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.

Psychology in prison isolation - report of an online workshop

13 May 2025 another specialised workshop organised by the Institute of Psychology of the University of Vocational Training. The online meeting, led by Dr Marta Jastrzębska, a retired Prison Service officer and experienced penitentiary psychologist, brought together 25 second and third semester psychology students.

Psychological opinions in prison - theory and practice

During the two-hour workshop, participants had the opportunity to learn about the behind-the-scenes work of a psychologist in penitentiary units, with particular emphasis on the process of providing opinions. The presenter discussed issues related to the provision of psychological assistance in prison isolation, the construction of psychological opinions and psychological-penitentiary judgements on the basis of the applicable regulations.

Among the topics discussed were:

• examples of opinions and judgements created by prison psychologists;
• the rules for referring convicted prisoners to the Diagnostic Centre;
• structure of a professional opinion - from purpose and methods to conclusions and recommendations.

Valuable knowledge and practical perspective

The workshop enabled students to gain specific knowledge about the competences of a psychologist in working with people deprived of their liberty. The meeting allowed for a better understanding of the role of psychological opinion in the context of the criminal executive law and brought the reality of working in prisons and detention centres closer.

An added value of the event was the announcement of a field trip to the Detention Centre, which will take place on an agreed date - providing a practical complement to the knowledge gained during the workshop.

Learn about the function of the head of state from A to Z at the National Academic Conference "The President of the Republic of Poland: campaigning, elections, political position"

Is the presidency merely a representative office or a key element of the balance of power in Poland? The institution of the President of the Republic of Poland has intrigued and stirred emotions for years - both in public debate and among scholars of the political system. Soon, students of our University, doctoral students, lecturers and representatives of the legal community will have the opportunity to take a closer look at the institution during the National Academic Conference 'The President of the Republic of Poland: campaigning, elections, political position'. This is a unique space for discussion with constitutionalists, political scientists and public life experts.

The President of the Republic of Poland under the magnifying glass - a detailed analysis of the functions of the head of state

The National Scientific Conference, organised by our University together with the Centre for Constitutional Law and Rule of Law Monitoring, will take place 13 May 2025 at 10:00 am online.

The theme will be an in-depth reflection on the function of the President of the Republic of Poland - from the electoral process, to campaign strategies, to the constitutional positioning of the office. The meeting will bring together constitutionalists, political scientists and public life experts to look at the evolution of the presidency and the current challenges facing the head of state. 

The focus will also be on the impact of the president's relations with other authorities on the functioning of the state and the political balance. The variety of research approaches and perspectives will enable a comprehensive assessment of the role of this office in the system of the Republic. 

One of the speakers will be Prof. Dr. Krystian Complak - Professor of Constitutional Law at the University of Wrocław, Vice-President of the Polish Constitutional Law Association (PTPK), Member of the Scientific Council of the International Academy of Constitutional Law in Tunis (Tunisia). Author of numerous scientific publications in the field of constitutional law.

At the heart of the debate - key election issues

The National Scientific Conference will address the following topics topics of importance for the functioning of the state. Participants at the event will have the opportunity to look at the following topics, among others:

• Presidential campaign financing - transparency, spending limits, legality of so-called pre-campaigns.
• The role of media and new technologies in presidential campaigns - the challenges of disinformation used to achieve political objectives.
• The principle of the universality of presidential elections and the real accessibility of voting participation - an analysis of statutory solutions.
• Electronic voting in presidential elections (i-voting) - an opportunity for modernisation or a threat to the integrity of elections?
• Mode of electoral dispute resolution in presidential elections - the role of the Supreme Court and its legitimacy.
• Presidential prerogatives.

From the veto to the military - the practical dimension of the presidency

The conference will also provide an opportunity for an in-depth analysis of the constitutional role of the President of the Republic of Poland. Experts will delve into issues concerning his influence on national and international politics, as well as the the evolution of the presidential model in Poland. The meeting will address issues such as:

• The President's role in foreign policy - limits of competence and relationship with the government.
• The so-called presidential veto and its significance for the dual executive model.
• The role of the President as head of the armed forces - competences and real significance in national defence policy.
• The concept of active presidency vs. ceremonial presidency - an analysis of recent presidential practice.
• A non-partisan president in the political system - myth or necessity for systemic balance?

Detailed conference programme and speakers

The conference programme will allow participants to immerse themselves in an interdisciplinary debate, covering both the legal and political aspects as well as the technological or communication challenges of the presidency. A detailed schedule of speeches will open up space for reflection on the real meaning of the office of the President of the Republic of Poland in a changing world.

The conference will be inaugurated by:

• Dr Kamil Stępniak - President of the Centre for Constitutional Law and Rule of Law Monitoring;
• Dr Andrzej Chajbowicz - Director of the Institute of Law at the College of Professional Training.

Expert panel: The presidency and democracy: challenges and models in comparative and forward-looking perspectives

• 10:15-10:35 - Prof. Dr. Krystian Complak (WSKZ): The constitutional position of the president in Poland and selected Latin American countries - a comparative analysis of presidential models;
• 10:35-10:55 - Dr Małgorzata Andrzejczak-Świątek (Police Academy in Szczytno): The role of the OSCE in the context of monitoring free elections;
• 10:55-11:15 - Jakub Kocjan MA (Democracy Action / INP PAN): President vis-à-vis the judiciary and vice versa;
• 11:15-11:35 - Anna Bigaj, MA (University of Gdańsk): The impact of new technologies on the transparency and legitimacy of presidential campaigns;
• 11:35-11:55 - Karolina Wilamowska (University of Gdańsk): Artificial intelligence at the service of democracy or its threat?
• 11:55-12:15 - Discussion;
• 12:15-12:30 - Pause.

Panel I: The struggle for office. The presidential campaign in the light of law, media and political practice

• 12:30-12:45 - Dr Damian Wąsik, Dr Natalia Wąsik (WSKZ): Criminal law protection of presidential elections in Poland;
• 12:45-13:00 - Cyprian Mrzygłód (UG): Problems of debates organised by the election committee of a candidate for the office of President of the Republic of Poland;
• 13:00-13:15 - Magdalena Szypulska (UW): New challenges for justice and social media;
• 13:15-13:30 - Tomasz Jagielski, MA (UO, Doctoral School): The fight for the presidency from the perspective of political groups;
• 13:30-13:45 - Damian Olender (UWM): Social media and the constitutional limits of the President's public activity;
• 13:45-13:55 - Discussion;
• 13:55-14:00 - Pause.

Panel II: The President of the Republic in the constitutional system - between symbol and real power

• 14:00-14:15 - Jan Brzuchalski (UW): Ability to challenge acts issued by the President;
• 14:15-14:30 - Katarzyna Uściłko, Natalia Ozimek (UwB): Mobilisation of the armed forces by the President of the Republic in an emergency situation;
• 14:30-14:45 - Paweł Piszczek (UEK): The president as player, arbiter or statistician?
• 14:45-15:00 - Jakub Drozd (URz): Theory and practice of the legislative veto;
• 15:00-15:15 - Dorota Antczak (UO): The role of the President of the Republic in states of emergency;
• 15:15-15:30 - Weronika Klecha (UMCS): The role of the President in international relations;
• 15:30-15:45 - Aleksandra Trachta, MA (UJDCz): Presidential prerogatives and the legal position of citizens;
• 15:45-16:00 - Dominik Rot (KUL, Centre for Constitutional Law): The right of clemency and the limits of the Presidential prerogative;
• 16:00-16:10 - Discussion;
• 16:10 - Closing of the conference.

Take part in the conference

If you would like to be actively involved in the National Scientific Conference, simply send an abstract (200-300 words) to: konferencja@cpkimp.pl - the deadline for submitting applications is 4 May 2025. Active participation is free and concluded with the issue of certificate. Want to listen to the experts? Submit a passive participation - it's easy, just click!

Do you have any questions? Write to: konferencja@cpkimp.pl.

From the police frontline - behind the scenes of operational work and the fight against pseudo-football crime

Already on 28 May at 19:00 a unique online event will take place in as part of the "Meeting with practitioners" series. The guest speaker will be retired police sub-inspector Krzysztof Hejmowski - former head of the Department for Combating Pseudo Football Crime of the Provincial Police Headquarters in Gdansk.

This is a unique opportunity to learn about the realities of operational work in the police force and get a behind-the-scenes look at activities targeting the criminality of pseudo-fans.

Krzysztof Hejmowski - three decades of service and experience from the front line

Krzysztof Hejmowski served in the police force for more than 30 years (1994-2025). He started as a detective in the Criminal Investigation Department in Gdynia and, in time, took up the position of 1st Deputy District Police Chief in Puck. He specialised in operational activities, prosecution of criminal offenders, combating criminal terrorism and pseudo football crime.

During his career has been involved in a number of high-profile cases, such as:

•  apprehension of the person responsible for digging up human beings remains in the Tri-city;
• breaking up a group of pseudo football fans operating illegal gambling;
• double homicide investigation in Puck County;
• operational measures against so-called "stalls" and brutal hijinks.

When and where?

The event will last one hour and will be held in an online format. To join, simply follow the link: https://meet.google.com/uiy-hnnj-ggv.

Students are cordially invited those interested in security, forensics and uniformed services!

Online workshop "Psychologist in the Prison Service" - coverage of the event

On 6 May 2025, second and third semester psychology students had the opportunity to take part in a unique workshop organised by the Institute of Psychology at the College of Professional Training. The meeting, conducted in an online format, was led by Dr Marta Jastrzębska, a retired Prison Service officer, who shared her knowledge and experience of working as a penitentiary psychologist.

Practice and theory - two worlds of work in penitentiary units

The workshop entitled "Psychologist in the Prison Service (official pragmatics)". lasted two hours - from 18:00 to 20:00 - and attracted a group of 25 students interested in the specifics of working in prisons and detention centres. During the meeting, participants learnt about the key provisions of the Criminal Executive Law and other regulations concerning the role of a psychologist in penitentiary units.

The workshop addressed the following issues, among others:

• The legal basis of the work of the penitentiary psychologist;
• classification of prisons and typology of the prison population;
• The impact of prison isolation on the mental state - as a total and deprivational situation.

Real-life challenges and competences of the penitentiary psychologist

The workshop aimed to make participants aware of the realities of a psychologist's work in a closed environment. Dr Jastrzębska discussed not only the formal aspects of the profession, but also pointed out the practical skills that are required on a daily basis in a penitentiary department or diagnostic centre. Students learnt what qualities and attitudes are key to performing this role effectively and ethically.

Thanks to the professionalism of the presenter and the opportunity to ask questions, participants were able to better understand the challenges faced by a psychologist working in the Prison Service units. This event not only broadened the horizons of the young psychology students, but also encouraged them to further explore this demanding but much-needed professional path.