Dr. Edyta Chlebowska is an Assistant Professor at the Cyprian Norwid Research Center, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin. Specializing in the visual art and literary legacy of Cyprian Norwid, she explores intersections between Polish Romanticism, art history, and cultural studies. Her work extends to album art analysis and interdisciplinary connections with music (e.g., Pink Floyd, Czesław Niemen). Her research focuses on Norwid's self-portraits, eschatological themes in his drawings, and comparative studies with 19th-century Warsaw painting. She reconstructs lost artworks, documents private collections (e.g., Konstancja Górska, Victor Gomulicki), and examines Norwid's reception in Florence and Odessa. Key projects include translating Studia Norwidiana and critical editing of Norwid's complete works. As editor-in-chief of multiple On Cyprian Norwid. Studies and Essays volumes and organizer of conferences like Niemen Non Stop and Colloquia Norwidiana , she bridges academic rigor with public engagement. Her publications span peer-reviewed books, journal articles, and popular science pieces, emphasizing Norwid's unpublished works and symbolic programs.
Joanna Grela is a Professor at the Department of Comparative Civilization Studies within the Faculty of Philosophy at Jagiellonian University (UJ) in Kraków, Poland. She holds habilitation in cultural studies (2016, SWPS University, Warsaw), a doctorate in religious studies (2004, Jagiellonian University), and is a certified Tibetologist (2000, INALCO, Paris). Her academic credentials also include an MA in philosophy (1996, Jagiellonian University) and postgraduate studies in gender (2009, Jagiellonian University). Her educational background includes: 2004: PhD in Humanities in religious studies, Jagiellonian University 2000: Diplôme Unilingue de Langue et Civilization Orientales de Tibétain, Institut National des Langues et Civilizations Orientales (INALCO), Paris 1996: Master of Philosophy, Jagiellonian University 2009: Postgraduate studies in gender, Jagiellonian University Professor Grela's research focuses on Tibetan, Himalayan, and Mongolian cultures, with particular emphasis on pre-Buddhist cults and their contemporary representations in popular culture, societal transformations, Tibetan ethnic and cultural identity, cultural stereotypes, and the comparative anthropology of Buddhism. Her work bridges religious studies, cultural anthropology, and Tibetan studies, examining both historical traditions and their modern adaptations. She has made significant contributions to understanding how traditional Buddhist practices interact with contemporary social contexts, digital technologies, and global cultural flows. Her scholarly output reveals consistent engagement with Tibetan religious culture, Buddhist textual traditions, and the adaptation of Buddhist practices in modern contexts. She has extensively explored the relationship between pre-Buddhist traditions and contemporary religious practices, the role of deities in Tibetan Buddhism, and the transformation of Buddhist thought in different cultural settings including Thailand and Poland. Her more recent work addresses how Buddhism is adapting to digital environments and contemporary social challenges. Her notable achievements include: 2017: Pro Arte Docendi Award from the Rector of Jagiellonian University Multiple teaching awards (2011/12, 2012/13, 2014/15) Membership in the International Association of Buddhist Universities (IABU) Collaboration with the Centre d'Etudes Himalayennes CNRS Professor Grela has led significant research projects including 'The impact of secularization and schooling on socio-religious relations between ritual specialists and the lay community in the Rebkong region' (2018-2020) and 'The Common Buddhist Text Project' (2009-2016). Her work demonstrates a strong commitment to both scholarly research and teaching excellence, with numerous publications spanning academic journals, edited volumes, and encyclopedia entries. She maintains active international collaboration and has presented her research at conferences across Europe and Asia.
Katarzyna Wrońska is a Professor at the Institute of Pedagogy, Jagiellonian University in Kraków , where she also serves as an Erasmus+ Programme Coordinator . Her academic work spans pedagogical theory, educational philosophy, and historical analyses of learning systems. She teaches courses including History of Pedagogical Thought and Practice , Philosophy of Education , and Contemporary Pedagogical Trends , primarily for graduate students. Her research focuses on intersections between liberalism and education, historical pedagogical models (notably John Locke's theories), Christian humanism in curriculum development, and ethical dimensions of self-instruction. She examines autonomy in universities, competition dynamics in learning environments, and civility as an absent pedagogical discourse. The 15 most recent publications reveal trends in three domains: (1) Liberal Educational Philosophy (2012-2024), analyzing autonomy, competition, and state roles; (2) Historical Pedagogy (2011-2021), particularly Polish Enlightenment-era reforms; and (3) Educational Ethics (2005-2023), covering Christian values, civil society, and moral instruction during authoritarian regimes. She supervises doctoral and master's students in pedagogy, though specific advisees aren't named. Consultations for students occur weekly at Batorego Street 12, room 15, during academic year 2024/25, with appointments required via email.
Rev. Dr. hab. Antoni Nadbrzeżny serves as Professor at John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin (KUL) within the Faculty of Theology, specifically in the Department of Pneumatology, Ecclesiology and Mariology. His scholarly work centers on advanced theological research with particular emphasis on Mariology, Ecclesiology, and the theological contributions of Edward Schillebeeckx. Nadbrzeżny's research interests demonstrate deep engagement with contemporary theological challenges. His work explores dialogical ecclesiology as a response to Vatican II, examining how the Church can navigate modern secular contexts while maintaining theological integrity. Significant focus is given to Schillebeeckx's hermeneutic theology, Mariological developments from 'Mother of Redemption' to 'Mother of All Believers,' and the existential dimensions of faith in contemporary culture. His publications consistently address the intersection of personalist anthropology with soteriology and pneumatology. His recent scholarly output reveals a clear trajectory toward dialogical theology that bridges historical tradition and contemporary challenges. The 2025 monograph on Schillebeeckx's Mariology represents culmination of decades examining pneumatological and ecclesiological themes through phenomenological lenses. Articles consistently explore tension points between faith and modernity, particularly regarding religious freedom, anthropological concepts, and the Church's role as sacrament of dialogue. Bronze Medal for Long Service (2016) Rector's Award of KUL (4th degree team award, 2011) Rector's Award of KUL (3rd degree team award, 2006) Nadbrzeżny actively supervises doctoral candidates at KUL's Doctoral School since 2019 and serves as Consultant and Secretary of the Polish Episcopal Conference's Faith Science Commission. His current research includes the Ministry of Education-funded project 'The Church as a Space for Dialogue: The Second Vatican Council Reread.' He regularly presents to clergy formations, including the Sandomierz Diocese's ongoing program, and contributes to international theological discourse through publications and conferences.
Prof. Dr. hab. Marzena Górecka is a Full Professor at the Department of German-Language Literature and Culture , Faculty of Humanities , John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin . Her academic career includes habilitation (2006), Erasmus teaching assignments at the University of Freiburg (Switzerland), and leadership of the INTERREG III C project Language Bridges (2004-2006). Education: University of Lublin (Humanities), University of Zurich (Germanic Philology), University of Perugia (Italian Studies) Degree: Licentiata Philosophiae (1995), Doctorate in German Medieval Literature (1999) Research Focus: German medieval mysticism (Mechthild von Magdeburg, Hildegard von Bingen), Swiss German-language literature of the 20th century (Meinrad Inglin, Albin Zollinger), and literary translation theory with emphasis on Joseph Ratzinger/Benedict XVI's Opera Omnia . She explores mystical anthropology, cultural boundaries, and the interplay between theology and literature. Recent Trends: Analysis of postmodern literary spirituality, translation challenges of theological texts, and cultural memory in European border regions. Her 2023 publications examine educational crises through religious pedagogy and contemporary social critique in Swiss literature. Key Awards: Feniks National Literary Award (2014, 2013), Ministerial Individual Scholarship (MEiN), Landes&Gyr Foundation Research Stipend (Switzerland) Academic Service: Active in international research (SNSF Berlin evaluation), editorial leadership for Opera Omnia Ratzinger , and conference organization on European values and migration. She serves on the Polish Ministerial Expert Panel for academic promotions.
Jakub Zamorski is a researcher at the Department of Comparative Civilization Studies within Jagiellonian University , specializing in the history of Buddhist religion and philosophy in China and Japan. His work integrates Buddhist studies with broader East Asian 'history of thought' (思想史), examining how classical Chinese civilization influenced regional traditions. Focus on demythologization of Pure Land Buddhism Investigates Buddhist impact on modern European thought reception (19th-20th c.) Expert in East Asian Buddhist logic (hetu-vidyā/yinming) Zamorski's publications span comparative Buddhist studies, including collaborations on dharmadhatu analysis and translations of early Mahayana texts. He has received prestigious fellowships from Jōdo-shinshū Higashi Honganji and Sheng Yen Education Foundation, and participates in international conferences like International Association of Buddhist Studies and American Academy of Religion. 2020-2023: Collaborator on Japanese government-funded project analyzing Early Mahayana Sutras 2016: Foguang University research on early modern East Asian Buddhist texts 2011: Participant in study of 6th-7th century Chinese Buddhist thought
Joanna Mąkowska is an Assistant Professor at the American Studies Center, University of Warsaw. She specializes in 20th and 21st century American and Canadian literature, with a focus on poetry, ecocriticism, and feminist theory. Her roles include Academic Writing Coordinator (BA/MA), Head of Admissions Committee, and Writing Lab Coordinator. She has held prestigious fellowships including the Fulbright Junior Research Award (SUNY Buffalo) and Kosciuszko Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship (Duquesne University). Her research explores intersections of documentary writing, protest literature, and posthumanist thought. Major works include analyses of James Baldwin, Jericho Brown, and Adrienne Rich, with recent focus on ecocritical frameworks in American poetry. She has contributed to journals like Arizona Quarterly and Modernism/modernity , and co-authored chapters in The Routledge Companion to Ecopoetics . Notable achievements include the NCN SONATA Grant (2024-2027) for her project on protest assemblages in poetry, and multiple residential fellowships at Cambridge and Yale. Her teaching spans courses like 'American Protest Literature' and 'Literary Reportage.' Labs/Teams: Leads ASC Writing Lab, fostering interdisciplinary academic writing. Grants: 5 competitive awards since 2015, including national and international fellowships.
Mateusz Rafał Potoczny serves as Professor at the Institute of Theological Sciences within the Faculty of Theology at the University of Opole, where he also holds the position of Rector. His academic profile demonstrates deep specialization in Syriac liturgical traditions with particular focus on Eastern Christian churches and Indian Christian communities. Fluent in Polish and English, he maintains active scholarly communication through his institutional email address. His research centers on West and East Syriac Liturgical Traditions , Oriental Liturgies, and the history of Indian Christianity. Through meticulous analysis of sacramental theology, liturgical history, and ecclesial identity, Potoczny bridges historical scholarship with contemporary pastoral concerns. His work examines how ancient Syriac traditions inform modern worship practices and ecclesial formation. Analysis of his 64 publications reveals consistent scholarly output focused on liturgical theology, with significant attention to Syriac Christian traditions (West Syriac and East Syriac), sacramental practice in Eastern churches, and the unique identity of St. Thomas Christians in India. His recent works increasingly address Vatican II's liturgical reforms and their reception in Eastern Catholic contexts. His academic leadership is evident through editorial work on the journal "Liturgia Sacra" and organization of major scholarly events including the 50th Anniversary Conference on Sacrosanctum Concilium. Potoczny actively participates in international scholarly networks, evidenced by his attendance at the 8th World Syrology Conference in Kottayam and Syro-Arabic Symposiums. As Rector of the University of Opole, he oversees institutional academic strategy while maintaining his research profile. His scholarly impact is registered through an ORCID profile (0000-0001-5746-4218) and bibliometric indicators including a Scopus h-index of 1. Potoczny's work demonstrates sustained contribution to theological scholarship with particular significance for Eastern Christian liturgical studies.
SWPS University of Social Sciences and HumanitiesPoland
Monika Rosińska is an Assistant Professor at SWPS University's Faculty of Design in Warsaw, where she serves as Head of the Department of Design Theory and Research and as Dean's Representative for Interdisciplinarity. She is affiliated with both the Institute of Social Sciences and the Design Institute within the university. Her research focuses on the socio-cultural dimensions of design practices, with particular expertise in non-anthropocentric design, science and technology studies (STS), and critical/speculative design approaches. She investigates the history of design within political, social and cultural contexts, and examines the sociology of objects in everyday life. Dr. Rosińska explores why the creative process extends beyond form and function, pursues definitions of "good design," and investigates what matters to contemporary designers. Her scholarly work reveals consistent themes across publications, with recent research increasingly focused on multi-species communities and non-anthropocentric approaches to design. Her 2019 paper "Zoepolis: Non-anthropocentric design as an experiment in multi-species care" represents a significant contribution to this emerging field, building on earlier work exploring urban revitalization and participatory design. Dr. Rosińska has curated exhibitions including "Zoepolis. Design for Plants and Animals," which serves as both research output and practical exploration of her theoretical frameworks. Her publications span from foundational works on collective behaviors ("Deindywiduacja. Socjologia zachowań zbiorowych") to cutting-edge explorations of AI in visual arts (2025). She actively contributes to academic discourse through platforms including Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Academia.edu, and ORCID, maintaining visibility across multiple scholarly networks. Her work bridges sociology and design in innovative ways that challenge traditional disciplinary boundaries.
Fr. Prof. Stefan Szymik is a theologian and biblical scholar at the Faculty of Theology of the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, where he has served since 1995. Specializing in biblical hermeneutics and exegesis, his work focuses on New Testament studies, Christology, and biblical anthropology. He holds the rank of Professor of Theological Sciences since 2017. His research explores themes such as anti-Epicurean polemics in the New Testament, the role of the Bible in Christian life, and the historical context of biblical texts. Education includes theological and philosophical studies at the Major Seminary of the Missionaries of the Holy Family in Kazimierz Biskupi, followed by advanced biblical studies at the Catholic University of Lublin and the Pontificio Istituto Biblico in Rome. His academic roles include editorships of journals like Roczniki Teologiczne and the Biblical Annals , as well as leadership in the Institute of Biblical Studies. Research interests span biblical methodology, theological anthropology, and the application of biblical texts to contemporary Christian practice. He has authored numerous books and articles, including Anti-Epicurean Polemics in the New Testament (2023) and Ziemia Przymierza (2022). His academic contributions are recognized through awards like the Silver Cross of Merit (2001) and the Gold Cross of Merit (2018). Prof. Szymik’s work bridges biblical scholarship with pastoral theology, emphasizing the Bible’s role in liturgy and faith formation. He has been a member of prestigious organizations such as the Lublin Scientific Society and the Polish Biblical Society, contributing to interdisciplinary dialogue on biblical interpretation.
Dr. Dariusz Wybranowski is a Professor at the University of Szczecin's Institute of Political and Security Studies, where he maintains an office in room 204 and can be reached at phone number 91 444 3273. His academic work focuses on political science and security studies, with particular expertise in contemporary political conflicts, Islamic fundamentalism, and the geopolitics of the Western Balkans. His research interests include: Political conflicts of the 20th and 21st centuries The Islamic world and Muslim fundamentalism Issues of the Western Balkan countries Political ideas and doctrines Professor Wybranowski teaches a range of courses related to his research expertise, including Islamic fundamentalism, Islam and Muslims in Europe, history, police history, political thought, and the history of diplomacy in the 19th and 20th centuries. His scholarly work demonstrates a consistent focus on understanding the interplay between religious ideologies, political conflicts, and security challenges in contemporary international relations. His recent publications reveal a growing emphasis on migration issues, European security challenges, and the evolving nature of Islamic radicalism. Professor Wybranowski has also maintained a longstanding interest in military history, particularly regarding World War II aviation tactics and the political ideologies of fighter pilots. His scholarly contributions span both contemporary political analysis and historical research, with publications covering: The political dynamics of the Western Balkans Islamic fundamentalism and its global manifestations Migration politics in Europe Military history, particularly World War II Political ideologies and their historical development Professor Wybranowski has been actively publishing since the early 2000s, with numerous articles in academic journals and contributions to edited volumes. His work demonstrates a commitment to understanding the complex interplay between historical context, political ideology, and contemporary security challenges.
Ewa Kępa is a Lecturer at the Faculty of Cultural Studies, University of Białystok, specializing in gender studies, autoethnography, and contemporary cultural identity. She teaches aesthetics, cultural theory, visual anthropology, and interdisciplinary methodologies, including English-language workshops. She collaborates internationally with universities in Spain and Italy. Her research examines feminine identity construction through craft practices (knitting, pottery), DIY culture, and autobiographical narratives. Work explores themes of cultural resistance, material heritage, and gendered labor in Polish contexts. She publishes on folk traditions, craftivism, and post-communist cultural memory. Key domains include textile subcultures, domestic ritual objects, and ethnographic approaches to everyday life. She integrates feminist frameworks with visual and material culture analysis. Administrative roles include coordinating Erasmus+ programs and serving on editorial boards for gender studies journals. Office location: Faculty of Cultural Studies building.
Professor Katarzyna Marciniak is a distinguished scholar at the Faculty of Artes Liberales, University of Warsaw, where she serves as Director of the Center for Research on Ancient Tradition (OBTA) and Head of The Cluster: The Past for the Present – International Research and Educational Programme. She was Vice-Dean for International Cooperation from 2016 to 2024 and has established herself as a leading expert in classical reception studies, particularly regarding children's literature. Professor Marciniak earned her Master of Arts in Classical Philology (2000) and Italian Philology (2003) from the University of Warsaw, completing the Inter-Faculty Individual Studies in the Humanities in 2003. She received her Doctor of Humanities degree in 2004 (summa cum laude) with a dissertation on Cicero's translations from Greek to Latin as ideological manipulation tools, supervised by Professor Jerzy Axer. She completed her habilitation in 2009 and was awarded the title of Professor of Humanities in 2019. Her research focuses on the reception of Classical Antiquity in children's and young adults' culture, exploring how ancient myths function as transformation markers in contemporary societies. She examines the role of mythical creatures in youth literature across different cultures and how classical mythology serves as a cultural code that facilitates intergenerational communication. Her work bridges classical philology with modern literary studies and educational theory. Professor Marciniak's publications reveal a consistent trajectory examining how classical antiquity, particularly mythology, is adapted for younger audiences. Her work spans from scholarly analyses of Cicero to accessible mythological guides for children. The most recent publications focus on how ancient myths serve as medicine for life's hardships and how mythical beasts function as cultural transformation markers across global youth literature. Prime Minister's Award for best doctoral dissertation (2004) Klio Award 2nd class for best historical book (2011) Polityka Scientific Award (2012) Title of Young Ambassador of the Polish Language (2013) Medal of the 200th Anniversary of the University of Warsaw (2016) ERC Consolidator Grant (2016-2022) ERC Proof of Concept Grant (2023-2025) Professor Marciniak has secured significant research funding, including the prestigious ERC Consolidator Grant (the first in humanities in Poland) and ERC Proof of Concept Grant for her "Our Mythical Childhood" program. She has also received multiple Alexander von Humboldt Foundation awards and has been elected to the Academy of Young Scientists of the Polish Academy of Sciences. She serves on the Management Board of the International Federation of Classical Studies and the Board of Curators of Department I of the Polish Academy of Sciences. She directs the Center for Research on Ancient Tradition (OBTA) which coordinates the international "Our Mythical Childhood" research program. This initiative has grown into a global network connecting scholars from Europe, North America, Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. The program has produced several major publications and educational initiatives, including the "Modern Argonauts" multicultural educational program.
Dr. hab. Lech Giemza is a full Professor at the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin (KUL), affiliated with the Institute of Literary Studies within the Faculty of Humanities. His primary academic unit is the Department of Polish Literature of the 20th and 21st Centuries. He maintains an active role in literary scholarship, education, and public outreach, with no indication of part-time engagement or retirement. His research explores Polish literature through interdisciplinary lenses, including: Polish Literature & Poetry : Focus on 20th/21st-century works, especially poets like Herbert, Szymborska, and Różewicz. Cultural Memory : Examination of historical narratives in postwar prose and digital cultural preservation. Digital Humanities : Analysis of internet culture, gaming narratives, and virtual reality in literary contexts. Giemza's publications (2013–2023) reveal consistent themes: spatial/textual analysis of poetry, adaptations of literary works, biblical motifs, and ethical-historical reflections. Recent articles demonstrate a shift toward digital media's role in cultural transmission and interdisciplinary methodologies blending literary criticism with cartography, film studies, and philosophy. Scientific Awards: Lublin Science Festival Award for popularizing science (2021) Honorary Distinction of Zygmunt Gloger Award (2018) Individual Award of the First Degree, KUL (2019) He actively advises students, supervising numerous bachelor’s and master’s theses (2013–2025) on topics ranging from digital literature to historical novels. Outreach includes nationwide lectures for high schools, YouTube/Facebook content, and workshops promoting Polish literature.
Dr. Edyta Frelik is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of American Studies, Faculty of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University. Her academic career spans research and teaching in American art history, visual culture, and interdisciplinary intersections between literature and visual arts. She holds a PhD in Humanities (UMCS, 2013) and has been recognized with prestigious awards including the Terra Foundation Award (2013) and Georgia O’Keeffe Museum nomination (2018). Her research focuses on: Modernist artists' intellectual engagements Interactions between textual and visual media Anti-intellectualism in American art and culture Gender dynamics in avant-garde practice Relationships between science/technology and artistic expression Recent publications highlight her expertise in artists like Georgia O’Keeffe, Ad Reinhardt, and Frank Lloyd Wright, with thematic clusters in: American cultural identity formation Artistic self-representation strategies Transatlantic modernist dialogues Architectural language theory Visual epistemology Post-historical cultural analysis Scientific recognitions include: 2013 : Terra Foundation Award for Best Essay by International Scholar 2018 : Georgia O’Keeffe Museum Book Prize Nomination 2022 : NCN MINIATURA 5 Grant Dr. Frelik has organized international conferences like Wordstruck (2015) and actively participates in academic exchanges across Europe and North America.
