Social and academic pathologies under the magnifying glass of experts - multidisciplinary conference

On 9-11 April this year, the Sanguszkos Palace in Tarnów hosted a scientific conference entitled 'The Sanguszkos'. "Manifestations of pathology in a multifaceted view".organised by the Business School in Nowy Sącz. The event brought together representatives of various fields of science and practicewho jointly debated the complexity of pathological phenomena in the modern world. The meeting was chaired by the organiser, Professor Tadeusz Mędzelowski.

21 papers were presented during the conference. The speakers also included professors from the Institute of Criminology and Internal Security at the Higher School of Vocational Training, who presented an interdisciplinary perspective on the topic addressed during the meeting. The conference will result in a joint book publication, which will summarise the most important conclusions of the speeches and become a valuable source of knowledge for the scientific community and those interested in the issues of contemporary social pathologies.

Reflections on contemporary social and academic challenges

Speakers at the conference analysed phenomena ranging from problems with a global social dimension to challenges faced by Polish higher education.

Prof. Maria Szyszkowska in her paper "The source of pathological processes" pointed to the loss of human relationships in a world dominated by the pursuit of material goods. She also touched on war as a tool used by global corporations to make profits.

Prof. Piotr Skudrzyk in his speech "What is the treatment for social pathologies?" addressed the perception of the enemy during armed conflicts, referring to the issue of chivalry and moral responsibility in the context of Russia's wartime aggression.

In turn, Prof Robert Borkowski in his paper "Leprosy in the grove of Akademos - some remarks on the pathologies of Polish science". discussed in detail the challenges affecting domestic higher education - from economic problems to teaching burnout to pathological phenomena in the scientific field.

The conference was not only a space for the exchange of ideas, but also a stimulus for further joint reflection - both in academia and in public debate.

Together against trafficking in human beings - invitation to contribute to a special issue of the journal "Law & Security - Law & Security"

In October 2025, it will be published special edition of the scientific journal "Law & Security", dedicated to one of today's most serious social problems - human trafficking. The theme of the issue is: "Human Trafficking - Education, Prevention and Security as a Foundation for Prevention"..

This edition accompanies the celebration of European Day Against Trafficking in Human Beings which falls on 18 October. On this occasion University of Vocational Training in Wrocław organises international online student conferencededicated to countering this phenomenon, and a special issue of the magazine addressing this issue is being produced in parallel.

When human rights are a commodity - the scale of the threat

Human trafficking is a brutal violation of human rights - a phenomenon that is complex, difficult to detect and requires complex solutions. Forced labour, sexual exploitation, organ trafficking - these are just some of the forms this practice takes. Fighting it effectively requires commitment not only state and international institutions, but also academics and practitioners.

The purpose of the special edition is to gather valuable articles that:
- deepen their understanding of the mechanisms and context of human trafficking;
- identify effective prevention and public education strategies;
- emphasise the importance of security as a pillar of counteraction;
- will contribute to real action to reduce this phenomenon.

Whom do we invite to work with us?

Authors from Poland and abroad are invited to contribute to the publication: academics, judges, prosecutors, police officers, border guards and other practitioners dealing with counter-trafficking.

Magazine "Law & Security" (ISSN: 2956-7440, eISSN: 2956-7610, DOI: 10.4467/29567610PIB) publishes articles based on reliable sources and empirical findings. Submitted texts will undergo a review process according to the journal's rules.

The deadline for submitting articles is 15 July 2025.
Detailed guidelines are available on the magazine's website: For authors - Law & Security.

An additional benefit of the cooperation is the planned inclusion of the periodical in the List of Punctuated Journals of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education in 2026.

Don't be indifferent - share your knowledge

We encourage you to contribute to this special issue. Together we can create a valuable space to share knowledge, experience and propose solutions. This is an opportunity to give a real contribution to the fight against one of the most difficult challenges of the modern age.

Professional analysis? Now it's possible with PS IMAGO PRO at the College of Vocational Training!

The Institute of Psychology of the College of Professional Training provides staff and students with an academic licence to PS IMAGO PRO - advanced analytical and reporting solution based on the engine IBM SPSS Statisticswhich is the standard in data analysis. Thanks to the cooperation with Predictive Solutions under the programme ARIADNA users gain access to a range of state-of-the-art analytical functions, process automation and reporting tools.

What does the PS IMAGO PRO contain?

The following components were made available under the term licence:

• PS IMAGO PRO with the IBM SPSS Statistics analytical engine.
• PS IMAGO Designer - application for designing analytical reports.
• PS IMAGO Process - a tool for automating analytical tasks.
• IBM SPSS Statistics Base - basic analysis module.

Everything you need to start analysing

The following is also available to users software operation course (tutorial), comprising more than 70 multimedia presentations in eight areas:
- loading data;
- data operations;
- operations on variables;
- analysis and charts;
- editing the results;
- reporting;
- distribution of reports;
- application interface.

Who can use the licence?

Licences may be used staff and students of the Institute of Psychology of the School of Vocational Training. The programme can be installed both on computers owned by the University and on private devices. The licence holder is Artur Ziolkowski Director of the Institute of Psychology at the School of Vocational Training.

If you have any questions about access and use of the PS IMAGO PRO please contact us by e-mail:

• artur.ziolkowski@wskz.pl,
• working hours: 8:00-16:00.

Terms of use

The PS IMAGO PRO may only be used for teaching purposes and non-commercial research and scientific projects. Detailed licence conditions are available here: https://www.predictivesolutions.pl/warunki-licencji

Access and contact

• product version: PS IMAGO PRO (latest academic version including IBM SPSS Statistics) https://predictivesolutions.pl/ps-imago-pro.
• operating system - Windows.
• technical support - Predictive Solutions support system.
• system requirements - check here.

PS IMAGO PRO under the ARIADNA programme

ARIADNA programme is a collaborative initiative between academic units and Predictive Solutions (formerly SPSS Poland) to promote the use of data collection, analysis and modelling techniques in teaching and research. For more information about the programme: www.ariadna.edu.pl.

"Governance in practice - from strategy to implementation". Join the online workshop!

As early as 3 April 2025 online workshops on practical business management - from planning to branding to implementing modern solutions - are being launched this year. The meetings will be hosted by Prof. Dr. Eng. Michał Ćwiąkała Academic lecturer at the University of Vocational Training in Wrocław, expert in business management and brand strategy. This is an excellent opportunity to understand how modern businesses operate and what management looks like in practice.

What awaits the participants?

Part I: 03.04.2025, 19:00 - 21:00 - the complexity of business management

•  key principles of effective project and business management;
•  risk and safety management in business;
•  Financial strategies - cost optimisation, investing, leasing;
•  Effective sales and customer relationship building;

Part II: 10.04.2025, 19:00 - 21:00 - brand management strategy and process optimisation

• How to effectively build and protect a brand;
• rebranding and corporate identity as an element of success;
• digital marketing and 360° advertising campaigns;
• optimisation of business processes and use of IT;

FILL IN THE FORM AND BOOK YOUR PLACE!

The workshop is ideal for those who want to better understand the mechanisms of governance, learn about the practical aspects of the organisation's operations and gain useful knowledge for future careers. The meeting will take place on the Google Meet platform.

Different faces of trauma - a master class by Prof. Dr. Nina Ogińska-Bulik is behind us

The lecture is over! The meeting attracted an impressive number of participants interested in the topic of trauma and its multidimensional approach. The masterclass by Prof. Dr. Nina Ogińska-Bulik, entitled Different faces of trauma, met with great interest and was very well received by the audience.

Lecture topics included:

• the negative face of trauma - concept, prevalence, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trauma in children and adolescents;
• the positive face of trauma - Post-traumatic growth phenomenon, definition, incidence, determinants;
• secondary traumatisation.

It was an inspiring meeting, full of commitment and good energy - the most interesting moments were captured in the photos, which are available below.

Article by Prof. Stanisław Kowalkowski soon to be published in prestigious journal

We are pleased to announce that our academic lecturer, Prof. Dr. Stanisław Kowalkowski, has written an article titled 'The importance of the project. Analysis of the performance properties of coating systems for military applicationswhich will officially appear on 1 April 2025 in the magazine Advances in Science and Technology Research Journal (19(5), s. 200-212). 

The publication analyses the physicochemical properties of two-layer camouflage coatings used in military technology. The research involved systems modified with carbon nanotubes and glass microspheres, showing high corrosion resistance, low surface roughness and good mechanical properties. The results confirm the practical applicability of the coatings in armaments and military vehicles.
A link to the article can be found below:
https://www.astrj.com/Analysis-of-the-performance-properties-of-coating-systems-for-military-applications,201155,0,2.html

Who is Professor Stanisław Kowalkowski?

Prof. Kowalkowski is an experienced specialist in the field of engineering military and security. He is a graduate of, among others, the Engineering and Communication Forces Officers' School in Wrocław, the Engineering Forces Officers' College and the National Defence Academy. Since 1997 he has been associated with the National Defence Academy. His research interests include engineering support to military operations, military movement direction, public safety and civil-military cooperation in crisis management.

Communication can do more than you think - a workshop for paramedics!

A workshop like no other in Poland. Responsible for its preparation and implementation is Prof. Aleksander Woźny Director of the Institute of Media and Social Communication at the School of Vocational Training, who will lead it together with the mgr Agnieszka Nehring and guest expert Ms Bogna Bartosz. The aim is more than imparting knowledge - it is about understanding, empathy and effective dialogue in border situations.

Unique workshop for paramedics launched in Wroclaw

360 employees of the Wrocław ambulance service - paramedics, nurses and doctors - will take part in the ground-breaking communication workshop. This is the first training in Poland that aims not only to improve communication skills in difficult emergency situations, but also to counter verbal aggression from patients and professional burnout. The programme covers, among other things, delivering bad news, sensitive communication and building trust in crisis situations.

Effective treatment begins with a conversation

As Professor Woźny, author of the book, points out Narrative medicine and communication in border situationscommunication skills should be considered as an essential part of medical education. It is worth recalling here the results of a study conducted in the United States, which showed a significant discrepancy between the assessment of doctors and the feelings of patients. as many as 75% medics feel they communicate well with patientswhile only 25% patients view these relationships positively. Lack of competence in this area can lead to serious consequences - from difficulties in building trust to a real undermining of treatment effectiveness.

Different faces of trauma - master class by Prof. Dr. Nina Ogińska-Bulik

Already on 29 March 2025 at 11:30 a.m. in the Auditorium of the Faculty of Law of the University of Wrocław, the first master class lecture entitled 'The first of its kind' will be held. Different faces of traumawhich will be conducted by Prof. Nina Ogińska-Bulik, PhD - a prominent specialist in the field of health and stress psychology. The event will open a series of masterclasses organised by the College of Vocational Training in Wrocław.

Trauma in the modern world - how to understand and overcome it?

War, pandemics, violence, toxic relationships, natural disasters - every day many people face experiences that can leave a mark on their psyche. Trauma has many facetsand its effects can manifest themselves years later, affecting mental and physical health. How to deal with its consequences? Is it possible to make a positive transition after a difficult experience? How to support people who have lost hope and a sense of meaning?

The answers to these questions will be provided by Prof. Nina Ogińska-Bulik, Ph. expert in the psychology of trauma and stress, author/co-author of more than 330 scientific publications including 25 monographs and books, among others. Positive effects of traumatic experiences, Two faces of trauma or Trauma in adolescents.

Highlights of the lecture

The lecture will last approximately two hours and will an excellent opportunity to gain new knowledge, inspiration and reflection on the mechanisms of coping with trauma. This event is primarily aimed at psychology students in the College of Professional Training.

Acknowledgements

Thank you Professor Ryszard Poprawawho initiated the event. His commitment and passion made it possible to organise this unique event, opening up new opportunities for students to gain knowledge.

You are cordially invited! Don't miss the opportunity to meet an outstanding expert and deepen your knowledge of trauma and its effects. See you there!

Fresh energy, real change - Student Council gets in the game!

It was no ordinary day at the University - the elections for the Student Council of the School of Vocational Training had just concluded. Students have clearly identified the people they want to entrust their vote to and responsibility for issues that matter both on a daily basis and in the future. From now on, the official representatives of the academic community begin their activities, enjoying the full confidence of their colleagues and taking on the mission of actively contributing to the life of the university from within.

Time for action - students take the initiative

Newly established Local Government takes on the challenges of building an engaged community, organising social and cultural events and creating a space where every student can feel part of the academic community.

Thanks to the energy, creativity and determination of the student representatives, the coming months promise to be a a time of intense action and positive change. Congratulations to all those elected and thanks to those who took part in the vote. This is the start of a new phase in WSKZ student life.

A wave of disinformation stronger than the elements? Dr. Rafał Guzowski's research on social media

With what force does disinformation strike in times of crisis? The answer to this question was sought during his lecture Dr Rafał Guzowski cooperating with the College of Vocational Training in Wrocław, presenting the the results of piecemeal surveys on information chaos and the wave of misinformationthat emerged in these difficult moments for local communities. The speech took place during a conference "Resilience of cities to crises and threats. Security. Public policies. Education"which took place 28 March 2025.

Disinformation wave - two countries, one problem

Both Polandas well as Spain experienced in 2024 devastating flash floodswhich put not only infrastructure but also public confidence to the test. In both cases, the element was accompanied by a second wave - the confusion and misinformation.

W Spainespecially in the Valencia region, the meteorological warnings came too late. Residents, surprised by the scale of the phenomenon, were inundated with an avalanche of false information: from the allegedly damaged dams to theories about the operation of weather weapons and the HAARP programme. Manipulated footage attributed to Valencia also appeared on social media platforms, although it originated from Zaragoza.

W Poland, during the September floods, disinformation activity increased by 300%. Users received false RCB alerts, watched crafted films and read narratives about the "blowing up embankments" or looters from Ukraine. Some of this content appeared to be part of an organised campaign using accounts linked to the Russia and Belarus - aimed at undermining confidence in public institutions.

Social media - information or threats?

As he emphasises Dr Rafał Guzowski, social media in crisis situations are becoming both a source of information and a threat. Their impact lies in the immediacy and strength of emotion - the the more fear, anger or panic, the greater the reach of the false message.

The cases analysed included:

• voice messages on WhatsApp about a non-existent dam failure in Spain;
• Conspiracy theories about 'weather weapons';
• assigning recordings from other local reality sites;
• manipulated accounts of the actions of services and citizens.

These phenomena are not just temporary chaos - their effects are long-term. Disinformation weakens the community's ability to respond and adversely affects confidence in state warning systems.

Information resilience - a new pillar of security

Dr Guzowski's research shows that in the age of AI tools, fake news and manipulation, information immunity becomes as important as infrastructure. This is why it should be an element of urban planning, public policies and education.

A research paper entitled 'The importance of the researcher' will soon be published. "The role of media education and information policy in building urban resilience: shaping an informed information society in the face of crises and threats", in which Dr Guzowski will discuss in more detail the mechanisms for protecting cities from disinformation in times of crisis.