Panel II.

Panel III are lectures on, among other things, the role of the National and Volunteer Fire Service in crisis management and building community resilience to threats. Innovative system solutions, cooperation between uniformed services during the 2024 floods and fire service operations at the local level will be discussed. Particular attention will be paid to the cordon sanitaire, rescue structure and local government fire resilience.

Link to Panel III.

Panel IV will address the role of the Police in ensuring urban security and its functioning in crisis conditions. Trends in legal changes, the tasks of the Police in emergency situations and the effectiveness of prevention programmes will be discussed. Experts will also address the psychological aspects of resilience and focus on support, adaptation and intervention in crisis situations.

Link to Panel IV.

Panel V will focus on the role of technology and artificial intelligence in building cities' resilience to crises. Applications of modern technologies such as AI and strategic communications in urban security management will be discussed. Part of the panel will be dedicated to cyber threats in smart city infrastructure and methods for measuring and implementing urban resilience strategies globally.

Link to panel V.

Panel VI will treat the security of cities in the context of terrorist threats, crime and migration. It will discuss the evolution of security in Europe, the protection of smart cities from attacks and how the state can support them in the face of increasing threats. The panel will also have space to explore the role of cities in defence strategies, the impact of mass migration on the functioning of cities and the adaptation of refugees after the 2022 refugee crisis.

Link to Panel VI.

Panel VII will focus on protective infrastructure and the resilience of cities to hazards, including floods and emergencies. The role of protective construction, modernisation and civil defence in ensuring the safety of residents will be discussed. This part of the conference will examine the topic of shelters in Poland, the importance of hospitals as critical infrastructure and will compare the 1997 and 2024 floods in terms of statistical data.

Link to Panel VII.

Panel VIII will focus on the role of education in building the resilience of cities and communities to contemporary threats. The importance of media education, information policy and public awareness in emergency management will be discussed. Particular attention will be given to pro-defence education, the challenges of education policy in small towns and the impact of the military classroom education system on urban resilience in emergencies.

Link to Panel VIII.

Panel IX is a space where experts will speak on the role of public administration in crisis management and strengthening the resilience of cities. Issues of logistics, security strategies and effective management of municipalities in emergency situations will be discussed. Invited guests will discuss issues of cooperation between the administration and non-governmental organisations, the legal aspects of crisis management and the experience of Warsaw as an example of an effective model of action.

Link to Panel IX.

Panel X will be devoted to urban policy and development strategies in the context of global crises and climate change. Regional challenges, such as the impact of the war in Ukraine, and the adaptation strategies of cities, including Poznan, will be discussed. Special attention will be given to sustainable development, green infrastructure and the role of small watersheds in urban planning and disaster reduction.

Link to panel X.

Panel XI (in English) will treat urban resilience to disinformation, education and sustainability. The challenges of disinformation as a threat to public safety and how to build information resilience will be discussed. Experts in this part of the conference will address the role of entrepreneurial education, introduce the activities of Taiwan's Kuma Academy, and delve into the topic of strategies to make cities safer in the face of terrorist threats and natural disasters.

Link to panel XI.

Why take part?

Conference is a unique opportunity to gain knowledge of the latest strategies and technologies supporting urban development and crisis management. Participants will have the chance to learn about practical solutions applied in Poland and abroad, as well as to establish valuable professional contacts.

Don't delay - you can sign up for the conference by 25 January this year. How to register? It's simple - fill in the form and submit at the e-mail address: konferencja.odpornosc.miast@gmail.com. Each registered participant will receive a named certificate. The conference is free of charge, so join the participants and become part of the discussion about the future of our cities. Let's build resilience, security and sustainability together!

The effect of international cooperation - a joint collective monograph

Under the agreement on international cooperation in the field of science and development, concluded between the Higher School of Vocational Training in Wrocław and the Central-Ukrainian Institute of Human Development of the University "Ukraine", a joint collective monograph titled "The Human Development of Ukraine" has been produced. "Innovative trends in law and socio-economic relations".. The publication is the work of lecturers from both institutions, exemplifying effective international academic cooperation.

Reviewers of publications

The reviewers of the publication on behalf of the School of Vocational Training are:

• Dr Jan Znajdek, Director of the Institute of Administration and Political Science;
• Dr Janusz Bryk, Director of the Institute of Criminology and Homeland Security.

Their participation ensured high quality of the publication.

International cooperation activities

The monograph is part of wider initiatives to support international knowledge exchange and the development of innovative research. The project is part of an effort to strengthen academic cooperation aimed at enhancing the quality of education and scientific development at both institutions.

A shared vision of development

We believe that our partnership will contribute not only to enriching the scientific output, but also to strengthening the ties between our universities. The publication is an important step towards the further development of science and education internationally.

Our lecturer co-author of new monograph on Russian-Ukrainian war

In 2025, the effort Exeter University Press A landmark monograph will be published Tactical and Strategic Insights from the Russo-Ukrainian War: Western Security and Defence in the 21st Centuryedited by eminent scholars Thomas-Durell Young (USA) and Prof. Dr. Jarosław Gryz (Poland). The co-author of this comprehensive study is our lecturer Dr Daniel Damian Kasprzycki. 

A few words about the monograph

The monograph, consisting of 12 chapters, is the result of collaboration between experts from all over the world, specialising in security and defence issues. The publication provides geopolitical, economic, social and military analyses of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict to understand its polymorphous nature and multidimensional impact on the international security system.

Among the authors is also Dr Daniel Damian Kasprzycki, who, together with Prof P. Mickiewicz, drafted the chapter entitled 'The importance of the topic'. The Black Sea as an Area of Military Operations during the Russian 'Special Operation'. The text focuses on a strategic and operational analysis of the importance of the Black Sea as a fundamental area of military operations in the Eastern European theatre of war.

Important themes and research methodology

The monograph undertakes an in-depth exploration of, among other things:

• the transformation of operational and tactical paradigms and adaptation of the parties to the conflict to the requirements of a network-centric operational environment, typical of fifth-generation wars;
• personnel and material losses, analysed by OSINT methodology during the first 500 days of the conflict;
• impact of cognitive activities (information warfare, disinformation, social manipulation) on the perception of the conflict by societies and third countries;
• air and sea components, which to date have remained under-researched in the literature;
• planning and execution of military operations in urbanised environments, characteristic of contemporary hybrid conflicts.

The holistic approach to the study of the conflict has led to conclusions that are not only of high cognitive value, but also of application in the context of the further development of security strategies.

Importance of publications

Tactical and Strategic Insights from the Russo-Ukrainian War is a unique publication that provides a new perspective on contemporary armed conflicts and their impact on global security. The monograph will be an invaluable resource for analysts, researchers, students security-related majors and those concerned with the practical aspects of defence strategies.

We encourage you to follow our website and social media, where we will announce the availability of the monograph when it is released.

Meeting with Dr Magdalena El Ghamari - expert on radicalisation and international security

Join us for two unique meetings with Dr Magdalena El Ghamari - a recognised expert on defence, international security and radicalisation processes. Magdalena El Ghamari is a PhD in social sciences and an international expert with extensive experience working for institutions such as FRONTEX, UNESCO and NATO. Her career has included training and analysis of security threat phenomena in the Middle East, Africa and European regions.

Event details:

• 11 January 2025, 9am-11.15am
  Location: UWr, Physics Pavilion
• 1 February 2025, 2.15pm - 4.30pm
  Location: EU, Room 3, Building P

Each meeting combines elements of a lecture and an interactive seminar, during which participants will have the opportunity to explore issues related to modern security challenges and learn about the mechanisms of influence of various social and cultural phenomena.

This is a unique opportunity to meet one of the leading experts in the field. We warmly invite students, researchers, teachers, journalists and all those interested in the topic of contemporary global challenges.

2nd WSKZ Conference: Trauma of floods, domestic violence and war - new challenges of psychological support

Already 22 and 23 May 2025 we invite you to Hotel Silesia Wrocław ul. Oporowska 60 for a unique meeting, organised by the Institute of Psychology of the Higher School of Vocational Education in Wrocław and the Pomeranian University in Starogard Gdański. The event will be an opportunity to listen to experts working with people affected by trauma, who will share their professional experiences. On 22 May, the conference will be held from 13:00 to 18:00, and on 23 May from 9:00 to 19:30.

Topics of the conference

Panels and speeches will discuss issues such as:

• the impact of flood and war trauma;
• crisis support and intervention;
• trauma psychotherapy.

How to effectively support people who have lost meaning, hope and plans for the future? These and many other questions will be answered by experts, presenting practical solutions and proven methods of support.

Why does psychology matter?

In today's world, full of unexpected and difficult situations, psychology plays a fundamental role in restoring emotional balance and building a new perspective for those who have experienced trauma. COVID-19 pandemic, war in neighbouring areas and local disasters, including floods, increasingly put people in situations where only professional psychological support can restore hope and meaning to their lives.

Don't miss the opportunity to participate in this unique event! The conference combines theory and practice, supports the development of professionals in the field of psychology and provides the opportunity to exchange experiences with experts.

Who is this conference for?

The event is aimed at:

• students and teachers;
• specialists working in the state aid system, including psychologists, educators, doctors, lawyers, psychotherapists and crisis intervention workers.

Join an event that is changing attitudes to psychological support and shaping new standards in the field!

FRAMEWORK SCHEDULE FOR THE CONFERENCE

Day one (workshop)

11:00:
- Dr Malgorzata Gocman - 'The use of connected breathing in coping with stress',

13:00 (parallel):

- Mirela Batog MA - "Being there when they need it most: A practical workshop on first contact with a person experiencing sexual violence",

- Adrianna Grabizna, PhD - 'Traumatic experiences and their effects on the central nervous system',

15:00 (parallel):

- Aleksandra Sosnowska, MA - 'Relaxation techniques in working with trauma',

- Magdalena Skotnicka Chaberek, MD, PhD - 'Pre-psychological first aid, psychological help for people after experiences and psychological therapy'.

Day two (conference)

9:00 - 9:10 - Opening of the conference and welcome to participants,

9:10 - 9:55 - Inaugural lecture: Prof. Dr. Nina Ogińska-Bulik - "Consequences of traumatic experiences of violence, flooding and war",

Thematic block I: Flood trauma

9:55 - 10:25 - Dr. Artur Ziolkowski, Prof. WSKZ - "Flood trauma - social and economic consequences, systemic solutions",

10:25 - 10:55 - Dr Magdalena Skotnicka Chaberek, M.D. - "Helping with your head - psychological support for people after experiencing natural disasters",

10:55 - 11:25 - Tymoteusz Czerhoniak, MA - "Unsinkable and Stitched - about trauma and psychological support for flood victims",

11:25 - 11:55 - Adrianna Grabizna, PhD - 'Trauma and the biological mechanisms of memory and non-memory',

11:55 - 12:25 - panel discussion,

12:25 - 13:25 - lunch break,

Thematic block II: Trauma of domestic violence

13:25 - 13:55 - Dorota Modrzyńska, MA - "Manifestations of trauma in children experiencing domestic violence and aspects of therapeutic work",

13:55 - 14:25 - Mirela Batog MA - "Silent violence, loud questions: Sexual violence in the home and relationships - how to ask about it so that it is not overlooked?",

14:25 - 14:55 - Anita Sumila, MD (online) - "Family scars in psychopathology,

14:55 - 15:25 - Justyna Kaczmarek, MA - 'The impact of traumatic experiences and domestic violence on academic achievement. Experiences of working with students in the UK',

15:25 - 15:55 - panel discussion,

15:55 - 16:25 - coffee break,

Thematic block II: Trauma of war

16:25 - 16:55 - Dr Artur Krzyżanowski, Marcin Tymoszuk, M.Sc. - "Psychotraumatology of the battlefield",

16:55 - 17:25 - Artur Krzyzanowski, PhD, Aneta Waścińska, MA - "The impact of combat missions abroad on well-being and interpersonal relationships in the family - a psychosocial perspective",

17:25 - 17:55 - Sebastian Chmielinski, M.A., Andżelika Tretiakova, M.A. - "I will call my son by your name, although you will never see him again - the experience of war trauma of Ukrainian citizens from a psychotraumatological perspective",

17:55 - 18:25 - Margaret Pacer MA - 'War, violence and religion: an analysis of the situation of families after the murder of 21 Copts in Libya by ISIS',

18:25 - 18:55 - Izabela Trybuś M.A. - "Working with war traumatised people - specifics of the work, challenges for professionals and the support system",

18:55 - 19:25 - panel discussion,

19:25 - 19:30 - closing of the conference: acknowledgements, presentation of certificates, summary.

V All-Poland Montessori Conference - Wroclaw 2025

We are happy to announce that our University has joined the group of co-organisers of the 5th National Montessori Conference, prepared by the Lower Silesia Montessori Education Centre Foundation. The event will take place on 14-15 March 2025 at the New Horizons Cinema, at ul. Kazimierza Wielkiego 19a/21 in Wrocław.

Conference programme

This year's edition is a unique opportunity to deepen their knowledge of Montessori education and philosophy and exchange experiences with experts from all over Poland. The conference includes an extensive programme of talks and workshops, covering topics such as:

• Peer relations and conflict mediation,
• understanding the neurodiverse child,
• Professional burnout and regeneration in educational work,
• The future of Montessori in Poland,
• communication with seniors with dementia,
• The use of artificial intelligence in Montessori work and education.

The programme will also include special events, including the premiere of the film 'Maria Montessori' - the only such screening in Poland. Meanwhile, a special workshop entitled 'How to be a guide - situational leadership that supports and develops teams' has been prepared for Montessori school and kindergarten principals attending the Child of the Future 2025 Conference. This is a great opportunity to meet, reflect on your own development and exchange experiences on how to build the strength and effectiveness of your teams.

Organisational information

The conference will begin 14 March at 13:00 and will run until 15 March at 15:30. We already encourage you to book a date in the calendar and follow the event. You will find the necessary information here! All those interested in Montessori education are welcome to participate - both teachers, principals and parents and those seeking inspiration in personal and professional development. See you at the New Horizons Cinema!

ŚLŌNSKI LEGALTECH - the conference that changes the future of law!

On 25 April 2025, Silesia's largest conference combining law and technology - ŚLŌNSKI LEGALTECH - will take place at the Novotel hotel at 16 Roździeńskiego Avenue in Katowice. The event, under the patronage of the Higher School of Vocational Education, will bring together experts, industry leaders, startups and innovators, creating a platform for the exchange of knowledge and inspiration in the field of digital transformation in law.

Why take part in this event?

The ŚLŌNSKI LEGALTECH conference is a unique opportunity to:

• explore digital transformation and learn how modern technology is changing the law firm's working model and client relationships;
• explore innovative tools, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain or legal process automation, which are revolutionising the legal industry;
• take part in the LegalTech start-up competitionwhere the most promising technological innovations will be showcased;
• establish business contacts during networking sessions and workshops.

The discussion panels conducted during the event, which will open up new perspectives, are:

1. Digital Transformation in Law - Challenges and Opportunities
2. Accessibility and Personalisation of Legal Services in the Era of LegalTech
3. LegalTech Startup Competition
4. Technological Innovation in Law - AI, Security and Design
5. Implementation of LegalTech in Legal Practice
6. Cyber security in law firms

Don't miss this unique event that brings together the worlds of law and technology! Tickets are on sale now - reserve your place at ŚLŌNSKI LEGALTECH and become part of the future in the industry.

For more information, visit the event page. See you in Katowice!