Monika Gabryś-Sławińska is a Professor at the Department of Polish Literary History , part of the Faculty of Languages, Literatures and Cultures at the University of Maria Curie-Skłodowska (UMCS). Her research spans 19th- and 20th-century Polish literature , focusing on Stefan Żeromski , historical journalism , text editing , voice emission , and museology . MA in Polish Philology (1998, UMCS) PhD in Literary Studies (2007, UMCS) Habilitation in Literary Studies (2016, UMCS) Her research interests include political commentary in historical press , media's role in cultural identity , and sociolinguistic trends . She has edited over 29 academic volumes and authored 5 monographs. Scientific awards: Bronze Cross of Merit KEN Medals (Bronze, Silver) 8 Rector's Awards (UMCS) Lublin Mayor's Medal (2019) She has participated in 5 research grants , organized 35 academic conferences , and contributed extensively to Annales UMCS as a scientific editor.
Kamil Glinka is an Associate Professor and Deputy Director of the Institute of Political Science for Science and Development at the University of Wrocław, specializing in public governance, urban policy, and political marketing. His work focuses on municipal self-governments in Visegrad Group countries and their responses to crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. His research interests span public governance , theory and practice of local development , urban policy , public communication , and political and territorial marketing . Glinka examines how cities navigate crises, implement strategic planning, and develop effective communication strategies with citizens. His recent publications reveal a strong focus on urban responses to the pandemic across Visegrad countries, with particular attention to municipal governance models, post-pandemic recovery strategies, and the impact of crises on urban democracy. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical policy applications in Central and Eastern Europe. Scientific Awards: Visegrad Fellowship Program (2024) laureate Multiple Rector's Awards from University of Wrocław (2020-2024) for scientific, teaching, and organizational achievements Bernard Steinacher Fellowship 2022-2023 from METREX Network IDUB program awards for academic excellence Glinka leads numerous international research projects including 'Urban Post-COVID Recovery in the V4 Countries' (2022-2025), 'Urban energy transition in Czechia' (2025), and 'Urban policy under ten pressure of the crisis' (2024). His work involves substantial collaboration with institutions across Visegrad countries and beyond. As a member of the Steering Committee of the European Consortium for Political Research's Standing Group on Central and East European Politics and active participant in METREX and IPSA, Glinka contributes significantly to international academic networks focused on urban governance and political science.
Pawel Kaczmarczyk is affiliated with the University of Warsaw's Migration Research Centre and Faculty of Economic Sciences. He also collaborates with the Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA) in Bonn, Germany. His research focuses on migration economics, labor markets, and public policy impacts of migration. Key areas include Ukrainian migration to Poland, gig economy work conditions, and socioeconomic consequences of refugee influxes. He has contributed to policy analyses on EU mobility frameworks and post-2014 conflict migration trends. Key affiliations: Migration Research Centre (University of Warsaw), Faculty of Economic Sciences (University of Warsaw), IZA Institute of Labor Economics Research emphasizes migration's fiscal impacts, labor market integration, and demographic shifts His work spans Eastern European migration dynamics, refugee integration challenges, and evaluation of migration policies in post-communist contexts. He has addressed contemporary crises such as the Ukraine-Russia conflict's migration repercussions through empirical analyses.
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.
Professor Vasyl Stepanovych Kravtsiv is a distinguished academic and researcher at the Institute of Regional Studies named after M. I. Dolishnyi, part of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. He serves as both the Director of the Institute (from 2014 to July 2025) and Head of the Department of Regional Environmental Policy and Nature Management. With a career spanning over four decades in regional studies, environmental policy, and economic development, Professor Kravtsiv has established himself as a leading expert in regional economics and environmental management in Ukraine. Professor Kravtsiv's educational background includes a degree in Geography from Ivan Franko Lviv State University (1980). His academic achievements include becoming a Candidate of Economic Sciences (1987), Senior Researcher (1994), Doctor of Economic Sciences (2007), and Professor (2010). He has also been honored as a 'Honored Worker of Science and Technology of Ukraine' for his significant contributions to the field. His scholarly work examines the theoretical and practical aspects of regional environmental policy formation, particularly during Ukraine's transition to a market economy. Professor Kravtsiv's research primarily focuses on regional economics, environmental policy, spatial development, and cross-border cooperation. His work examines the intersection of economic development and environmental sustainability, with particular emphasis on the Carpathian region of Ukraine. He pioneered economic methods of environmental quality management in Ukraine, which now operate as pollution fees. Professor Kravtsiv has developed numerous regional environmental safety programs approved by Western Ukrainian authorities and contributed significantly to Ukraine's State Regional Policy Concept. His recent publications address contemporary challenges including the impact of the war and pandemic on tourism, spatial economic development amid European integration, and sustainable growth in decentralization contexts. His scholarly contributions include over 100 scientific works, with 18 monographs exploring regional development, environmental policy, and cross-border cooperation. Professor Kravtsiv's work demonstrates consistent evolution from theoretical foundations to practical policy implementation, with recent publications showing adaptation to Ukraine's wartime conditions and European integration requirements. Honored Worker of Science and Technology of Ukraine Editor-in-chief of the journal 'Regional Economy' Editor-in-chief of the collection 'Socio-economic problems of the modern period of Ukraine' Author of over 100 scientific works including 18 monographs Key contributor to Ukraine's environmental policy framework As Director of the Institute of Regional Studies, Professor Kravtsiv oversees extensive research activities, coordinates international collaborations through Erasmus+ and Visegrad Fund programs, and guides scholarly publication efforts. His leadership has positioned the Institute as a key contributor to Ukraine's regional development policies and environmental management strategies. He actively participates in developing Ukraine's adaptation to European standards and contributes to reconstruction planning amid wartime conditions, demonstrating both academic rigor and practical policy relevance.
Rev. Dr. hab. Waldemar Żurek, Professor at the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, serves at the Center of Ecclesiastical Archives, Libraries and Museums (ABMK) within the Faculty of Theology. His academic career spans decades of dedicated research and publication in church history, particularly focusing on Eastern European Catholicism and the Salesian Order. As an active scholar, he continues to contribute significantly to ecclesiastical documentation and historical research. Professor Żurek's research interests center on ecclesiastical archives, parish documentation, and the history of religious orders, with particular emphasis on the Salesian Order's activities in Poland and Eastern Europe. His work explores the intersection of religious life with historical events, particularly during challenging periods like the communist era in Poland. He has developed expertise in analyzing parish inventories, visitation records, and chronicles to reconstruct religious life and administration across different historical periods. His extensive publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on documenting church history through meticulous examination of primary sources. The most recent works reveal trends toward comprehensive chronicles of religious institutions, detailed parish records analysis, and biographical studies of clergy members. His research spans multiple disciplines including religious studies, historical documentation, and Eastern European studies, with particular attention to regions like Pinsk, Lutsk, and Volhynia that have complex religious histories across changing political borders. Scientific Awards: Gold Medal for Long Service Professor Żurek has supervised numerous diploma theses including master's work on topics such as 'Social activities of Bishop Adolf Piotr Szelążek.' His editorial work includes significant publications like 'Kult Matki Bożej Ostrobramskiej w historii narodu polskiego' (The Cult of Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn in the History of the Polish Nation) and 'Ojciec Profesor Henryk Damian Wojtyska 1933-2009. Pasjonista, historyk Kościoła i dydaktyk' (Father Professor Henryk Damian Wojtyska 1933-2009. Passionist, Church Historian and Educator). He serves on the Scientific Council of the biannual journal 'Archives, Libraries and Church Museums' and is a member of the Theological Society of Józef Bilczewski in Ukraine. His work with the Center of Ecclesiastical Archives, Libraries and Museums represents a significant contribution to preserving and analyzing religious heritage. Through his leadership and scholarship, Professor Żurek has helped establish important methodologies for working with ecclesiastical documentation and has fostered international collaboration in church historical studies, particularly between Polish and Ukrainian scholars.
Prof. Marzena Stor is a Professor of Strategic International HRM and Head of the Department of Human Resources Management at Wrocław University of Economics in Poland. Her work focuses on HRM practices in multinational companies (MNCs), particularly in Central Europe, emphasizing how HR strategies influence organizational performance through factors like managerial competencies, employee development, and human-centric approaches. She leads empirical research on labor market dynamics, talent management, and the mediating roles of HR outcomes in crisis and non-crisis contexts. Research Interests: - HRM in Multinational Companies - Cross-Cultural HRM - AI & Digital Transformation in HR - Managerial Competency Development - Sustainable HR Practices - Employee Engagement & Retention Recent Work Trends: Her 2023-2025 publications highlight the mediating role of HR outcomes in linking managerial/employee development to financial and operational performance, with a focus on Central European MNCs. She also explores labor shortages in V4 countries and the impact of human-centric paradigms on organizational success. Cooperation & Grants: Open to socio-economic collaborations, she advises doctoral students in international HRM and has conducted studies funded by EU regional initiatives. Her work bridges academic research and business practice, often involving multinational corporations in Poland and CEE. Labs/Teams: Leads research teams at the Department of Human Resources Management, collaborating with international partners on large-scale HRM surveys and MNC subsidiary studies.
Dr. Damian Mazurek, M.A., is a researcher at the Department of Rural Geography and Local Development, Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization (Polish Academy of Sciences). He holds a Master's degree in Geography from Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (2015), specializing in regional development and geoinformatics. Research Focus: Application of GIS in regional development analysis, methodological approaches to identifying regional specializations, and spatial planning for rural areas. Key Contributions: Co-author of 15+ publications (2017-2025) addressing peri-urban dynamics, small town typologies, waste management systems, and digital accessibility in rural Poland. Notable work includes mapping suburban zones using diagnostic indicators and analyzing Wi-Fi distribution patterns. Collaborative Projects: Regular contributor to cross-border initiatives like the PL-SK 2007-2013 program and co-PI on National Science Centre (NCN) grants. Active participant in international conferences (IGU, European Geographical Society).
Prof. Jerzy Bański is a retired Professor and former Head of the Department of Rural Geography and Local Development at the University of Warsaw's Faculty of Geography and Regional Studies. His academic career spans over three decades with a PhD (1996) and post-doctoral degree (2000) in Earth Sciences, specializing in economic and rural geography. He has led 48 research projects and supervised 5 PhD and 43 MSc students at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin. His research focuses on land use dynamics, rural development, spatial planning, and socioeconomic processes in Central and Eastern Europe. Notable contributions include analyzing post-socialist agricultural transformations, village decline, and pandemic spatial impacts. He authored 421 publications, including 151 in English, and received the Jan Olaf Chmielewski Science Award (2001) and Honorary Membership in the Bulgarian Scientific Society. Key projects include classifying rural areas for territorial policy, assessing pandemic geography, and evaluating agricultural land ownership changes. His work frequently intersects with policy design, institutional analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration in academia. Awards: Jan Olaf Chmielewski Science Award (2001), Honorary Membership (Bulgarian Scientific Society) Grants: 48 projects led, including EU and national funding Education: MA (University of Warsaw), postgraduate studies in scientific photography
Dr. Patrycja Marzec-Braun is an Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Economics, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University. She specializes in startup development, social capital, leadership, and innovative business models. Her work focuses on entrepreneurship and modern management techniques. Current affiliations: Faculty of Economics, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University Research areas: Startups, social capital, innovation, business management She teaches courses on change management, startup leadership, and entrepreneurship projects. Her research is centered on Polish market dynamics, particularly in the Lublin region, with emphasis on AI integration in organizational structures.
Dr. Grzegorz Kotłowski serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Gdańsk's Faculty of Languages within the Institute of Classical and Slavonic Studies, Division of Classical Philology. He concurrently holds the significant administrative position of Deputy Dean for Students Affairs at the Faculty of Languages, demonstrating dual expertise in academic scholarship and institutional leadership. His research centers on Classical Philology with intense specialization in Latin epigraphy, particularly the documentation and analysis of Neo-Latin inscriptions in historical churches of Gdańsk (notably St. Mary's Church) and Warmia (Frombork Cathedral). Dr. Kotłowski's work bridges philological rigor with historical contextualization, examining epitaphs, sepulchral plates, and commemorative texts from the early modern period to reconstruct social hierarchies, religious practices, and cultural identities within Gdańsk's multicultural urban landscape. His methodological contributions extend to digital approaches in Neo-Latin studies, addressing data acquisition and dataset creation challenges. Recent publications (2020-2022) reveal a highly focused epigraphic output, with over twenty articles detailing specific monuments while collectively forming a comprehensive corpus of Gdańsk's Latin funerary heritage. His collaborative multi-volume series with Elżbieta Starek— Łacińskie inskrypcje w kościołach Gdańska (covering Mariacka Basilica, Śródmieście, and Oliwa) and Łacińskie inskrypcje w kościołach Warmii (Frombork)—establishes foundational references for regional epigraphic studies. No scientific awards are documented in available sources. Administrative responsibilities as Deputy Dean for Students Affairs indicate active engagement in academic governance, though specific advising roles or grant funding remain unreported in current materials. The absence of laboratory or team descriptions suggests individual or small-collaboration research models centered on archival and field-based epigraphy.
Stanislaw Moniuszko Academy of Music in GdańskPoland
Sylwia Janiak-Kobylińska is a Polish conductor, educator, and artistic leader currently serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Conducting, Composition, and Music Theory at the Stanisław Moniuszko Academy of Music in Gdańsk. She is President of the SAJ Foundation Supporting Young Artists, founder of the Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra of the Youth, and an active participant in international music competitions and festivals. Her work spans symphonic and opera conducting, artistic direction of multidisciplinary projects, and pedagogical leadership. Her research interests focus on Orchestral Conducting Contemporary Music Interpretation Artistic Education for Youth Symphonic and Opera Collaboration Cultural Management in Music Interdisciplinary Art Projects Her recent artistic projects, such as the inUnity. Contemporary Music from Gdańsk album and the Homage to Szymborska concert series, highlight collaborations between classical and jazz composers, youth orchestras, and interdisciplinary teams. These works emphasize themes of unity, cultural heritage, and innovation in music education. Scientific awards and recognitions include Meritorious for Polish Culture badge (2023) Antoni Wit Award at the G. Fitelberg Conducting Competition Multiple Rector’s Awards at the Academy of Music in Gdańsk Pomeranian Artistic Award in 'Artistic Hope' category As an educator, she leads orchestral workshops, mentors students across multiple faculties, and pioneered the 4C’s in Music Art program (Creativity, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Communication). Her leadership in the SAJ Foundation and Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra of the Youth has fostered over 1000 young musicians since 2011.
Dr. Sabina Owsianowska is a Lecturer at the Faculty of Tourism and Recreation , University School of Physical Education in Cracow , Poland. She has been actively involved in teaching Polish and international students since 2006, particularly through the LLP-Erasmus program. MA in Tourism Studies (University School of Physical Education in Cracow, 2001) PhD in Humanities (University School of Physical Education in Cracow, 2005) Her research focuses on tourism anthropology , examining tourism as a cultural and social phenomenon , with special interest in: Socio-cultural dimensions of leisure Gender issues in tourism Media influence on tourism Semiotics of tourist experiences Cultural and heritage tourism Her academic contributions include: Co-editor of Anthropology of Tourism in Central and Eastern Europe (Rowman & Littlefield, 2018) Editorial board member of Folia Turistica journal since 2014 Co-editor of multiple thematic issues in tourism anthropology Dr. Owsianowska has: Published 9 book chapters Contributed to refereed journals and conference proceedings Authored critical reviews of contemporary tourism research Key collaborative projects include work with: Dr. Marek Banaszkiewicz Prof. Nelson Graburn Prof. Maria Della Lucia Dr. Elena Giudici
Konrad Czernichowski is an Assistant Professor at the Department of World Economy and European Integration, Faculty of Economics, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin, Poland. He also serves as a Visiting Professor at the Department of Economics, Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Commerce, Jordan University College in Morogoro, Tanzania. His academic career includes positions at the University of Wrocław and extensive research on African economic development. Dr. Czernichowski's research focuses on African economic development , particularly in East Africa and Tanzania. His expertise spans economic integration, banking systems, labor markets, and development challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa. He has conducted extensive research on the East African Community's integration processes, the impact of global crises on African economies, and regional monetary cooperation. His 18 publications demonstrate consistent research output with a focus on practical economic challenges facing African nations. The research shows a clear trajectory from theoretical integration models toward applied policy analysis, particularly regarding the East African Community's development. His work bridges academic research with practical policy implications for developing economies. Member of editorial board, Journal of Economic Integration (2024-2025) Member of board, Polish African Studies Society (since 2021) Member of editorial board, Afryka journal (since 2021) Member of editorial board, Business Education Journal (since 2022) Dr. Czernichowski actively engages with international academic communities through his editorial roles and maintains research connections with African institutions. His work with the 'Maitri' movement center in Lublin (2014-2021) demonstrates practical engagement with development issues. His multilingual abilities (Polish, English, French, German, and Swahili) facilitate direct research engagement across multiple African contexts.
Dr. Anna Grudecka is an Assistant Professor at the Warsaw School of Economics , affiliated with the Department of International Business . Her work bridges marketing, international business, and cultural studies. Research Focus: Consumer behavior in global markets, country-of-origin effects, cultural values in branding, and digital platform dynamics. Publications: Recent studies explore cross-border e-commerce, charitable crowdfunding, and the interplay of cultural values with digital marketing strategies. Her work spans 2015–2025, with recent emphasis on pandemic-related shifts and multi-sided platform economics. Awards: No scientific awards explicitly mentioned in available sources. Advising: No student names provided in public records.