International scientific monograph following the conference on 'Health and Society in War' - the next phase of research partnerships

The College of Vocational Training in Wrocław, together with its long-standing research partner, the Central Ukrainian Institute of Human Development at the University of Ukraine, organised a an international scientific conference held on 16 May 2025 in an online format.

The event was a continuation of a series of international scientific endeavours that have been running since 2022 with the aim of deepening research cooperation and promoting an interdisciplinary approach to the challenges facing contemporary society.

This year's conference was dedicated to analysing the impact of armed conflict on public health and social life. It was attended by academics, practitioners and experts from many countries, representing leading universities, research institutes and public health and social policy institutions.

International cooperation as a foundation for the development of science

Developing international cooperation in science is the strategic objective of our University. Thanks to regular ventures with a global reach build scientific networks, we jointly acquire knowledge and share experiences, thereby strengthening the status of research and the impact of science on the quality of social and economic life. The internationalisation of research activities today is not only a challenge but also a necessity in the context of building a modern, an academic community open to dialogue.

Post-conference scientific publication

The conference culminates in a scientific monograph published in three volumes edited by the authorities of the College of Vocational Training: Dr Henryk Fedewicz - Rector, Dr Bartosz Błaszczak - Managing Director and Dr Irena Malinowska - Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Each volume focuses on a separate research strand:

• Volume I - rehabilitation, medical science, pedagogy and psychology;
• Volume II - Legal aspects of the functioning of society in wartime;
• Volume III - economics, finance, management, information technology, media and artificial intelligence.

The monograph is a valuable source of interdisciplinary knowledge and an important voice in the international debate on the consequences of armed conflict on public health and social structures.

Dr Tomasz Witkowski in the media - recent appearances

Dr Tomasz Witkowski is a recognised expert in social psychology, emotion, motivation and scientific methodology. He has more than 30 years of teaching and training experience, has conducted research in Germany and collaborated with the University of Malta. He is the author of 16 books, including four published in the USA, as well as dozens of scientific articles that have appeared in prestigious journals such as British Journal of Social Psychology i Skeptical Inquirer. Below are Dr Witkowski's most recent media appearances.

• 9 January 2025 - Dr Tomasz Witkowski guested on the podcast CHARISMATIC, where he spoke to David Straszak about the mental health crisis. The topics of the talk were based on his latest book 'Puncture the gurus who advise on how to live and other essays'. Dr Witkowski also touched on the overabundance of psychologists and challenges in the context of mental health. Link to podcast
• 15 January 2025 - An audio version of Dr Witkowski's book 'Forbidden Psychology, Volume I. Between science and charlatanry'.
• 7 February 2025 - Another appearance was a podcast conversation WORDS, in which Dr Witkowski discussed the manipulations presented in the book 'Psychomanipulations. How to recognise and deal with them'. He discussed the mechanisms that keep people in sects and toxic relationships. Link to podcast
• 14 February 2025 - Dr Witkowski appeared in Focus.co.uk on health, where, in a conversation with Beata Igielska, he discussed Robert Sternberg and Karin Weiss's book The New Psychology of Love, of which he was the scientific editor. The topic was romantic love, its role and its impact on contemporary society. Link to article
• 15 February 2025 - Dr Witkowski's lecture entitled. "The evolution of morality" was delivered as part of the "10th Wrocław Darwin Days", organised by the Institute of Biology of the University of Wrocław and the Polish Association of Rationalists. Link to lecture
• 19 March 2025 - Dr Witkowski appeared in Radio Wnetwhere he touched on the Polish mental health treatment system. In an interview with editor Jasmina Nowak, he shared his comments on the crisis of the system and the mistakes that need to be corrected. Link to broadcast
• 3 April 2025 - Dr Witkowski was a guest on the podcast Chronicles of a departure from reasonwhere, together with Dr Katarzyna Szumlewicz and editor Boyan Stanislavski, they discussed ignorance being considered a virtue and its impact on human attitudes. Link to podcast
• 5 April 2025 - Dr Witkowski's lecture entitled. "Psychology without simplification. You won't learn this on the internet" was held as part of the conference Holistic Talk in Bielsko-Biała, where issues were raised about the work of psychologists and which professionals are worth listening to. Link to the event
• 5 June 2025 - Dr Witkowski led a lecture and workshop entitled. "If not therapy, then what?" on self-help for mental health problems and disorders, organised by the Rhea Foundation in Częstochowa. Link to the event
• June 2025 - Dr Tomasz Witkowski was interviewed in the June issue of Cogito, where he discussed science, pseudoscience and critical thinking in the context of the development of scientific disciplines.
• 12 June 2025 - Dr Witkowski guested on the podcast Chronicles of a departure from reason, where he addressed the topic of exaggeration in psychology and the harm of simplifications that can result from a misunderstanding of the field. Link to podcast

With his knowledge, experience and passion for psychology, Dr Tomasz Witkowski regularly shares his thoughts and analyses with a wide audience. His activity in the media is an important contribution to the popularisation of sound psychology and critical thinking. We encourage you to follow his presentations and explore the topics he addresses.

Seminar "Towards independent living and deinstitutionalisation - assisted housing with support services for people with disabilities"

On 26 June 2025, at the initiative of the Department of Sociological Analysis of Public Policies of the Institute of Applied Social Sciences of the University of Warsaw, a remote seminar 'Towards independent living and deinstitutionalisation - assisted housing with support services for people with disabilities' was held.

This event is another scientific meeting in the series 'Public Policies in a Sociological Perspective' conducted continuously since 2016. The seminars are of great interest to scholars and practitioners, focusing on the analysis of current social policy directions and solving specific social problems directly affecting the social order. The event was attended by Dr Damian Wąsik - Plenipotentiary of the Rector of the College of Vocational Education for Persons with Disabilities.

Report on the 7th Scientific Conference attended by our lecturer Jan Znajdek

On 5-6 June 2025, our lecturer, Jan Znajdek - Doctor of Laws, graduate of the University of Lodz, who teaches interdisciplinary courses in intellectual property protection and personal data protection - participated in the 7th Scientific Conference on "Competences, tasks and capacities of governmental and self-governmental bodies in the field of civil defence and counter-hybrid and anti-cognitive actions used by Russia on a large scale in Ukraine, as well as against the countries of Central and Eastern Europe", organised by the Prof. Edward F. Szczepanik State Vocational College in Suwałki. Szczepanik in Suwałki. The Higher Vocational College in Wrocław was a co-organiser of the event, and the Managing Director of WSKZ Wrocław, Dr Bartosz Błaszczak, took the conference under his honorary patronage.

As a representative of the co-organiser, speaking at the opening of the conference, Jan Znajdek noted that the co-organisation of the event and the active participation of WSKZ representatives would contribute to the scientific development of both universities. During the plenary session, he delivered a paper on: "Local government administration, a key link in the organisation of the Civil Defence system". His presentation attracted the interest of the participants, and the paper will be included in the publication of post-conference materials (scoring publication - 100 points). In summing up the proceedings, the representative of the main organiser, Andrzej Sęk, Ph.D., expressed his thanks to our university and his hope for the continuation of further cooperation.

University of Vocational Training co-organises national research conference "1000 years of Poland in Europe - balance of experiences and vision for the future"

On 23-24 June 2025 a nationwide scientific conference entitled 'The Role of the European Union in the Social Sciences' was held at the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Wrocław. "1000 YEARS - Poland in Europe. Taking stock of experience and a vision for the future".devoted to reflection on Poland's place and role in Europe over the millennium. The event was organised in the special year of Poland's assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

We are proud to announce that the College of Vocational Training has acted as a co-organiser of the event, actively participating in both its preparation and expert sessions.

Interdisciplinary debate and presence of experts from all over Poland

The conference brought together more than 100 speakers from leading universities and research institutions from across the country. Topics covered included. Poland's international position, changes in the European system, challenges in the area of security, legal transformations and contemporary social and cultural phenomena.

The participation of representatives from the Vocational Training College was an important contribution to the analysis of the current challenges facing Poland and Europe. The presence of the university as a co-organiser confirmed the high level of research conducted science and its commitment to developing academic cooperation at national and international level.

Representatives of the Higher School of Vocational Training in expert panels

Representatives of the academic staff of the College of Vocational Training took part in the four thematic panels, presenting the results of his own research and addressing key issues related to European politics, law, international relations and intercultural dialogue:

• Poland and the European Union - Dr Wojciech Kazanecki: 'Building European soft power with the use of European Union observation missions in the world: a Polish perspective'.
• Multiple dimensions of law - Dr Magdalena Debita: 'Crimes committed with artificial intelligence and the transformation of contemporary criminal law and cyber security - selected issues'.
• Poland and Central and Eastern Europe in international relations - Dr Aneta Kazanecka: "Polish diplomacy towards the cultural challenges of the 21st century".
• Migrations, minorities, borderlands - MA Małgorzata Pacer: "Intercultural and interreligious dialogue as a path to peace and cooperation".

Participation in these deliberations was confirmed by an active presence of the university in the national academic community and its commitment to interdisciplinary scientific debate.

The conference was held in a stationary format in the rooms of the Institute of Political Science and the Institute of International and Security Studies at the University of Wrocław.

Online workshop: Norm and disorders in children and adolescents - in a psychoanalytic perspective

Would you like to better understand what disorders in children and adolescents are, how to diagnose these conditions and how to approach normality in the context of their development? You are invited to a unique online workshop led by expert Dorota Modrzynska to learn key tools in working with young patients. The workshop will run on 30 June 2025 and aims to equip participants with knowledge about normality and disorders from a psychoanalytic perspective.

Workshop aimed at psychology students

The workshop has been designed with psychology students in mind, but will also be of value to those who work with children and young people. By discussing issues in psychoanalysis, you will learn about a variety of approaches to diagnosis and support that you can use in your future work.

Understanding psychosexual development in children and adolescents

In this workshop, Dorota Modrzynska will discuss the key phases of psychosexual development, including the developmental tasks that are essential in determining healthy developmental patterns. Understanding these processes will give you a better understanding of how to recognise disorders and how to support a young person's development.

Diagnosis of disordered conditions in children and adolescents

During the workshop, Dorota Modrzynska will present specific tools for diagnosing conditions in children and adolescents. Typical areas of trauma that can disrupt the natural development process will also be discussed. The knowledge you will gain will help you to better understand and support young people during difficult moments in their lives.

Date and time of workshop:

• Deadline: 30 June 2025.
• Time: 17:00 - 19:00
• Format: Online workshop

This is an excellent opportunity to deepen your knowledge of psychoanalysis and diagnosis of disorders in the context of child and adolescent development. If you are a psychology student or interested in the topic of development and disorders in young people, this workshop is for you! Register now to develop your skills and knowledge in this important field.

Join the Criminal Law Circle of the College of Professional Training and develop your passion!

You are interested in topics related to crimes, lawsuits and the operation of the justice system? You want to develop your knowledge of criminal law based on real cases and practical experience? Join the Criminal Law Circle The College of Vocational Training in Wrocław - a space for people with a passion for forensic science and the real aspects of law!

The scientific conference "Domestic Violence in Poland. Between theory and practice" - interdisciplinary debate with important recommendations

On 13 June 2025, the Institute of Internal Security and Criminology of the College of Vocational Training in Wrocław organised an interdisciplinary scientific conference entitled 'The importance of internal security and criminology'. "Domestic Violence in Poland. Between theory and practice".. The event was held in an online format, which allowed wide and comfortable access for participants from different parts of Poland - both from academia and social practice institutions.

The conference was attended by a total of more than 550 participantsincluding representatives of the uniformed services, the judiciary, social workers, psychologists, educators, representatives of public administration, NGOs and academia. The event consisted of three parallel thematic panels:

• Law and practice (Moderator: Dr Janusz Bryk);
• A legal and empirical approach (Moderator: Dr Milena Zajkowska);
• Interinstitutional cooperation - practice (Moderator: Tomasz Czaja, MA).

The conference was opened by Dr Irena Malinowska, Prof. WSKZ - Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, and Dr Janusz Bryk - Director of the Institute of Internal Security and Criminology. The opening lecture was given by Dr Magdalena El Ghamari, focusing on violence, radicalisation and the situation of minors in refugee camps.

Main scientific conclusions and recommendations from the conference

The conference culminated in concrete, clearly outlined conclusions and demands - both scientific and practical. They indicated inter alia. for need:

1. Adoption of a comprehensive law on missing persons - The current state of the law is mainly based on executive acts (e.g. Police orders), which results in inconsistent procedures and limited effectiveness of institutions' actions. The proposed law should unambiguously regulate the duties of services and the rights of persons reporting a missing person.
2. Better coordination of inter-institutional cooperation - Effective protection of people experiencing domestic violence requires a synergy of action between the police, prosecutors' offices, courts, social welfare centres, NGOs and local institutions.
3. Recognition of the link between domestic violence and disappearances - in many cases, disappearances are the result of psychological and physical violence. It was advocated that specific response pathways should be developed in cases where the disappearance may be the result of an escape from or escalation of violence.
4. Systemic support for families of missing persons - solutions are needed to ensure that families have access to information about the progress of their case, as well as psychological and organisational support.
5. Increasing the availability of training and interdisciplinary education - The conference showed a real educational gap regarding the issue of violence. Participants recommended organising training and workshops combining different professional perspectives.
6. The cyclical nature of the event - There were numerous voices pointing to the need to continue the initiative in future years, which could create a space for the systematic exchange of knowledge and good practice.

Positive reception and wide access to materials

Participants rated the event very highly - both in terms of the level of content, the selection of speakers and the technical organisation. The conference was prepared with great care - from communicating with participants, to maintaining the website, to distributing certificates and materials. The use of the MS Teams platform, as well as a back-up option in Google Meet, allowed for a smooth transmission and interaction with participants.

As announced, presentations from selected lectures have been published on the official conference websitewhich can be downloaded or viewed online. This is an excellent opportunity for people who were unable to attend the event or who want to return to particular topics to familiarise themselves with the content.

📎 Access to presentations: https://konferencjawroclaw.pl/elementor-1213/

Thank you for your collective reflection and commitment

The organisers would like to thank all speakers and participants for their active participation and openness to dialogue. The conference "Domestic Violence in Poland. Between theory and practice" was not only an academic event, but also a space for real exchange of experience, knowledge and recommendations, which we hope will be used in institutional and legislative practice.

Participation of WSKZ representatives in the 11th Wrocław Women's Forum

The Centennial Hall Congress Centre in Wrocław hosted the eleventh edition of the Wrocław Women's Forum - a nationwide event aimed at supporting women's activism, promoting the idea of gender equality and strengthening leadership competences. We are proud to announce that this year's Forum was attended by Vice-Dean for Student Affairs of the College of Vocational Training - Dr Aneta Kazanecka and students of our University.

Organised by the Western Chamber of Commerce - Employers and Entrepreneurs, the Forum brought together several hundred participants from across the region. The event's programme included panel discussions with representatives from the world of business and science, expert talks on topics including leadership, finance, cognitive errors, the role of new technologies and mental toughness, as well as mindfulness sessions and motivational speeches.

The theme of this year's meeting was: "Woman leader aware of change". Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of empathy, authenticity and self-awareness in the context of contemporary social and professional challenges. The participation of WSKZ representatives in the Women's Forum is an important element in the implementation of our University's mission to support the personal and professional development of students, promote civic attitudes and active participation in public life.

Online workshop: Applying psychological tests in practice - calculating results, norms and interpretation

Join us for an online workshop led by Dr Pavel Larionov, which will help you develop practical skills in the use of psychological tests. The workshop will focus on self-report questionnaires on emotion regulation and other emotion-related psychological constructs. You will learn how to correctly calculate scores, apply norms and interpret the data obtained.

Workshop dates:

• 27 June 2025.
• 14 July 2025.
• Time: 19:00-20:30
• Form: online

Workshop programme:

• Learning how to calculate psychological test results.
• Application of standards in practice.
• Interpretation of the results of self-report questionnaires, especially those on emotion regulation.

Target group:
The workshop is aimed at first-, second- and third-semester psychology students who want to deepen their knowledge of psychological testing and its application in practice.

Seat limit:

• 100 people for each workshop (registration required).

Sign up for a workshop and develop your skills in the area of psychological testing and interpretation of results!