Katarzyna Popiołek

Professor Katarzyna Popiołek serves as Dean of the Faculty of Psychology at SWPS University in Katowice and heads the Department of General, Social and Organizational Psychology. As a full-time professor, she plays a significant leadership role within the university structure while maintaining active research and teaching responsibilities.

Her research focuses on interpersonal relationships, examining factors influencing close relationships including time perception, career models, work-family role conflicts, and partner characteristics. She has developed a particular expertise in human behavior in crisis situations, organizing interdisciplinary meetings on 'Crises, Catastrophes, and Disasters' that resulted in several publications addressing contemporary threats to individuals and communities, with emphasis on discrimination and exclusion.

• Specializes in psychological support networks and their role in wellbeing
• Researches time perception and its psychological consequences
• Studies determinants of relationship stability and satisfaction

Professor Popiołek has been recognized with the prestigious Platinum Laurel Pro Publico Bono award in 2012 for her community engagement in Silesia and was named among the top ten most influential women of Silesia in 2016. She has authored over 100 scientific publications and actively translates her research into practical applications.

As an educator, she teaches professional ethics for psychologists and serves as a thesis advisor. She is frequently featured in media as a psychological expert, with her lectures on SWPS University's YouTube channel gaining significant popularity. Beyond academia, she co-founded the Gniazdo Foundation supporting disadvantaged families, the Contemporary City Institute, and the Society for Sustainable Development LIBRA, while serving on the Board of the Giesche Foundation.