Dr. hab. Katarzyna Stachurska-Szczesiak is a full professor at the Institute of International Relations within Maria Curie-Skłodowska University's Faculty of Political Science and Journalism. She obtained her habilitation in 2019 and PhD in 2006, specializing in EU-Mediterranean relations. Her academic discipline spans political science with a focus on international relations, particularly the southern dimension of EU integration. Research Interests: Her work explores sustainable development frameworks in Mediterranean policy, Euro-Arab diplomatic relations, and Maghreb geopolitical transformations. Key themes include EU neighborhood strategies, environmental security in the Mediterranean Basin, and post-Arab Spring political systems. She employs methodological innovation in international relations research. Publication Trends: Her 15 most recent articles demonstrate evolving focus from EU institutional frameworks (2003-2012) to sustainability governance and security (2014-present). Recent works analyze pandemic impacts on development theories and Algeria-EU relations post-Arab Spring, reflecting interdisciplinary engagement with political ecology and regional instability. Awards & Honors: Medal of the National Education Commission (2019) Bronze Cross of Merit (2020) Polish Society of European Studies Best Monograph Award (2021) Minister of Education and Science Award (2022) Silver Medal for Long Service (2023) Projects & Leadership: She coordinates European Documentation Centre UMCS and leads EU-funded projects including 'Przystanek Europa 2024'. Grants include 7 European Commission projects (2014-2022) on EU policy dissemination. She pioneered Oxford debate methodologies in teaching and serves on journal development committees under Poland's Ministry of Education.






