Huge success for WSKZ - we received the Erasmus Charter for higher education!

We are proud to announce that the College of Vocational Education in Wrocław has been awarded an Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE) by the European Commission! This prestigious award opens up new prospects for our University's international academic cooperation and participation in the Erasmus+ - one of the European Union's most important educational programmes.

Obtaining the ECHE Charter is a great success for the entire WSKZ academic community. It confirms the high quality of education, the transparency of activities and our commitment to the development of international mobility of students and teaching staff. The Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE) is a document awarded by the European Commission which confirms that the university meets certain quality standards in terms of mobility and international cooperation. With this card, the university can apply for funding to carry out a variety of activities, such as:

Student mobility:

• Study trips abroad.

• Apprenticeships abroad.

Worker mobility:

• Teaching staff trips abroad for teaching.
• Training for academic staff abroad.

Cooperation projects:

• Participation in educational projects implemented under the Erasmus+ programme.
• Partnerships between universities from different countries.
• Other activities to support international academic cooperation.

Having an ECHE Card opens up the full potential of the Erasmus+ programme to our students and staff, which will translate into enriching their experience, developing their language and intercultural skills.

This is another step towards building a strong, modern university that is open to the world. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this success!

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.

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.

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.

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.

International cooperation of the University of Vocational Training

University College of Professional Education consistently develops academic contacts at international level. The university has recently signed four major agreements with partners in Europe and Asia, involving joint activities in education, research and academic exchange.

Agreement with the Swiss Institute of Management and Sciences in Switzerland

The College of Vocational Training has concluded a letter of intent for international cooperation with Swiss Institute of Management and Sciences (SIMS) - university based in Zug, specialising in areas such as management, finance, logistics, marketing or tourism.

As part of the cooperation, it was planned to teaching and research activities and exchanges of students and academic staff. SIMS offers high quality education, combining a modern approach to education with academic tradition. The university actively participates in international initiatives, working with partners such as. UNESCO and by organising exchanges, seminars and joint research.

Agreement with the Scientific Research Institute of State Building and Local Self-Government of the National Academy of Legal Sciences of Ukraine

The College of Vocational Training has signed an agreement with the Scientific Research Institute of State Building and Local Self-Government of the National Academy of Legal Sciences of Ukraine. It is a leading scientific centre for research into the organisation and functioning of the state, local government and legal systems in the context of public administration.

Cooperation shall include implementation of joint scientific projects, the exchange of knowledge and experience, the organisation of conferences, scientific publications and joint efforts to obtain grants. The agreement provides an important step in the development of joint research and academic exchange in the field of law and administration.

Cooperation with City Unity College Nicosia in Cyprus

City Unity College Nicosia has become another partner of the Higher School of Vocational Training. private educational institution operating in the Cypriot capital. Under the signed agreement, the parties will cooperate in the areas of science, teaching and academic exchange.

City Unity College Nicosia offers Bachelor and Master programmes in fields such as international management, administration, tourism, accounting or computer science. The university also runs studies in partnership with Cardiff Metropolitan University. In addition, it acts as an approved examination centre for VICTVS Global, conducting examinations for Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).

Agreement with the International University of Kyrgyzstan

The College of Vocational Training has also signed an agreement with the International University of Kyrgyzstan - one of the most important academic universities in the region Central Asia. IUK is active in education and research in areas such as management, economics, computer science, humanities and natural sciences.

The cooperation provides for joint research projects, student and faculty exchanges, the organisation of conferences and educational initiatives. The agreement aims to promote the quality of education and the development of international cooperation in academia.

Missing children in Europe: shared responsibility and systemic action

On 12 June 2025, an international conference was held pt. Missing persons under 18 in Europe. Challenges, prevention and systemic solutions in the context of parental kidnapping and teenage runaways. The event was organised by ITAKA Foundation - Centre for Missing Persons and federation Missing Children Europe in cooperation with Ministry of the Interior and Administration.

The College of Vocational Training and services and organisations facing a common challenge

The conference was attended by representatives of the College of Vocational Training inter alia, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences Dr Irena Malinowska and Director of the Institute of Criminology and Homeland Security Dr. Janusz Bryk. Also present were Deputy Minister for Internal Affairs and Administration Czesław Mroczek. At the opening, he stressed that the phenomenon of missing children and adolescents - especially runaways and parental abductions - is an increasingly serious challenge for European countries.

- We need to strengthen and develop even more effective cooperation mechanisms in Europe to react faster and better protect the youngest," he pointed out.

The event was also attended by representatives of national and international institutions, services and non-governmental organisations involved in the search for missing persons.

Thematic panels and conference objectives

The conference included three thematic panels dedicated to parental abductions, missing children in the context of the war in Ukraine and migration and teenage runaways.

It also discussed psychological and legal aspects of disappearances and an analysis of the actions of the services and NGOs. A key objective of the event was to develop common standards for action in Europe and to share good practice.

Parental kidnapping needs better legal cooperation in Europe

Parental abductions remain one of the most difficult legal and emotional challenges in missing children cases. In 2024, 1,338 such cases were reported in Europe, which was nearly 18.5 per cent. of all cases handled by European hotlines. The scale of parental abductions is increasing. Differing legal procedures in EU countries lengthen the process of returning a child home.

- We need uniform, harmonised procedures and real cooperation between countries to act effectively in such situations," stressed Deputy Minister Czesław Mroczek.

The deputy head of the Interior Ministry added that the disappearance of the child is a one of the most traumatic experiences for families - regardless of the child's social status, place of residence or age.

- That is why it is so important that we jointly evaluated existing procedures and searched for new tools. Such as will allow for faster and more effective exploration," said Czesław Mroczek.

Teenage runaways are an alarming sign of crisis

Another theme of the conference was teenage runaways. According to 116,000 as much as 66 per cent. of all missing children in Europe are runaways from homes or institutions care. In Poland, 1,413 such cases were reported in 2024 among people in 14-17 years old. A child running away is always a dramatic sign of a crisis in their environment - family, school or peers.

- It is our duty to create such a systemwhich will make it possible to catch these signals earlier and support young people accordingly," the deputy head of the Interior Ministry pointed out.

Polish police modernise search procedures

He spoke about the police's efforts to find missing children Superintendent Tomasz Michułka, Deputy Chief Constable of the Police.

- Every disappearance of a minor is a case that requires a great deal of attention and empathy from officers. I am pleased that in recent months Child Alert procedure proved effective again. However, by analysing each of its launches, we see room for further improvement," said Superintendent Tomasz Michułka.

He added that In the police, the final stage of work on the amendment is underway of the Regulations of the Police Chief Commandant on the conduct of searches for missing persons. The changes are intended to simplify the classification of searches and introduce more precise rules for triggering procedures in the case of missing children.

Common European recommendations

Anna Jurkiewicz, CEO of the ITAKA Foundation, pointed out that the conference has a mainly practical dimension, and not just analytical. She expressed the hope that the event would be followed by a concrete set of recommendations for institutions at national and European level. The conference was unique in that took place in the final weeks of the Polish Presidency of the EU Council. Deputy Minister Czeslaw Mroczek emphasised that Poland wants to be an active participant and initiator of European cooperation on child protection.

National International Scientific Conference "Communication and Security in Crisis, Border and Difficult Situations"

On days 5-6 June 2025 the International Scientific Conference on Communication in Crisis and Border Situations was held in Wrocław. The event was organised by Institute of Media and Social Communication of the University of Vocational Training chaired by Prof. Aleksander Woźnyand the conference became a space for interdisciplinary exchanges, reflections and analyses of the mechanisms of conformity, socio-cultural barriers to otherness and the challenges of the aid professions in the face of extreme situations such as armed conflicts, natural disasters or epidemics.

Welcome and opening of the conference

The conference was officially opened on behalf of the University authorities by Dr Irena Malinowska, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the College of Vocational Training in Wrocław, emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue and the need to jointly seek effective solutions for communication in crisis situations.

Inspiring talks and debate

The event started film screening "Waiting for the sky", directed by Alina Mrowinska (2020). The show was held in Sense Factoryfollowed by a moving debate with the documentary's protagonist. dr. n. med. Paweł GrabowskiPresident of the Prophet Elijah Hospice Foundation. The discussion provided an important opportunity to reflect on communication in the face of difficult decisions and borderline situations.

Experts and speakers

The conference was attended by eminent specialists from various fields, as well as students. Speakers included:

• Prof. zw. dr hab. n. med. Andrzej Gładysz - specialist in infectious diseases; 
• Dr n. med. Pawel Grabowski - President of the Prophet Elijah Hospice Foundation;
• Prof. Dr. Aleksander Woźny - Director of the Institute of Media and Social Communication;
• Dr n. med. Krzysztof Szmyd - President of the Lower Silesian children's hospice "Formula of Good";
• Prof. Tomasz Pawłowski, MD, PhD - Head of the Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Disorders;
• Prof. Bozhidar Ivkov - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences;
• Monica Marinova - President of the Tarlov's Cyst Patients Association "Treatment Without Borders" (Bulgaria);
• Dr Oliwia Tarasewicz-Gryt - College of Vocational Training;
• Prof. Dr. Urszula Glensk - Institute of Journalism and Social Communication, University of Wrocław;
• Dr Tetiana Vlasevych - Ivan Franko National University of Lviv;
• Dr Michał Rydlewski - Institute of Journalism and Social Communication, University of Wrocław;
• Dr Jerzy Luty - College of Vocational Training;
• Dr n. vet. Wojciech Hildebrand - Vice President of the Council of the Lower Silesian Chamber of Veterinary Medicine;
• Aleksandra Keller, MA - President of the Kociniec Cat Orphanage Foundation.

Summary and conclusions

At the end of the conference, students and participants summarised the issues raised and pointed out the need to continue discussions and further research in the field of crisis communication. Due to the great interest and positive reception of the event, it was reported that a second edition of the conference will be organised to explore this important topic in even greater depth.