"Awakening" - G2 Forum in Wroclaw 2025: On the resilience of the state and society in the face of new threats

One of the most important events in Poland dedicated to geopolitics, the economy, security and innovation - the G2 Forum - is behind us. This year's event was held under the motto "Awakening", being a symbolic and analytical response to the changing balance of power in the European and international arena. It is also a call for lessons to be learned and action to be taken - both in the security sphere and in every area of public and social life.

The debates and panels were attended by representatives of the political, business, academic and expert communities from Poland and abroad. Among the invited guests were also representatives of the University College of Professional Education - members Security Advisory Group: Gen. Dr. Jarosław Kaleta, Gen. Paweł Dzierżak, Gen. Artur Bielecki, Gen. Michał Otrębski and Programme Director of the Institute of Internal Security and Criminology Dr. Rafał Guzowski.

Expert panel: Hybrid warfare - how to prevent and immunize society, local governments and business

One of the highlights of the programme was a panel on hybrid warfare and the dangers of actions below the threshold of war - such as disinformation, cyber attacks, economic pressure or manipulation of public perception of threat. Panellists included inter alia. Dr Rafał Guzowski, Programme Director of Direction Homeland Security and Criminology WSKZ and Lieutenant General Jarosław Kaleta, MD, an expert in security and crisis management.

Experts unanimously stressed that hybrid warfare is not a distant prospect, but a reality that is already destabilising societies and state structures. "Hybrid warfare is a war waged not with weapons but with information. Today the shot is not a bullet but a manipulated headline." - emphasised Dr Rafał Guzowski.

According to the speakers, a key element in countering hybrid warfare is social resilienceand therefore the ability of citizens, institutions and businesses to recognise, respond to and work together to neutralise threats."It is not enough that the services know how the adversary operates. It is equally important that the citizen is able to recognise manipulation and that local authorities are not defenceless against organised disinformation campaigns. We need to realise that resilience is not a luxury, but a necessity. Local government, schools, local media - all must be part of a system that not only reacts, but prevents in the first place." - Dr Jarosław Kaleta noted.

Resilience as a system

During the panel discussion, experts highlighted the need to create systemic solutions based on three pillars:

• Civic and media education,
• Advanced technological tools for detecting threats,
• Cooperation between administration, business and academia.

It is the synergy of these areas - in Dr Kaleta's view - that can realistically increase state resilience and counter the effects of hybrid warfare.

The G2 Forum - a space for responsible dialogue

The Wrocław G2 Forum not only sets directions for strategic thinking, but also integrates communities that rarely have the opportunity to meet at the same table: representatives of the armed forces, universities, local authorities and the private sector. The participation of experts from the College of Vocational Training proves that the university can - and should - take an active role in shaping security policies and strategic education."Security in the 21st century is no longer just about the military and the services. It's also students, businesses, civil servants, local media. We need to think of resilience as a shared responsibility." - Dr Jarosław Kaleta added.

Awakening - not just a slogan

The slogan of this year's Forum - 'Awakening' - proved to be not just a symbolic motto, but a real challenge. The G2 Forum, which took place on 12 June 2025, showed that the Awareness of risks is growing steadily, but readiness to act should grow even more rapidly. It is from such an awakening - full of reflection and decisions - that a resilient future is born. 

Vocational Training College establishes cooperation with therapeutic centre in Aleksandrów Łódzki

University College of Professional Education has concluded a cooperation agreement with Special Schools and with the Non-public Health Care Institution Międzyszkolny Zakład Rehabilitacji i Korekcji Wad Postawy (Inter-school Rehabilitation and Postural Defects Correction Centre) in Aleksandrów Łódzki. The facility provides comprehensive care for primary and secondary school pupilsincluding for children with a special educational needs assessment. The establishment offers a wide range of services: psychological and pedagogical support, speech therapy, neurology, dog therapy, sensory integration, music therapy, physiotherapy and art therapy.

Purpose of the visit

Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences Dr Irena Malinowska on behalf of Managing Director Dr Bartosz Blaszczak together with Prof. Janusz Soboń from the College of Vocational Training visited the facility in Aleksandrów Łódzki to learn about its activities and the way the therapy team works. The meeting was a working one and dealt with the possibility of cooperation in the area of practical training and the joint development of educational programmes.

Summary of the visit

The meeting took place in a friendly and professional atmosphere with the full commitment of the hosts. The visit confirmed the high potential of the partnership between the University and the Department and the will to continue the joint activities in the practical field of education, therapy and specialist support.

Development prospects

As part of the planned development activities, consideration is being given to the possibility of extending the educational offer University College of Professional Education graduates Erasmus' High School with Integrated Branches in Aleksandrów Łódzki. This provides an opportunity for young people with the experience of inclusive education to continuing education at university level in areas particularly suited to their interests and aptitudes.

Training on the anti-bullying procedure in the academic environment

9 August 2025 at 17.00 an online training course will be held for all staff of the College of Vocational Training. The meeting will take place on the Google Meet platform. A link to participate will be sent by email. The training will be led by MA Małgorzata Piórkowska, Rector's Plenipotentiary for Equal Treatment.

Purpose and scope of training

The training has been prepared with a view to creating a a safe, ethical and development-friendly working environment and science. Its aim is:

• to raise awareness of bullying in an organisational and psychological context,
• discussion of current procedures anti-bullying,
• identification of good institutional practices on the prevention of psychological violence,
• stressing the importance of protecting human rights in professional and academic relationships.

Addressees and importance of participation

The training is aimed at academic and administrative staff of the university. Active participation is encouraged - the topic is not only about applicable legislation, but also about an organisational culture based on mutual respect, empathy and respect for personal dignity. Participation in the training is mandatory for all university employees.

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.

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.