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.

The limits of resilience. Lecture by Col. Res. Dr. Samir Rawat on the psyche in the fire of extreme experiences

A unique open lecture will be held on 24 May 2025 (Saturday) at 2.15pm in Room 10 of the 5th High School. The talk entitled. "Self-Regulation in Dealing with PTSD and PTG". (Self-regulation in the context of coping with post-traumatic stress disorder and post-traumatic growth) will deliver Col. res. dr Samir Rawat - an eminent expert in military psychology, a veteran and an authority on mental toughness and leadership in extreme conditions.

An expert who knows what true resilience is

Res. Col. Dr Samir Rawat is a decorated Indian Army veteran who commanded an infantry company on the Siachen Glacier - the highest battlefield in the world. For his bravery during the Kargil conflict in 1999, he was honoured with the Presidential Medal for Valour.

He was the first psychologist ever to be referred to the prestigious National Defence Academy in India, where he spent years training future leaders of the armed forces. He holds a PhD in psychology and management, and has a graduate degree in defence and strategy, author of numerous publications and a respected speaker at international conferences. He also served as psychologist for the Indian national team at the Commonwealth Games.

Trauma, power, self-regulation - a story written by experience

During the lecture, participants will learn about the practical mechanisms of self-regulation, ways to build psychological resilience and approaches to trauma from an individual and organisational perspective.

It is a unique opportunity to meet a unique figurewhich combines scientific knowledge with real battlefield experience. You are cordially invited to attend the event!

WSKZ lecturers at the Congress of Dual Training

15 May 2025 at the National Chamber of Commerce in Warsaw, jointly with the National Forum for Career Guidance, the Vocational Education Committee, the Congress of Dual Education was organised. The event was actively attended by Dr Irena MalinowskaProf. WSKZ - Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Prof. Janusz Soboń from the Institute of Management and Quality Sciences at the Vocational Training College in Wrocław. Their participation enriched the discussion on the future of dual education in Poland, highlighting the key role of cooperation between academia and the business sector.

Dual training - an investment in the future

The dual education system, combining schooling and apprenticeships, is the foundation for effectively preparing young people for the challenges of today's labour market.

Congress speakers

The invited experts included recognised specialists whose experience guaranteed the high level of the event:

• Ewa Flaszyńska - Director of the Labour Market Department, Ministry of the Family, Labour and Social Policy -Piotr Golębiowski - Coordinator of WorldSkills Poland, Foundation for the Development of the Education System;
• Krzysztof Symela - Director of the Research Centre for Vocational Education and Innovation Management, Łukasiewicz Research Network;
• Katarzyna Pawlak-Weiss - Director of the Lower Silesian Teacher Training Centre;
• Hubert Gęsiarz - Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Education Zone Ltd;
• Anna Wilińska - Head of the Office of the Guild of Miscellaneous Crafts in Włocławek.

Importance of dual training

🔹 Development of key competences - professional realism, entrepreneurship, aspiration development.

🔹 Partnership between education and business - the participation of public institutions, businesses and students in the learning process.

🔹 Effective matching of education and the labour market - upgrading of professional skills in line with current needs.

Promoting good practice

An important highlight of the Congress was the presentation of the "Angel of Dual Education" awardshonouring companies that set new standards in vocational education in the workplace. The event highlighted the important role of synergies between education and business in building a qualified workforce for the Polish economy.

Career guidance and the future of dual education

The Congress emphasised the need to develop systemic career guidance and effective information activities on education in the workplace. Cooperation between academia, public administration and entrepreneurs is a key element in preparing young people for the rapidly changing labour market.

Lecture by a legend of Polish forensic science at WSKZ

It is with great pleasure that we announce that on 17 May at 11:30 a.m. in the John Paul II Auditorium at Wrocław University of Life Sciences, a distinguished expert in forensic science and forensic psychology will be a guest of the Higher School of Vocational Education - the Prof. Dr. h.c. mult. Brunon Hołyst.

He will give an open lecture that is sure to be of interest to all lovers of law, psychology and criminology. Professor Bruno Holyst's lectures are renowned for their charisma, erudition and extraordinary ability to translate difficult content into a fascinating story
about man, society and crime.

Who is Professor Bruno Holyst?

Professor Brunon Hołyst is a legend of Polish criminology - lawyer, criminologist, suicidologist. Distinguished professor, doctor habilitated and doctor honoris causa University of Bialystok (2011) and Nasarawa State University in Keffi (Nigeria, 2023). Keffi University awarded him the title honorary professor and set up an Institute for European Studies his name. He is also a consultant University of Vocational Training in Wrocław.

He specialises in forensic science, criminology and victimology. He holds professorial positions in Academy of Applied Sciences in Warsaw and on University of Siedlceand honorary professor University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn.

He is the initiator and founder of Polish Forensic Association, Honorary President of the Polish Society of Mental Hygiene and President of the Polish Suicidological Society. He serves on numerous international scientific committees and has lectured as a visiting professor in many countries, discussing suicidology, victimology
and criminology.

He is the author of more than 1250 publications, including 80 books and academic textbooks, which have been published, among others, in USA, Canada, UK, Japan, China, Germany, Ukraine, Russia and Nigeria. He is a respected expert not only in the world of academia, but also in the legal and law enforcement practice communities. WSKZ students and lecturers are cordially invited to attend.

Summary of the National Academic Conference on the Presidency of the Republic of Poland - an interdisciplinary look at elections and the political system

13 May an All-Poland Academic Conference devoted to the institution of the President of the Republic of Poland was held. The event brought together a wide range of experts - from constitutionalists to political scientists and public life practitioners - who jointly discussed the subject of presidential elections, election campaigns and the systemic role of the head of state. The conference was organised by Centre for Constitutional Law and Rule of Law Monitoring in cooperation with College of Advanced Vocational Training in Wrocław, and was moderated by Dr Kamil Stępniak, President of the Centre.

The meeting provided an important space for the exchange of views and interdisciplinary reflection on the current and future shape of the presidency in Poland. Changes in law, technology and society that affect the functioning of the presidential office and the transparency of electoral processes were discussed.

Law.co.uk has published an article on the conference we are organising, which addresses, among other things, the legal regulation of the use of AI and deep fakes in election campaigns: see material.

Experts and speaking topics - the voice of the speakers on modern challenges of the presidency

Recognised specialists representing various fields of knowledge spoke at the conference:

• Anna Bigaj from the University of Gdansk, focused on the role of new technologies in ensuring the transparency and legitimacy of presidential campaigns. She drew attention to the limited use of tools such as e-ID or trusted profile in the context of elections, pointing to the need to build public trust and advanced safeguards. She also touched on the controversy surrounding online voting (iVoting), which still raises many doubts in Poland.
• Karolina Wilamowska, a lawyer and mediator, presented the impact of artificial intelligence on election campaigns. She pointed out serious risks such as microtargeting, deepfakes, fake accounts and bots amplifying political messages. She emphasised that AI enables the creation of real-time messages, which, on the one hand, increases the effectiveness of communication and, on the other, raises the risk of manipulating public opinion.
• Dr Damian Wąsik from the Higher School of Vocational Training in Wrocław, presented the subject of the criminal law protection of presidential elections. He presented historical examples of fraud from the period of the Second Republic, emphasising how important it is to counteract all attempts to influence the integrity of the electoral process, regardless of the era.
• Dr Malgorzata Andrzejczak-Swiątek from the Police Academy in Szczytno discussed the international context of election monitoring, citing the OSCE ODiHR report on the 2020 presidential election in Poland. She highlighted the role of international institutions in assessing democratic standards and the rule of law.

Acknowledgements and closing thoughts

We would like to thank all the speakers, participants and those involved in the organisation of the conference for creating a space for robust, substantive discussion. The event should undoubtedly be regarded as successful - both in terms of attendance and the level of the papers delivered. We believe that the topics raised will inspire further research and initiatives devoted to the development of the democratic system in Poland.

A trace on the other side - a unique lecture on the search for missing persons and drowning victims

You are cordially invited to a lecture entitled "A trace on the other side - the role of the expert in the search for missing persons and drowning victims using the latest technology and forensic analysis".which will take place 17 May 2025 at 12.30 pm in the John Paul II Auditorium at the University of Life Sciences.

The event will be hosted by Mr. Maciej Rokus - the Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivode's representative for safety, head of the Polish Diving Special Group and an expert witness at the Regional Court in Katowice, specialising in trial experiments to determine the causes of drowning.

Expert knowledge, real-world experience and the latest technology

During the lecture, the speaker will present a modern approach to the topic of exploration missing persons and drowning victims - not only from a technical perspective, but also from a humanitarian one. The event will enable the audience to learn about practical use of technology and methods of criminal analysis in field operations and will identify the challenges faced by experts.

The scope of our guest's speciality is:

• waterway safety (drowning, watercraft accidents, water sports accidents);
• conducting surveys in water (searches using hydro-acoustic survey equipment and divers);
• search methods;
• carrying out searches for people or corpses in water areas and areas difficult to access.

You are cordially invited to attend in this extremely interesting event on behalf of the dean's team.

Students of the University of Vocational Training rocked the Wrocław Juvenalia!

9 May students The University of Vocational Training in Wrocław let themselves be swept up in the madness of the student festival in the Osobowickie Fields in Wrocław! It was loud, colourful and joyful - Music, dancing and a great atmosphere united students from different universities in a joint celebration.

The day was the perfect opportunity to catch your breath before the intense end of termrecharge their batteries and simply have fun. Our students have shown that they can not only work hard, but also enjoy student life to the full. Thank you to everyone who was with us - It was a day that will stay with us for a long time. See you at future events!

Science in the face of conflict - 5th International Scientific and Practical Conference "Health and Society in War"

Already on 16 May 2025, the 5th International Scientific and Practical Conference "Health and Society in War" will be held.. The event will be held in an online format and provides an important international forum for analysing social and health challenges in the context of armed conflict.

The conference is organised by the School of Vocational Training in Wrocław in cooperation with the Central Ukrainian Institute of Human Development at the Ukrainian University.

Purpose and scope of the event

The conference aims to provide an interdisciplinary analysis of the the impact of war situations on society and health. The discussion will cover medical, psychological, social and administrative issues, showing the the full spectrum of the consequences of armed conflict.

Participants and representation of the University

The event will be attended by researchers and practitioners from many countries, representing renowned academia and public health and social policy institutions.

Higher School of Vocational Training in Wrocław will be represented by:

• Dr Bartosz Blaszczak - Managing Director.
• Dr Irena Malinowska - Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences.
• Dr Justyna Jasińska-Rudzka - Associate Dean for Educational Quality.
• Dr Aneta Kazanecka - Vice Dean for Student Affairs.
• Dr Wojciech Kazanecki - Chair of the Stakeholder Council.
• Dr Marika Szymanska - Director of the Institute of Management and Quality Sciences.
• Dr Natalia Najgiebauer - Programme Director of the Law, Law in Business and Administration courses.
• Dr Mariusz Michalski - Assistant Professor at the Institute of Criminology and Homeland Security.

Post-conference publication

The conference will culminate in the joint publication of a scientific monograph, featuring articles by participants on the impact of armed conflict on different areas of societies.

The authors will undertake an interdisciplinary analysis of social, health and administrative issues, demonstrating the complexity of the challenges faced by individuals and institutions under conditions of war. This monograph will become an important contribution to the development of research on the impact of armed conflict and its long-term effects on public health and the social fabric.

You are cordially invited to attend in this significant scientific event!

From Lower Silesia to Europe - students of the Academy of Vocational Training at the International Job Fair

As early as 15 May 2025, students University College of Professional Education take part in the International Job Fair "With EURES to Europe!"which will take place between 09:30 and 14:00 at Tarczynski Arena Wrocław. This is the largest recruitment event in Lower Silesia, aimed at jobseekers planning their professional development or thinking about a career abroad.

More than 100 exhibitors and first-hand practical knowledge

More than 100 exhibitors from Poland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Estonia and Slovenia are expected to attend. The event will feature presentations on apprenticeship programmes, social security schemes, career development, and franchising.

This is an excellent opportunity to find out about career opportunities at home and abroad and speak directly to representatives of companies and institutions. Students of the College of Vocational Training -. You can't miss it! You are cordially invited to attend.

Stakeholder Council of the School of Vocational Training: a shared view of the University's future

On 15 May 2025, the Stakeholder Council of the College of Vocational Education will meet. This is an important step in developing cooperation between the university and representatives of the socio-economic environment. The meeting was planned as a space for the exchange of knowledge, opinions and ways forward.

In the event programme:

• will be presented information on current studies;
• representatives of partner institutions receive data relevant to the strategic development of the university;
• participants will be invited to express their own observations and recommendations on opportunities to improve teaching and, in the longer term, research.

The College of Vocational Training has been consistently striving to. education and research activities respond to real market needs. The Stakeholder Council meeting is part of a long-term process of strengthening relationships with partners and to adapt the teaching offer to changing socio-economic challenges.