Absent but not forgotten. A moving meeting with Anna Jurkiewicz - President of the ITAKA Foundation

26 April at the Higher School of Vocational Training in Wrocław was given by Ms Anna Jurkiewicz - President of the Board of the ITAKA Foundation - Centre for Missing People Search, entitled "The role of NGOs in the search for missing persons. "The role of non-governmental organisations in searching for missing persons, based on the activities of the ITAKA Foundation" The speaker, who for years has been working passionately and with unwavering commitment on behalf of the missing, presented specific initiatives undertaken by the foundation, drawing attention to the importance of institutional cooperation and community involvement. During the meeting important social issues were raisedwhich was of great interest to the audience. 

The complex phenomenon of disappearances and the role of NGOs

Among other things, the lecture discussed the most common causes of missing children and adults, the needs of families of missing persons, the importance of social campaigns and the principles of cooperation with the police, the media and other services involved in search activities.

The audience was able to better understand how multidimensional and difficult the phenomenon of disappearances isand how important a role non-governmental organisations play in the whole process, not only in the search itself, but also in providing support to the relatives of missing persons.

Ms Anna Jurkiewicz not only imparted a wealth of knowledge and many years of experience, but also a genuine passion that has accompanied her commitment to the ITAKA Foundation's mission for years.

Our sincere thanks for this extremely valuable meeting, which enriched the teaching process and at the same time contributed to building social sensitivity and responsibility among our academic community.

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

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

Prof. Peter Nijkamp on AI in urban planning processes

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

Speech by Dr Karim Kourtit on the governance of modern cities

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

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

Guests visited key sites in Wrocław

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

Academics appreciate WSKZ's commitment

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

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!

Great academic event at WSKZ! Guest lectures by Prof. Peter Nijkamp and Dr Karima Kourtit

We are proud to announce that 26 April 2025 at 16:00 in Hall 1D at the Faculty of Law and Administration of the University of Wrocław will be held guest lectures by two prominent international academics - Prof. Peter Nijkamp and Dr Karimy Kourtit. This highly prestigious event provides a unique opportunity to meet directly with scientists who are setting the trends of contemporary academic debate in the areas of urban development, urban planning, migration and the application of artificial intelligence in social and urban space management.

Prof. Peter Nijkamp - one of the world's most influential regional economists, Emeritus Professor at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam, former President of the Regional Science Association International. Author of hundreds of scientific publications, visionary of territorial development and specialist in the application of modern technologies in spatial planning.

Lecture title: Artificial Intelligence: Save Our Souls - More Information, Better Planning?

Dr Karima Kourtit, a distinguished economist and urban planner, affiliated with the Open University of the Netherlands and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Her interdisciplinary research focuses on urban dynamics, innovation, migration and data management in the modern city.

Lecture title: Urban Love in Troubled Cities

For whom: The lectures are open to students, PhD students, academics and anyone interested in the contemporary challenges of spatial development, urban planning and technology in the service of society.📍 Location: Hall 1D, Faculty of Law and Administration UWr
Date: 26 April 2025 (Saturday)
Hour: 16:00
Language of lectures: English

Don't miss the unique opportunity to be inspired by some of Europe's most eminent academics. You are cordially invited!

The service of a forensic technician from behind the scenes - learn about the practical aspects of the job at an online meeting!

The College of Vocational Training would like to invite students to a meeting in the series "Let's talk to practitioners!", during which our guest speaker will be Staff Sergeant Rafał Woźniak - a former forensic technician with 30 years' experience who was involved in securing and analysing evidence at crime scenes. What is the work of a forensic science technician like? What traces are crucial for court proceedings? These and other questions will be answered by our guest.

The event will be taken care of by the presenter - retired inspector Tomasz Czaja, a former district police chief in Sztum and an experienced officer with many years of experience.

About our guest

Staff Asp. Rafał Woźniak began his service in the Police in 1995. He gained his first experience in the Prevention Unit in Gdańsk, then as a patrol officer, neighbourhood policeman and investigator in the Tczew-Suchostrzygi Police Station. Since 1999, he has specialised in forensic science, performing the duties of a forensic technician at the Tczew District Police Station. For more than 25 years, he has actively participated in securing and analysing traces at crime scenes, gaining invaluable professional experience which he will share at the meeting.

What will you learn at the meeting?

• What is the process for securing evidence and the importance of proper documentation?
• What tools, techniques and methods are used when working on the scene?
• Why is the precision of a forensic technician crucial to the course of a legal proceeding?
• What skills are required to successfully practise as a forensic technician?

Anyone with an interest in security, forensic science and law is welcome to attend. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the realities of this fascinating work!

Event details

• Deadline: Wednesday, 23 April
• Time: 19:00-20:00 
• Form: online meeting 

The meeting does not require prior registration - all that is required is click the link and attach. 

Bullying as a destructive aspect of the working environment - international conference addressing an important topic for all professional groups

Pressure, stress and sometimes open hostility - bullying is still a serious problem in many workplaces. How can it be recognised, what are its consequences and how can it be counteracted? Answers to these questions will be provided by experts who will appear at the international conference 'Bullying as a destructive aspect of the working environment' organised by the University. The event will take place 23 April 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.. The conference will be available at online formand lectures and discussions will be held at the in Polish and English. Who in particular should take part? Check it out!

Are you a university teacher? Find out how to educate and respond to bullying

As a lecturer, you have a real impact on the awareness of future professionals and the atmosphere in the academic environment. The conference is an opportunity to expand your knowledge of bullying and its consequences, as well as to learn how to respond to difficult situations in teaching. It is also space to share experiences and learn about different perspectives on the phenomenon of mobbing in the educational environment.

Do you work in a company or institution? Learn to recognise and combat bullying

Bullying can affect anyone - employees and supervisors alike - and its effects have an impact on the entire organisation. The upcoming conference is an opportunity to improving knowledge of the phenomenon, share experiences and learn about different perspectives on how to counteract toxic behaviour in the professional environment. Participation in the event can help to better understand the mechanisms of bullying and ways to build healthy relationships in the workplace.

Are you a student? Prepare for the challenges of the labour market

Whether you are studying law, psychology, management, administration, internal security or pedagogy, the topic of bullying may be relevant to your future work. The conference is an opportunity to learn about the broader perspective of this phenomenon and its consequences in different professional environments. As a future lawyer, psychologist or educator, you may meet people who have experienced bullying and need support - knowing about this problem will help you to better understand their situation. Attending the event will help you prepare for challenges in the labour market and understand how to build healthy relationships in the workplace.

Framework schedule for the conference

The event is not only aimed at students of Management, Law, Psychology, Administration, Homeland Security or Pedagogy, but also at anyone who wants to better understand the mechanisms of destructive relationships in the workplace and gain practical tools to combat them.

Below is the tentative schedule for the conference (more information coming soon):

• 9.00-9.30: Opening of the conference.
• 9.30-11.00: Inaugural Lecture.
• 11.00-12.45: Session 1 (parallel speeches in English and Polish, up to 10 speeches are expected (speaking time 15-20 minutes).
• 12.45-13.00: Break.
• 13.00-14.30: Session 2 (parallel speeches in English and Polish, up to 10 speeches are expected (speaking time 15-20 minutes).
• 14.30-15.00: Summary and conclusion of the conference.

The conference has an international character and will be held in an online format. In addition to staff from the University, speakers from the following universities will be present:

• Abai Myrzakhmetov Kokshetau University (Kazakhstan) https://www.kuam.kz/;
• Abu Ali Ibn Sino Bukhara State Medical University (Uzbekistan) https://bsmi.uz/;
• International University of Innovation (Kazakhstan)  https://iui.kz/;
• Karaganda Buketov University (Kazakhstan) http://ksu.kz/;
• Peoples' Friendship University named after Academician A. Kuatbekov (Kazakhstan)  https://udn.edu.kz/;
• Public Higher Educational Establishment 'Vinnytsia Academy of Continuing Education' (Ukraine) https://academia.vinnica.ua/;
• Varna Free University 'Chernorizets Hrabar' (Bulgaria) https://www.vfu.bg/;
• Vinnytsia Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi State Pedagogical University (Ukraine) http://vspu.edu.ua/.

Talking about the future and development - meeting between the Vice-Dean and students

12 April 2025 an important meeting was held Ms Aneta Kazanecka, Vice-Dean for Student Affairs, with management students. The event created a space to discuss the functioning of the academic community, opportunities for academic development and student activity at the College of Vocational Training in Wrocław.

Supporting student initiatives and scientific development

During the meeting, the activities of the Student Government were discussed, scientific circles and were encouraged to get involved in research projects and publications in the Student Scientific Notebooks. The Vice-Dean also stressed the importance of student participation in conferences, workshops and guest lectures as important elements of academic competence development.

Psychological support and upcoming events

During the discussions, attention was drawn to the functioning of the university's Psychological Support Centrewhich offers assistance to students in crisis situations. The Vice-Dean also encouraged participation in upcoming scientific events, with a special focus on the 21st International Congress "Forensics and Forensic Expertise: Science, Studies, Practice", which will take place on 18-20 September 2025 at the European Solidarity Centre in Gdansk. More information about the Congress, the detailed programme and the registration form are available on the website: Congress of Forensic Science - Wroclaw Studies.

A chance to present yourself to an international audience

The Congress also includes a student conferencewhere students will be able to present their own papers in front of an international audience of experts and practitioners. Students are supported in the preparation of their presentations by the academic staff of our University, by offering factual and didactic assistance. This is a unique opportunity to showcase your scientific interests, gain experience in public speaking and establish valuable professional contacts both in Poland and abroad.

Don't miss this opportunity - get actively involved in academic life and develop your passions!

"The role of NGOs in the search for missing persons" - meeting with Ms Anna Jurkiewicz, President of the ITAKA Foundation

As early as Saturday 26 April 2025, at 11:30am a unique guest lecture aimed at students of the Higher School of Management "Education" in Wrocław will take place in the Auditorium of the Higher School of Vocational Education. The guest speaker will be Ms Anna Jurkiewicz President of the Board of the ITAKA Foundation - Searching for Missing People Centre, one of the key NGOs in Poland dealing with disappearances and support for their families. The topic of the lecture will be: "The role of non-governmental organisations in the search for missing persons on the example of the activities of the ITAKA Foundation"..

This meeting is a unique opportunity to find out, how organisations supporting the families of missing persons function, the challenges faced by those involved and the importance of the role of psychological support in such situations.

The ITAKA Foundation and its mission to support the families of missing persons

The ITAKA Foundation has for years played a key role in the search for missing persons and in educational and prevention activities. The organisation cooperates with the police, the Ministry of the Interior and Administration and many other state institutions to more effectively prevent disappearances and support the families of missing persons.

As part of its activities, the Foundation operates a helpline, organises social action and media campaigns, and is involved in shaping public policy on the rights of missing persons and their relatives. Many of these activities have become possible thanks to the commitment and vision of Ms Anna Jurkiewicz.

Who is Anna Jurkiewicz?

Ms Anna Jurkiewicz has headed the ITAKA Foundation - Searching for Missing People Centre since December 2012. He actively represents the organisation internationally, including in debates organised by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. Under her leadership, the Foundation develops cooperation both at home and abroad, constantly raising the standards of support for the families of missing persons. Ms Anna Jurkiewicz's commitment, experience and vast knowledge make her the lecture will not only be a source of reliable knowledge, but also an inspiration for reflection on the social aspects of disappearances and the role of psychological support in crisis situations.

An unusual encounter with science - two stories, two worlds, one goal. Distinguished guests at the School of Vocational Training

12 April 2025 The academic community of the Vocational Training College in Wrocław had the opportunity to participate in a unique event - guest lectures by two outstanding scientists: Prof. Igor Britchenko and Prof. Henryk Malewski. The meeting aroused great interest among students and staff, confirming the importance of scientific debates in the life of the university.

Meeting with authorities - knowledge, history and inspiration

Prof. Dr. Igor Britchenko - internationally renowned economist, professor at universities in Slovakia, Ukraine and Bulgaria and author of more than 500 publications - presented a lecture on 'The functioning of the EU banking system in the context of globalisation in terms of economic security: current state and prospects'. In his speech, he discussed the impact of global economic tensions on banking stability in the European Union and stressed the importance of economic security in the context of contemporary threats. The lecture combined with examples and analysis of real processes was highly appreciated by the audience.

The history of forensic science through the eyes of a practitioner

Professor Henryk Malewski - a lawyer, forensic scientist and university lecturer - then invited the participants to w a fascinating journey through the history of forensic science. A graduate of Vilnius University, he is a former expert of the Forensic Laboratory of the Lithuanian Interior Ministry and a lecturer at many prestigious universities. Professor Malewski passionately combined science, practice and reflection. In his lecture entitled. "The origins of forensic science: people, dates, events". vividly presented the landmarks of the field, enriching the speech with personal anecdotes and historical trivia.

Student engagement and academic prestige

The event was also attended by representatives of the staff of the College of Vocational Training - Mrs Pro-Vice-Chancellor, the ladies Dean and Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, as well as members of the Centre for International Cooperation. The presence of the University authorities underlined the importance of the meeting and the significance of scientific initiatives for academic education. The meeting also became an inspiring experience for all present.

We would like to thank the professors for their extremely valuable presentations and are already looking forward to future events that enrich knowledge and develop scientific identity in the School of Vocational Training.

'Management in practice - from strategy to implementation'. Online workshop with Prof. Dr. Michał Ćwiąkała is over

Practical knowledge, committed participants and concrete guidance - That, in a nutshell, is how the two-part online workshop that took place 3 and 10 April 2025. The meetings were chaired by Prof. Dr. Eng. Michał Ćwiąkała, an expert in management, entrepreneurship and an experienced business practitioner.

The workshop was organised under the common title "Governance in practice - from strategy to implementation" and collected a total of 366 registered students. The high level of interaction meant that each meeting was extended - even an hour more than originally planned.

Management complexity in business - concrete, not theory

The first meeting, which took place 3 April, was devoted to the topic of building business models, security in management and mechanisms for effective sales. The workshop lasted over 2.5 hours and was based on practical experience of the trainer, enriched with examples from real-life business activities.

Strategy, brand and process optimisation

10 April participants met again, this time around the theme of "Brand management strategy and process optimisation". Instead of 30 minutes, the discussion section lasted a full hour - thanks to the high level of commitment of the participants. The workshop provided knowledge not only about building a consistent brandbut also about a modern approach to process management in a changing business environment.

Thank you for your presence!

The workshop, which he led Prof. Dr. Michał Ćwiąkała, is not only an example of successfully combining theory and practice, but also proves that students at the Vocational Training College in Wrocław want to talk about business seriously and passionately. Thank you for your active participation and to all those supporting the organisation and promotion of the event!