Beata Siwek

Professor Beata Siwek serves at the Department of Russian, Ukrainian and Belarusian Literature within the Faculty of Humanities at John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin (KUL). Holding the position of Head of Department, she specializes in East Slavic literary studies with particular focus on Belarusian drama, theater, and literary anthropology. Her academic journey includes habilitation in 2012 with thesis "Freedom Crucified. A Tale of Belarusian Drama and Theater" and extensive research on trauma narratives, cultural identity, and Slavic literary traditions.

• Education: Master's in Slavic Philology (1994), PhD (1998), Habilitation (2012), Postgraduate Studies in Teaching Polish as Foreign Language (2023)
• Leadership: Head of Department, Secretary of Humanities Annals, Member of multiple editorial boards

Professor Siwek's research explores the intersections of trauma, cultural memory, and national identity in Belarusian literature, particularly examining how war experiences shape literary expression. Her work demonstrates exceptional expertise in analyzing dramatic structures, intercultural dialogues, and the spiritual dimensions of Slavic literature. Recent publications reveal growing focus on animal perspectives in trauma narratives and contemporary Belarusian dramaturgy.

Her scholarly output includes over 100 publications with significant contributions to understanding Belarusian literary traditions. Notable trends in her work include the evolution from homeland studies to trauma theory, increasing engagement with contemporary political contexts, and methodological innovations in literary anthropology. Key thematic threads connect historical memory, ethical dilemmas in totalitarian contexts, and the search for cultural identity through literary expression.

• Awards: Silver Medal for Long Service, Individual Awards from KUL Rector, Shortlist VI International Congress of Belarusian Researchers
• Service: Member of Scientific Councils for multiple journals, Reviewer for international publications, Organizer of international conferences

Professor Siwek actively supervises doctoral research and leads major research projects including "The Poetic Works of Ales Razanav" funded by the National Science Centre. Her laboratory work centers on contemporary Belarusian narrative and dramatic traditions, with particular attention to trauma representation and cultural resilience. Current projects examine the discourse of violence in post-2020 Belarusian drama, reflecting her ongoing commitment to documenting and analyzing the cultural responses to political upheaval in Eastern Europe.