Award from Amnesty International for WSKZ lecturer

Dr Kamil Stępniak, WSKZ lecturer and constitutional lawyer, has received a prestigious award in a competition organised by Amnesty International!

Feather of Hope is an award granted by Amnesty International since 2002. Its aim is to recognise individuals working in the media in Poland and having a real impact on positive change for human rights.

Who is eligible for this award? First and foremost, bloggers, writers, journalists, film-makers, cartoonists and anyone who promotes human rights on a large scale through social media.

A unique award this year was Audience Award, awarded on the occasion of Amnesty International's 35th anniversary in Poland. In this category Dr Kamil Stępniak received the most votes from internet users lecturer from the JCS.

He is a specialist in constitutional law, human rights and new technologies running a thriving Instagram account. His profile - @constitutionalist - is watched by more than 78,000 people.

On his social media, Dr Kamil Stępniak focuses on the dissemination of knowledge in the field of constitutional law and human rights. Analyses current political events and explains issues relating to the constitution and civic education.

- I try to show and raise awareness of the importance of the role of the Constitution in the life of every citizen - says Dr Kamil Stępniak.

The following justification appeared in his application for the award:

"Dr Kamil Stępniak proves with his work that legal knowledge can and should be accessible to everyone. His work is an important voice in defence of human rights, the rule of law and democracy."

- I always strive to put human rights and the Constitution first, regardless of who is in power, and I am glad that this has been recognised. This award is a motivation for me to continue my work and a great commitment - Dr Kamil Stępniak adds.

Congratulations!

Protecting the image of public administration employees - a new publication by Dr Rafał Guzowski

Dr Rafal Guzowski, Programme Director of the Internal Security and Criminology course at the College of Vocational Training, has published an article entitled 'The importance of internal security and criminology'. Public servant's image in social media - principles of publication, limits to civil liberties and the right to protection of image in publishing SIM - Studies and Materials of the Marszalek Józef Piłsudski Central Military Library.

The purpose of the periodical SIM is to create an interdisciplinary research platform for those interested in contemporary problems of the military, its history, national defence, as well as library science and scientific information in the context of the military. The publication is an essential resource for experts in law, public administration and security science in the broadest sense.

Social media and the image of public administration employees

In this article, Dr Guzowski analyses the growing importance of social media in shaping the image of public administration employees. In the age of digitisation and the information society, public sector employees are increasingly becoming the subject of recordings and publications on the internet - often without their consent.

The author emphasises that while social media is a key channel of communication, it also carries the risk of misinformation and hectoring. We are increasingly seeing the phenomenon of officials recording interventions and publishing them online by citizen journalists. This practice raises questions about the limits of civil liberties and image protection.

When is it legal to publish an image?

Copyright law clearly sets out the rules for the publication of an image - as a general rule, its dissemination requires the consent of the person depicted. There are, however, exceptions, particularly in the case of well-known persons or those holding public office.

The article discusses cases in which the publication of an official's image may violate his or her rights, as well as situations in which it is lawful. The author also addresses the problem of abuse and the need to protect privacy in the context of official duties.

Labour Code and publication of image by the employer

In addition to the issues related to the publication of the image by third parties, the article also addresses the obligations of employers under the Labour Code.

Dr Guzowski emphasises that any publication of a photograph or recording of an employee by the employer requires the employee's explicit consent. In the context of public administration, where the image of civil servants often appears in the media, it is extremely important to follow procedures related to the processing of personal data.

Legal remedies in the event of an image violation

If a public employee considers that his or her image has been used unlawfully, he or she can avail himself or herself of several forms of legal protection, such as:

• a request to cease dissemination - the aggrieved person has the right to request the removal of photographs and recordings from websites;
• remedying the infringement - an undertaking by the publishing entity to make an official apology or correct the content;
• financial compensation - in some cases, the person whose image has been unlawfully used may claim monetary compensation.

RODO and the protection of the image of public administration employees

One of the key issues addressed in the publication is the impact of the RODO provisions on image protection.

In the context of European law the image can be treated as personal data and in some cases even as biometric dataif it enables a person to be unequivocally identified. This means that the unauthorised processing of an image - e.g. the publication of photographs of officials without their consent - can entail serious legal consequences.

Why should you be interested in reading this publication?

Dr Rafał Guzowski's publication is an important analysis of the contemporary challenges of protecting the image of public administration employees. In the age of the digital society, where anyone can become an object of recording and media debate, it is necessary to working out the balance between civil liberties and the protection of privacy and workers' rights.

Article in Studies and Materials of the Central Military Library sheds new light on the issue and provides valuable guidance for both public administration employees and their employers.

Publication by Dr. Grzegorz Hare in the framework of the international conference "Safe Slovakia and the European Union"

Dr Grzegorz Zając, a lecturer at our university who focuses his area of interest on aviation policy and aviation law, took part in the 17th International Scientific Conference "A secure Slovakia and the European Union". At the event, held on 22 November 2024 at the University of Safety Management in Košice (Slovakia), he presented his scientific paper entitled. "European Aviation Safety and Security Regulatory Framework: A Case Study of Slovakia", published in a peer-reviewed scientific monograph accompanying the conference.

The topic of regulation and civil aviation safety in Europe

Dr Hare's publication addresses the key regulatory issues of Safety and Security in Europe, with particular reference to the case of Slovakia. The article analyses the European and national legal framework, examining its impact on the development of the aviation sector and the level of safety of air operations. A great deal of attention is paid to the role of the EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), national implementation of civil aviation security rules and passenger safety issues in the European Union. This study is a valuable contribution to the discussion on the challenges and future of aviation regulation in the EU.

Support of the work on the publication by our University

Participation in the conference and the preparation of the publication were made possible thanks to the support of the College of Vocational Training in Wrocław, which contributed to the development of scientific research in the area of aviation safety and regulation.

Article: G. Hare, European Aviation Safety and Security Regulatory Framework: A Case Study of Slovakia, pp.468-481, in Secure Slovakia and European Union, Wyd. Vysoká škola bezpečnostného manažérstva v Košiciach, Košice (Slovakia) 2024, ISBN: 978-80-8185-072-1.

The article is available in full here:

(PDF) European Aviation Safety and Security Regulatory Framework: A Case Study of Slovakia

Speech by our lecturer at the conference "SECURITY FORUM 2025"

On 12-13 February 2025, a prestigious conference was held within the walls of the Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica (Slovak Republic). "Security Forum 2025"., organised by the Department of Security Studies. The event brought together experts from various fields, Among them was our lecturer, Dr Tomasz Dukiewicz. Together with other researchers, he analysed contemporary security threats - from national issues to global challenges. Thematic panels addressed key aspects of social, economic, cyber, energy and military security, presenting the latest research and its practical conclusions.

Presentation by Dr Tomasz Dukiewicz on stochastic risks among important guests

The conference was opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Security Sciences at UMB doc. dr. Branislav Kováčik, PhD., welcoming the guests who had arrived. Among them were representatives of the Minister of Defence, the National Security Council, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as diplomats, scientists and people representing various universities and research centres.

Among them was also Tomasz Dukiewicz, representing our University - D. in military science in the field of management theory and unit application, as well as mechanised divisions. During the conference he presented a paper on "Stochastic threats and their impact on societal security". At the beginning of his speech, the doctor drew attention to the nature of risks and hazards:

"Stochastic hazards are risks that are random in nature, difficult to predict and often unavoidable, but have a significant impact on societal security. Their analysis and management are key to minimising negative impacts and increasing societal resilience."

One of the topics Stochastic threat analysis in the context of social security

Later in the presentation, the speaker highlighted Russia's activities and the impact of disinformation on selected European Union countries. Of great interest were the analyses presented of selected age groups and their concerns about threats and examples of Russian service activities in the Republic, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Poland in the years (2020-2025). 

Dr Tomasz Dukiewicz pointed out that stochastic threats pose a significant challenge to societal security, as their unpredictability makes effective prevention difficult. It is therefore crucial to implement strategies to minimise risk, increase community resilience and develop preventive technologies. Only in this way can society be effectively protected from the consequences of accidental and deliberately created crises.

Dr Piotr Czyszkowski's new book - 'The Fourth Power? Between politics and economics".

In the 21st century, when information is an essential resource, questions arise about its quality and credibility. Where to look for reliable sources, can the media really be free and journalists independent? What role does television play in conveying information and shaping public opinion? Dr Piotr Czyszkowski, assistant professor at our University, tries to answer these and other questions in his latest monograph 'The Fourth Power? Between politics and economics'.

Who is Dr Piotr Czyszkowski?

Dr. Piotr Czyszkowski is an experienced journalist with 25 years of experience, assistant professor at the School of Vocational Training, specialising in media and communication. His knowledge and practical experience make him an expert in contemporary media analysis.

What is the book about?

His latest monograph 'The Fourth Power? Between Politics and Economics", published by ATUT Publishing House, is a in-depth analysis of the functioning of the media in the modern world. The author considers whether journalists can be truly independent, how economics and politics affect media coverage and the role of television in shaping public opinion.
This is a must-read for anyone interested in media, politics and the mechanisms by which information influences society. It certainly represents a valuable position not only for students, but also for anyone interested in the role of information in today's world.

International publication "Current Issues in National Legislation" - a new perspective on contemporary legal challenges

We are pleased to announce the publication of an international publication entitled. "Current problems of national legislation", which is the result of scientific cooperation between our University and academic partners from Ukraine. The monograph contains articles by authors from various scientific centres, including representatives of our University.

Contribution of researchers from our University

• Long-term effects of domestic violence - One of the articles included in the publication is the work of lecturers at our University: Dr Bartosz Blaszczak, Dr Irena Malinowska and Marta Pietrzykowska, M.Sc. entitled. "Long-term effects of domestic violence. A case study and therapeutic interventions'. The text examines in depth psychological consequences of domestic violence and presents effective therapeutic strategies, making it a valuable resource for mental health professionals.
• The role of leadership in crisis management - Another important contribution to the publication is the article by Agnieszka Śliwińska, MA, Anna Piguła and Przemysław Żabnicki, MA. entitled. 'Effective Crisis Management. The team leader and his/her role in interventions' who are also collaborating with the School of Professional Training. The authors analyse the key competencies of a leader in crisis situations and highlight the importance of effective team management in the intervention process.
• Importance of international scientific cooperation - The publication is an example of successful international scientific cooperation that strengthens the position of our University in the academic arena. The internationalisation of research allows the exchange of experience and broadening research perspectives, which contributes to the development of modern and interdisciplinary solutions.

We encourage you to read!

You are warmly invited to read the monograph and use it in your research and teaching work!

Our lecturer nominated for the Pen of Hope award. Vote for him online!

We are proud to announce that Dr Kamil Stępniak, a lecturer at our University, has been nominated for the prestigious Pen of Hope award, granted by Amnesty International. This award goes to individuals and initiatives that, through their activities, contribute to the defence of human rights, raise public awareness and inspire action for a better world.

Who is the distinguished lecturer?

Dr Stępniak is a recognised expert in constitutional law and a doctor of social sciences. He serves as President of the Centre for Constitutional Law and Rule of Law Monitoring, lectures at the District Bar Council in Warsaw and publishes columns in the Dziennik Gazeta Prawna. However, this is only part of his achievements - he is also a member of the Polish Constitutional Law Society, a fellow of the University of Lucerne, and an active researcher in comparative legal systems analysis and modern participatory technologies.

Prestigious award for commitment to human rights

The Pen of Hope Award is one of the most important honours in the human rights activist and journalist community. It is awarded both by a specially appointed Jury and by public vote.

The Pen of Hope is an award given to individuals who, in the past year, have effectively publicised human rights issues through their media activities, making them an important topic in public debate and contributing to real change in this area. Dr Kamil Stępniak fulfils this mission by running a popular and highly substantive profile on Instagram @constitutionalist.

 Each of us can therefore support our lecturer by voting for him or her!

How to vote?

Voting continues until 24 February 2024, and you can cast your vote on the official Amnesty International website: https://www.amnesty.org.pl/pioro-nadziei-2024-glosowanie/. On the website you will also find more information about the award itself and the other nominees.

It's a great honour for our lecturer and a great source of pride for the entire academic community. We keep our fingers crossed and encourage everyone to vote!

The effect of international cooperation - a joint collective monograph

Under the agreement on international cooperation in the field of science and development, concluded between the Higher School of Vocational Training in Wrocław and the Central-Ukrainian Institute of Human Development of the University "Ukraine", a joint collective monograph titled "The Human Development of Ukraine" has been produced. "Innovative trends in law and socio-economic relations".. The publication is the work of lecturers from both institutions, exemplifying effective international academic cooperation.

Reviewers of publications

The reviewers of the publication on behalf of the School of Vocational Training are:

• Dr Jan Znajdek, Director of the Institute of Administration and Political Science;
• Dr Janusz Bryk, Director of the Institute of Criminology and Homeland Security.

Their participation ensured high quality of the publication.

International cooperation activities

The monograph is part of wider initiatives to support international knowledge exchange and the development of innovative research. The project is part of an effort to strengthen academic cooperation aimed at enhancing the quality of education and scientific development at both institutions.

A shared vision of development

We believe that our partnership will contribute not only to enriching the scientific output, but also to strengthening the ties between our universities. The publication is an important step towards the further development of science and education internationally.

Our lecturer co-author of new monograph on Russian-Ukrainian war

In 2025, the effort Exeter University Press A landmark monograph will be published Tactical and Strategic Insights from the Russo-Ukrainian War: Western Security and Defence in the 21st Centuryedited by eminent scholars Thomas-Durell Young (USA) and Prof. Dr. Jarosław Gryz (Poland). The co-author of this comprehensive study is our lecturer Dr Daniel Damian Kasprzycki. 

A few words about the monograph

The monograph, consisting of 12 chapters, is the result of collaboration between experts from all over the world, specialising in security and defence issues. The publication provides geopolitical, economic, social and military analyses of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict to understand its polymorphous nature and multidimensional impact on the international security system.

Among the authors is also Dr Daniel Damian Kasprzycki, who, together with Prof P. Mickiewicz, drafted the chapter entitled 'The importance of the topic'. The Black Sea as an Area of Military Operations during the Russian 'Special Operation'. The text focuses on a strategic and operational analysis of the importance of the Black Sea as a fundamental area of military operations in the Eastern European theatre of war.

Important themes and research methodology

The monograph undertakes an in-depth exploration of, among other things:

• the transformation of operational and tactical paradigms and adaptation of the parties to the conflict to the requirements of a network-centric operational environment, typical of fifth-generation wars;
• personnel and material losses, analysed by OSINT methodology during the first 500 days of the conflict;
• impact of cognitive activities (information warfare, disinformation, social manipulation) on the perception of the conflict by societies and third countries;
• air and sea components, which to date have remained under-researched in the literature;
• planning and execution of military operations in urbanised environments, characteristic of contemporary hybrid conflicts.

The holistic approach to the study of the conflict has led to conclusions that are not only of high cognitive value, but also of application in the context of the further development of security strategies.

Importance of publications

Tactical and Strategic Insights from the Russo-Ukrainian War is a unique publication that provides a new perspective on contemporary armed conflicts and their impact on global security. The monograph will be an invaluable resource for analysts, researchers, students security-related majors and those concerned with the practical aspects of defence strategies.

We encourage you to follow our website and social media, where we will announce the availability of the monograph when it is released.

A champion of evidence-based psychology - Dr Tomasz Witkowski

On 7 December 2024, psychology students at the College of Vocational Training had the extraordinary opportunity to attend an inspiring lecture by Dr Tomasz Witkowski, one of Poland's most respected psychologists. His lecture, full of passion and knowledge, allowed the students to broaden their horizons and better understand the importance of basing psychology on scientific evidence. Such lectures are a unique chance to draw knowledge and inspiration from the best!

Impressive scientific achievements of Dr Tomasz Witkowski

Dr Witkowski is a figure with an impressive track record. He is the author of dozens of scientific articles and more than a hundred popular science texts, published in recognised journals such as: British Journal of Social Psychology, Polish Psychological Bulletin, Journal of Social Psychology, The Scientific Review of Mental Health Practice, or Skeptical Inquirer. His work also appears in national and international magazines, including. Policy, Newsweek, The Republic, Areo Magazine, Science-Based Medicine or Research Digest published by the British Psychological Association.

Author of books that inspire and teach

Dr Witkowski has numerous highly acclaimed books to his credit. Among them are: "Forbidden Psychology" - a must-read for every psychology student. His other popular works include: "Psychology Gone Wrong", "The Dark Sides of Science and Therapy". created with the participation of Maciej Zatonski, ".Psychology Led Astray: Cargo Cult in Science and Therapy", as well as "Fades, Fakes, and Frauds. Exploding Myths in Culture, Science and Psychology".. They give readers the chance to explore both the glories and shadows of psychological science. These books inspire critical thinking and reflection.

Evidence-based psychology - key message from the lecture

Dr Witkowski's lecture at the School of Vocational Training was devoted to the importance of evidence-based psychology. The speaker discussed the dangers of therapies with unproven efficacy, emphasising the need to validate therapeutic approaches based on research. As founder of the Polish Skeptics Club, Dr Witkowski encouraged critical thinking and the use of reliable tools in psychological practice. The event was truly exceptional! The room was filled to capacity, and students not signed up for the lecture also turned up. The meeting, which had been planned for one hour, extended to 2.5 hours, which is the best testimony to the commitment of the participants and the extremely interesting course of the discussion. As a result, students had the opportunity to gain knowledge and inspiration from one of the the most eminent representatives of contemporary psychology. Its message will certainly leave a lasting mark on their further education and professional practice.