The role of the expert in the search for missing persons and drowning victims - lecture by Maciej Rokus

On 17 May 2025, an expert lecture was held on the theme of 'The Future. "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". The event was organised on the initiative of the authorities of the Faculty of Social Sciences and brought together a large number of students, academics and people interested in criminology, psychology
and safety. The lecture was hosted by Mr. Maciej Rokus - Plenipotentiary of the Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivode for Safety, head of the Polish Diving Special Group and an expert witness at the Regional Court in Katowice.

Key issues covered in the lecture

Attendees at the lecture were able to learn about our guest speaker's wide range of specialisms, including reservoir safety, in-water research with divers and sonar, search methods and victim location techniques in difficult conditions. During the meeting, the speaker presented a comprehensive overview of modern methods and tools used in the work of specialist teams. The presentation included numerous references to real-life cases, allowing participants to gain an insight into the practical aspects of an expert witness's work and the challenges of conducting searches in difficult water conditions.

Humanitarian dimension of search operations

Another important element of the lecture was the emphasis on the humanitarian dimension of search operations - roli empathy, responsibility and cooperation with the families of missing persons. The speaker drew attention to the need to combine technical knowledge
with sensitivity to human tragedies, which is an important foundation for the work of experts in the field.

Strong interest in a valuable lecture

The event was met with great interest from the academic community, as evidenced by the numerous questions to the guest speaker and active discussion after the speech. Participants emphasised the exceptional educational value of the meeting and its inspirational nature. On behalf of the Dean's team, we would like to thank Mr Maciej Rokus for accepting the invitation and all participants for their presence and activity. This lecture will certainly remain in the memory for a long time as a an example of the interdisciplinary combination of knowledge, experience and modern technology for safety and human life. After this lecture, we will certainly not look at the surface of the water the same way again.

Report after the workshop: Drugs and new psychoactive substances - diagnosis, prevention and challenges

On 24 May 2025, a stationary workshop entitled 'The importance of the project' took place at High School No. V at 14 Jacka Kuronia Street in Wrocław. "Drugs and new psychoactive substances. Phenomenon, determinants, diagnosis and therapy".conducted by Dr Mariusz Z. Jędrzejko - an expert in psychoprophylaxis. The event was organised by the Institute of Psychology at the WSKZ and was aimed at second-semester psychology students. The meeting was very popular with 25 participants.

Key issues addressed during the meeting

During the intensive workshop hours, participants had the opportunity to learn about the latest data and practices in identifying and preventing drug abuse. Topics covered included:

• development trends of drugs and NSP (new psychoactive substances);
• characteristics of the most common measures on the Polish market;
• the impact of stimulants on mental and physical health;
• the long-term effects of NSP use;
• techniques for recognising substance use behaviour;
• examples of effective drug prevention models.

Skills acquired by participants

The workshop was practical - in addition to gaining theoretical knowledge, participants also acquired competences useful in the work of a psychologist, such as:

• An analysis of contemporary addiction problems;
• ability to recognise drug and NSP use behaviour;
• Understanding the importance of prevention and how it can be implemented among young people.

Certificate and partners

Each participant received a certificate of participation signed by the Bonum Humanum Foundation - confirming the skills acquired and participation in the event.

5th International Scientific and Practical Conference "Health and Society in War"

On 16 May 2025, the 5th International Scientific and Practical Conference "Health and Society in War" took place, organised by the Central Ukrainian Institute of Human Development of the University of Ukraine in cooperation with the Higher School of Vocational Education in Wrocław. The event, held annually since 2022 as part of an international cooperation agreement in the field of science and development, brought together more than 220 participants from Ukraine, Poland, Moldova and the Netherlands. Among them were scientists, doctors, educators, lawyers, military officers, psychologists, social workers, representatives of the public sector and young academics.

Co-organisation and main international partner

University of Vocational Training in Wrocław (Poland) acted as the main international partner of the conference, providing significant organisational and content support. The event was attended by approximately 30 representatives of the University of Vocational Training in Wrocław - university authorities, academic staff and students - who actively participated in thematic sessions and presentations of research results.

The conference was supported by numerous academic institutions and organisations, including:

• Higher School of Vocational Training in Wrocław (Poland);
• Pomorska Szkoła Wyższa in Starogard Gdański (Poland);
• National Centre of Forensic Expertise of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Moldova (Moldova);
• Wszechnica Polish Academy of Applied Sciences in Warsaw (Poland);
• Faculty of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy at the National Medical University of Ivano-Frankivsk (Ukraine);
• Union of Entrepreneurs of Small, Medium and Privatised Enterprises of Ukraine (Ukraine).

Welcome to the participants and opening remarks

At the opening of the conference, distinguished representatives from the academic and scientific world addressed the participants, including:

• Petro Talanchuk - President of the Ukrainian University, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, Member of the Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine;
• Valentina Pupisheva - Director of the Central Ukrainian Institute of Human Development;
• Prof. Alexander Olšansky - Pro-rector for scientific and international activities of the University of 'Ukraine';
• Dr Irena Malinowska, Prof. WSKZ - Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the College of Vocational Training in Wrocław;
• Managers of educational, medical, rehabilitation and human rights institutions from different regions of Ukraine.

Key speeches and scientific topics

The conference was the venue for intense debates and research presentations on the rehabilitation of those affected by armed conflict, cyber threats in wartime settings, military mediation and issues in economics and economic resilience.

International cooperation and the importance of conferences

The conference highlighted the growing importance of internationalisation of academic cooperation and the exchange of experience between universities from different countries. During the event, participants received certificates confirming their participation and contributions to research. In addition, post-conference activities will include the publication of a joint international scientific publication, presenting the key findings and analyses presented during the scientific sessions.

Organisers and participants emphasised that the conference not only provides scientific solutions, but also builds a community united around the values of dignity, responsibility and academic development.

We would like to thank all the speakers, participants and partners for their commitment. Together - towards new scientific achievements!

We do not forget. College of Vocational Training supports the celebration of Missing Children's Day

25 May is a date that reminds us that behind every statistic is a story - family, hope and waiting. On this day, the International Day of the Missing Child is celebrated worldwide. In Poland, it is symbolised by the forget-me-not, a delicate flower that says one thing: we do not forget. Every year, the police receive nearly 2,000 reports of missing children and young people. Although most cases end up happily found, some remain unexplained for years. That is why it is so important to talk about prevention, education and cooperation - not just once a year.

Support systems that operate 24/7

Since 2011, the ITAKA Foundation has operated a 24-hour hotline in cases of missing minors - on behalf of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration. Two helplines are currently available:

• Missing Child and Teen Phone (open 24 hours a day) - 116 000.
• Support Line for Missing Persons' Families - 22 654 70 70.

In the event of a suspected crime or imminent threat to a child's life, the following may be activated system Child Alert - a special mechanism for the immediate dissemination of messages in public spaces and the media. Speed of response is crucial here.

Blue light of hope

In a gesture of solidarity with the families of missing persons Warsaw will light up in blue. The Palace of Culture and Science, the Śląsko-Dąbrowski Bridge, the Police Headquarters and Warsaw Spire will be illuminated to symbolically draw attention to a topic that affects us all. Blue is the colour of hope - and it is this hope that the families of children who still have not returned home need.

Collaboration of science and practice. Activities of the College of Vocational Training

The College of Vocational Training has been actively involved in the subject of disappearances for years - not only through education, but also through research. The university's initiatives are creating special issue of the magazine "Law and Safety", entirely devoted to the legal and social aspects of the search for missing persons.

In studies related to criminology and homeland security, students learn about the real-world tools used in search operations. A particular contribution to the development of research into disappearances has been made by Dr Irena Malinowska, an expert and author of publications including "Missing Persons as a Contemporary Security Threat", which has been researching the topic of disappearances in Poland and Europe for years.

In May, the School had the honour of hosting the President of the ITAKA Foundation, Anna Jurkiewiczwho shared her practical knowledge and experience of working with missing persons and their families during her lectures.

Joint debate on systemic solutions

As early as 12 June 2025, Dr Irena Malinowska, representing the School of Vocational Training, take part in an international conference organised by the ITAKA Foundation and the Missing Children Europe Federation. The meeting will take place at the Ministry of the Interior and Administration in Warsaw at 5 Stefana Batorego Street.

The theme will be parental abductions, teenage runaways and effective prevention strategies. The conference will bring together experts from all over Europe and aims not only to exchange knowledge, but above all to find concrete solutions to real problems.

Guest lecture on contemporary challenges in criminology - Professor Ewa Guzik-Makaruk at the School of Vocational Training

On 24 May 2025 at the College of Vocational Training in Wrocław, at the Institute of Criminology and Internal Security, a unique lecture was held hospitable chaired by Prof. zw. dr hab. Ewa Guzik-Makaruk from the University of Białystok - a prominent specialist in criminal law and criminology.

Lectures on contemporary challenges in criminology and criminal law

During the meeting Professor E. Guzik-Makaruk gave two lectures, addressing current and relevant issues in contemporary criminology and criminal law:

• "Selected legal and criminological aspects of organ, tissue and cell transplantation in Poland" - this lecture focused on an analysis of transplantation regulations, ethical challenges and the dangers of illegal trade in biological material.
• "Patostreaming and patoinfluencing as contemporary challenges for criminal law and criminology" - the second part of the meeting dealt with phenomena occurring in the digital space that have serious social and legal consequences, including demoralisation, violence and the limits of freedom of expression on the Internet.

The lecture was intended for second-level students in criminology studies. The meeting was of great interest and was an important addition to the curriculum, combining academic knowledge with current practice issues.

Our sincere thanks to Professor for their inspiring speeches and to all participants for their active participation.

Prominent representative of the Białystok school of criminology as a guest of our University

We are delighted to announce that our University will be visited by Prof. zw. dr hab. Ewa Guzik-Makaruk from the University of Białystok - a recognised expert in criminal law and criminology, representative of the the bialystok school of criminology.

On 24 May 2025 She will deliver two open lectures for students of Criminology first and second degree. This will be a unique opportunity to come into direct contact with a scientist with an established academic background, and at the same time a chance to confront theoretical knowledge with practical experience.

Lecture topics:

1. Selected legal and criminological aspects of organ, tissue and cell transplantation in Poland.
2. Patostreaming and patoinfluencing as contemporary challenges for criminal law and criminology.

A meeting with the Professor will certainly enrich the didactic process, broaden the students' perspective and enable discussion of current issues in the contemporary world.

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.