Krystian Barzykowski

Dr. Krystian Barzykowski is a Professor at the Department of General Psychology within the Faculty of Philosophy at Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland. He currently serves as Head of the Applied Memory Research Laboratory and is a Member of the Research Ethics Committee. He also holds the position of Proxy of the Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy for quality assessment and is a Member of the Board of the Krakow Branch of the Polish Psychological Society.

Barzykowski obtained his doctorate in 2014 from Jagiellonian University and has since established himself as a leading researcher in cognitive experimental psychology with a focus on memory processes. His research spans multiple areas of cognitive psychology, particularly examining the mechanisms of autobiographical and episodic memory, involuntary cognitive processes, and the intriguing phenomenon of déjà vu. His work uniquely integrates cross-cultural perspectives with experimental cognitive psychology, exploring how multiculturalism and multilingualism affect psychological assessment and memory processes.

His research program demonstrates a sophisticated approach to understanding the cognitive mechanisms behind memory retrieval, particularly focusing on how working memory influences involuntary autobiographical memories. Barzykowski's work on mind-wandering and thoughts detached from tasks represents a significant contribution to understanding spontaneous cognition. His recent Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship project 'SpontaneousPAST' specifically investigates how déjà vu can illuminate spontaneous memory retrieval processes.

Barzykowski's extensive publication record shows a consistent focus on memory mechanisms while increasingly incorporating cross-cultural dimensions. His recent work has expanded to address timely societal issues including the psychological impact of the pandemic, refugee integration in educational settings, and the development of cultural intelligence among healthcare professionals. The interdisciplinary nature of his research connects cognitive psychology with educational, clinical, and social applications.

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship (2023)
• Andrzej Malewski Award from the Polish Academy of Sciences (2020)
• Mieczysław Bekker Scholarship from the National Agency for Academic Exchange (2020)
• Ministry of Science and Higher Education Scholarship for Outstanding Young Researchers (2018-2020)
• Multiple French Government Scholarships (2019-2021)
• International European Roma Spirit Award Finalist (2016)

Barzykowski has successfully led multiple significant research projects funded by prestigious organizations including the National Science Centre, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the Stefan Batory Foundation, and the European Commission. His project portfolio includes 'Analysis of the role of working memory in the formation of involuntary autobiographical memories' (2020-2025), 'Wandering-mind: Advances in involuntary past and future thinking research' (2020), and 'The Role of Cognitive Inhibition in Involuntary Thinking about the Past and Future' (2016-2019). He is particularly noted for originating and co-authoring the first Polish textbook on psychological assessment in multicultural and multilingual contexts, which received a recommendation from the Council of Europe.

At Jagiellonian University, Barzykowski leads the Applied Memory Research Laboratory, which focuses on experimental investigations of memory processes, particularly examining involuntary and voluntary memory retrieval mechanisms. His laboratory work integrates sophisticated experimental designs with cross-cultural perspectives, creating a unique research environment that bridges cognitive psychology with multicultural considerations. The laboratory has become a significant center for memory research in Poland, attracting international collaborators and contributing to major multinational research initiatives.