Opportunity to publish in an international monograph for academics in the School of Vocational Training!

Employees of the College of Vocational Training may submit articles for an international monograph being prepared in cooperation with the National Academy of Legal Sciences of Ukraine. The publication is realised on the basis of the scientific conference held online on 27 May 2025 in Kharkiv. The deadline for the submission of texts is 31 July 2025. The monograph will be published by Oficyna Wydawnicza ASPRA-JR from Warsaw and makes it possible to acquire 20 MEiN points.

Effect of international cooperation and scientific conference

The monograph is being produced as a result of a conference entitled 'The Future of the World. "Regulating public management and local government: comparative experiences and contemporary challenges". organised in cooperation with the Scientific Research Institute of State Building and Local Government of the N.A.N.P. of Ukraine. As part of the partnership agreement, the publication will cover both conference presentations as well as additional articles prepared by the staff of the School of Vocational Training.

Editorial details and submissions

The thematic scope of the monograph remains in line with the conference theme. The contact persons for applications and conditions of publication are:

• Prof. Janusz Soboń - sj@list.pl;
• Dr Ruslana Selezneva - seleznevaruslana@gmail.com.

Participation in the publication is an opportunity to presentation of research results in an international academic environment, gain valuable MEiN credits and establish lasting cooperation with foreign institutions.

The first part of the workshop "Fundamentals of psychological research methodology" is behind us.

7 July 2025 year took place first part of the workshop online under the title "Fundamentals of psychological research methodology" led by Dr Beata E. Andrzejewska. The event was organised with a view to third semester psychology students. The meeting lasted from 17:00 to 19:30. The second part of the workshop is scheduled for 14 July.

A practical introduction to psychological research methodology

During the workshop, participants had the opportunity to learn about basic issues related to the design of psychological research. Topics discussed included how to formulate research questions and hypotheses, and how to translate mental phenomena into measurable variables. Dr Beata E. Andrzejewska explained differences between the dependent variable and the independent variable and introduced the concept of operationalisation.

Why methodology matters

Participants reflected together on the role of methodology in the research process and the consequences of not following it. A walk-through of the stages of research design is illustrated concrete examples from psychological practice. The workshop provided a concrete basis for understanding research and selecting effective methods of working with a patient or client according to the approach of the evidence-based.

Dr Monika Bidzan-Wiącek from the School of Vocational Training has received a prestigious scholarship from the Minister of Science and Higher Education!

We are delighted to announce that Dr Monika Bidzan-Wiącek, affiliated with the Institute of Psychology at the School of Vocational Training, was among the winners of the prestigious scholarship Minister of Science and Higher Education for outstanding young scientists.

Prestigious award

This is one of the most important scientific awards in Poland, awarded to researchers who can boast exceptional achievements in their field. This year's edition received as many as 1711 applications from all over the country - only 228 young scientists. Dr Bidzan-Wiącek is among this elite group, which is a great source of pride for our entire academic community.

Purpose of the scholarship and congratulations to the winner

Scholarship, allocated for three years, aims to support further scientific development and motivate the continuation of research at the highest level.

Heartfelt congratulations to the Doctor! Thank you for your commitment, passion and competence you inspire others - students, colleagues and the entire Institute team. Official results available on the website of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education: Announcement of the results of the procedure for the award of scholarships of the Minister of Science and Higher Education for outstanding young scientists in 2025 (edition 20) - Ministry of Science and Higher Education - Gov.pl Portal.

Please join us for an open lecture by Professor Robin Goodwin: "The psychology of disasters".

We are pleased to announce that on 6 July 2025 (Sunday) at 11.30am there will be an open lecture entitled 'The importance of the European Union. "The psychology of disasters".who will deliver Prof. Robin Goodwin - an eminent specialist in the psychology of individual and societal reactions to traumatic events.

📍 Lecture venue: University of Wrocław, Faculty of Law, Administration and Economics, Aula 1D.

Professor Robin Goodwin has conducted interdisciplinary research on the effects of earthquakes, floods, terrorist attacks and pandemics for many years. He has worked as an advisor to the International Atomic Energy Agency and the World Health Organisation on the psychological consequences of nuclear accidents. He currently heads an international research consortium CONTAIN (Contact Tracing, Infection and Transmission: an interdisciplinary approach), which examines patterns of human contact in the context of the spread of new infectious diseases.

The lecture is aimed at students, academic staff and anyone interested in the topics of crisis psychology and emergency management.

You are cordially invited!

Strategic International Agreement between the Vocational Training College and the University of Prešov - Together for the Development of Science, Education and Academic Partnerships

On 2 July 2025, the College of Vocational Training, represented by the Dr Irena MalinowskaProf. WSKZ - Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, and Prof. Dariusz Brakoniecki with the Centre for International Cooperation, concluded a bilateral agreement on scientific and didactic cooperation with the University of Prešov in Prešov (Slov. Prešovská univerzita v Prešove), a public academic university based in eastern Slovakia, represented by the Rector, Prof. Peter Kónya and Prof. Kamila Kardis.

Objectives and Results of the Arrangement

The agreement provides for the implementation of joint scientific projects, exchanges of academic staff and students, the organisation of international conferences and the implementation of innovative forms of education in line with European standards. Visiting professors, the participation of representatives of both institutions in the scientific committees of conferences and the scientific councils of academic journals are important elements of cooperation.

The agreement is an expression of the two universities' desire to deepen academic relations, support interdisciplinary research, publish the results of scientific work and jointly apply for scientific development funds under international funding programmes.

The role of the Centre for International Cooperation

The agreement is the result of the intensive and professional work of the team at the Centre for International Cooperation at the Vocational Training College, which actively creates and coordinates activities for the internationalisation of the university.

Benefits for the Academic Community

For academic staff and students, it opens up new spaces for scientific collaboration, exchange of experiences and strengthening scientific output in international initiatives. Students gain access to a broader dimension of education, development of professional competences and participation in projects of global significance.

New chapter in international cooperation: agreement with 'Innovative Medical Platform' and joint scientific journal

We are pleased to announce that The University of Vocational Training in Wrocław has signed a strategic agreement on international cooperation with the Ukrainian public organisation 'Innovative Medical Platform'. This agreement is not only a further step in the development of our academic cooperation, but also a significant boost to the strengthening of the international research network in the fields of medical science, psychology and health education.

Key objectives of cooperation

The main objective of the partnership is to promotion of high standards of medical care and the professional development of mental and somatic health professionals. The initiative will also enhancing the quality of academic education national and international level, fostering the interdisciplinary exchange of experiences and implementing modern educational practices.

The contract provides for:

• implementation of joint research projects,
• the organisation of international conferences, seminars and training courses,
• scientific publications,
• exchange of teaching materials,
• the organisation of traineeships and internships for students, in particular Psychology majors.

International scientific journal: "International Medical Herald"

A particular achievement of this collaboration is the initiative to establish a new international scientific journal, entitled 'The Scientific Journal of the World'. "International Medical Herald". It is an ambitious undertaking that aims to create a an open publication platform promoting the highest standards of science and exchange of knowledge in the fields of psychology, psychiatry and medical science.

The journal will be published in four languages: Ukrainian, English, German and Polish, which will significantly broaden its reach and facilitate access for the international research community. The multilingualism and high level of publication have the potential to make the journal a a forum for the exchange of knowledge and the promotion of research results of global importance.

Shared mission and development perspective

The concluded agreement and the planned initiatives are part of the a long-term strategy for the internationalisation of scientific activities University of Vocational Training. Our aim is to develop a partnership network, to jointly implement projects with high application value and to strengthen the the presence of our University in the international circulation of knowledge.

We firmly believe that this cooperation will bring real benefits for the academic community of both institutions, will enrich the teaching and research offer and open up new perspectives for our students, lecturers and partners. With compliments to the partners and hope for long-term cooperation -. thank you for your trust and shared vision of the future.

Workshops with a smile - creativity and integration in action

A unique workshop was held on 17 May 2025 at 2pmwhich was organised by Bartosz Głowacki, M.Sc., as part of his student internship. The aim of the meeting was to work together on expression of facial expressions, integration of participants and to draw attention to the value of equality through play and speech therapy exercises. The workshop lasted 1.5 hours and took place in an atmosphere of openness and mutual support.

Course of the workshop

The workshop began with a short presentation and introduction, which introduced participants to the purpose of the meeting. Then It was time for the creative part, or "Smile in the Lens". - a photo shoot using a variety of props: hats, wigs and coloured glasses. People who did not want to pose, could test themselves as photographers.

Mimicry and breath work

Later, participants took part in a series of exercises entitled "A smile on your face". The programme included:

• gymnastics for the speech apparatus (exercises with straws);
• mouth and tongue gymnastics;
• manual facial massage;
• elements of facial yoga;
• Breathing exercises with a blow-up ball;
• facial massage with medi-scrub brushes (Wilbarger method).

The exercises were aimed at activating the circular muscle of the mouth and improving facial expressions. Sterile and disposable speech therapy aids were used, providing full comfort and safety.

Integration through questions

It concluded with a Integration session "Question bank" - participants drew lots and answered questions on topics such as dreams, values or memories. The meeting took place in an atmosphere of trust and all statements remained confidential within the group.

The workshop showed that by practising, playing and talking together, not only can facial expressions be taken care of, but also get closer to each other and look at the world with more openness.

Natural cosmetics - a practical workshop behind us!

A practical workshop was held on April 25, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. under the motto 'Natural cosmetics', which was organised by Mr Bartosz Głowacki, MA, as part of his student internship. The meeting was devoted to learning how to make simple natural care products and educating about their ingredients. The participants also had the opportunity to enhance women's sense of empowerment and self-awarenessand promote daily self-care in a spirit of naturalness and integration.

How did the workshop go?

The workshop began with a brief introductionduring which the participants were welcomed and introduced to the aim of the meeting. A discussion about the importance of taking care of oneself and the benefits of using natural cosmetics became the starting point for further work.

This was followed by a presentation on the properties and uses of readily available ingredients - such as Coconut oil, olive oil, baking soda, apple cider vinegar, honey, oats or coffee. It was a sensory part that allowed us to learn about raw materials through touch and smell.

Practical part and conclusion

As part of the main part of the workshop the participants prepared with their own hands:

• sugar body scrub;
• lip balm with beeswax;
• natural deodorant cream;
• a moisturising mask (tested on the hand);
• nourishing face cream (tested on the hand);
• scented roll-on.

During the work there was relaxed atmosphere fostering conversations about care preferences and femininity. The meeting culminated in a summary of key findings, encourage further experimentation with natural ingredients and the opportunity to take prepared products with them.

The workshop was a space for education, relaxation and collective action - in a spirit of attentiveness to oneself and one's needs.

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.