The Rector of Wrocław University of Science and Technology, His Magnificence Arkadiusz Wójs, appointed the Equality and Community Development Team for the 2024–2028 term (ZW 105/2024 and ZW 116/2024).

The tasks of the Team include:

• developing the framework and commissioning research to diagnose inequality issues at the University;
• developing and participating in the implementation of the University’s equality policy;
• participating in the execution of tasks defined in the adopted equality policy of the University;
• initiating, supporting, and coordinating activities related to the promotion of equality-oriented attitudes and counteracting discrimination among students and University staff.

Chair of the Team: Dr. Anna Borkowska, University Professor and Plenipotentiary for Anti-Discrimination Affairs

Doctor of psychology,  associated with WUST for over 20 years. Professor in the Department of Management Systems and Organizational Development at the Faculty of Management. Her research interests concern the social and psychological context of professional activity and teaching: work engagement, well-being and work-related values. She is associated with the current of positive psychology in the study of various activities, including work, education and accessibility. For years, she has been involved in teams and projects that aim to positively change WUST in the area of its social functioning. These include work on the university's strategy, research into the needs and satisfaction of teachers and students, diagnosis of the extent of inequalities, research into wellbeing and mental health and work-life balance (WLB). During the 2020-2024 term, she worked with the previous Rector's Anti-discrimination Plenipotentiary, Professor Karolina Jaklewicz, on the University's Equality Policy Team and Anti-Discrimination Committee.

Dr. Anna Brdulak

I teach and conduct research at the Faculty of Management at WUST graduated from the Warsaw School of Economics and completed postgraduate studies in psychology at the University of Warsaw. I specialize in the field of resilient/smart cities and sustainable development. In April 2024, I was appointed Deputy Director of the WUST Center for Urban Innovation, and in September – Urban Advisor to the Vice-Rector for External Relations. I completed a one-year Business Trainer program at Moderator. I have conducted workshops for companies on topics such as supervisor-employee relations, assertiveness, conflict resolution, and employee motivation. Twice, I carried out year-long research grants funded by the City of Wrocław. In collaboration with Nokia, I analyzed the application of NB-IoT technology in various urban areas. Together with the Wrocław Agglomeration Development Agency, I studied the local startup ecosystem. I am currently participating in the third edition of the UNEP/Grid Climate Leadership program. I am the author and co-author of numerous publications and co-editor of the book Happy City – How to Plan and Create the Best Livable Area for the People. I am passionate about the mountains and fascinated by travel.

I accepted the invitation to join the Community Development Team because I want the quality of work at Wrocław University of Science and Technology to be high and the level of social capital – mutual trust, a sense of agency, and engagement – to continue growing.

M.A. Agnieszka Dębowska

I have been working at WUST for over 20 years. I serve as the Head of Administration at the Faculty of Fundamental Problems of Technology. I have also joined the ranks of the University’s Accessibility Leaders. As the administrative head of the faculty, I manage staff of around 40 people by organizing their work, overseeing and supervising their tasks. I ensure the proper functioning of the Faculty, including its technical and research infrastructure. I optimize financial spending processes in accordance with the Public Finance Discipline Act. I cooperate with the University authorities to ensure the continuity of the teaching process.

I joined the Community Development Team because my mother instilled in me a love for other people. Thanks to her, I am sensitive to the suffering of others. I believe that every person deserves respect, love, and equal treatment. A person's worth is not determined by their background, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, height, or name – because that’s not what really matters…

"I like the rain, because it falls equally on everyone."

M.Sc.Eng. Agnieszka Cichocka

I am the Head of the Dean’s Office at the current Faculty of Electronics, Photonics and Microsystems, which underwent a reorganization on September 15, 2021. In my work, I place great importance on relationships with my colleagues. I care deeply about creating a friendly and collaborative atmosphere. I try to motivate the team to pursue professional development by recommending available training opportunities.

I have extensive experience in effectively resolving conflicts, thanks to my ongoing efforts to improve my communication skills. What brings me the greatest satisfaction is achieving shared team goals and implementing my own ideas – for example, by promoting the Faculty and organizing activities for students, such as Safer with WEFIM and Eco May with WEFIM.
I am also an actively engaged Accessibility Leader, which allowed me to provide meaningful support to many students with special needs.

Being part of the Community Development Team offers me a new space to build relationships within the academic community. It will allow me to carry out initiatives that can influence how the University is perceived – as more accessible, welcoming, and responsive to the needs of others.

Dr. Eng. Katarzyna Helios

I hold a PhD in chemical sciences and have been working at the Faculty of Chemistry at WUST for over 20 years. I am currently based in the Department of Physical and Quantum Chemistry. My scientific interests focus on the synthesis and study of new coordination compounds, particularly those involving orotic acid and its derivatives with transition metal ions. Teaching brings me great satisfaction while constantly presenting new challenges. I continuously develop my skills by regularly participating in both internal and external training courses and teaching workshops. As an Accessibility Leader, I am actively involved in initiatives that promote openness, equality, and support within the academic community.

My engagement in Community development initiatives stems from observing the dynamic changes in today’s world. My goal is to take an active part in creating the new Equality Plan. I am also committed to promoting a healthy work-life balance.

Dr. Katarzyna Jach, University Professor

I am the Rector’s Plenipotentiary for Accessibility and Chair of the Accessibility Leaders Team at WUST. I lead the Psychology and Ergonomics Group in the Department of Management Systems and Organizational Development at the Faculty of Management. My research focuses on diversity management in higher education institutions, ergonomics and human-computer interaction, particularly in the context of people with limited functional abilities. I am an accredited academic tutor. Since 2020, together with Professor Anna Borkowska, I have been conducting annual studies on the mental well-being of Wrocław Tech students and their assessment of the psychological support provided by the University.

I am part of the Equality and Community Development Team because I truly believe that building a welcoming and inclusive community should be a priority for every organization. My sense of agency and motivation to act in this area was strengthened by my experience in the University’s Equality Policy Team (2020–2024), where I was involved in research on discrimination at Wrocław Tech, the development of the Equality Plan, and the implementation of some of its measures.

Dr. Eng. Arch. Lea Kazanecka-Olejnik

I am an architect and a member of the Department of Architecture and Visual Arts at the Faculty of Architecture at WUST. My research focuses primarily on sustainable architecture and the transformability of the spaces around us in response to users’ individual and evolving needs. Through initiatives addressed to both architects and local communities, I strive to be mindful of the diverse needs and perspectives of all those involved.

I joined the Equality and Community Development Team to support the Academic Community in caring for our shared everyday experience.

Dr. Zuzanna Kaźmierczak

I work at the Laboratory of Phage Molecular Biology at the Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy and the R&D Center of the Provincial Specialist Hospital in Wrocław. My research focuses on the impact of microbiome components on higher organisms, with particular emphasis on interactions between the mammalian immune system and bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria). I am also a university lecturer at WUST, where I teach medical students. Additionally, I am actively and enthusiastically involved in science outreach for children and young people, delivering workshops and lectures through various educational initiatives as an expert with the Education Team at the Wrocław Centre for Social Development.

I decided to join the Equality and Community Development Team because, as a scientist and educator, I believe that sharing knowledge and taking active steps to support others are key to building a strong community. I hope my experience in connecting science and education will bring a valuable perspective to our collective work.

Dr. Mateusz Kotowski

I hold a PhD in philosophy. My academic interests center around the theory of scientific knowledge. I have been affiliated with WUST as a researcher and lecturer since 2015. Since 2020, I have also been actively involved in efforts to promote equality and counteract discrimination at the University. As part of this work, I have collaborated with, among others, Vice-Rector Prof. Karolina Jaklewicz and Equality Plenipotentiaries Prof. Anna Borkowska and Prof. Katarzyna Jach. I took part in the development of the University’s first Equality Plan and its anti-discrimination procedure.

I see the University as an institution in service to society, and I consider my commitment to both the University and its' Community as a social responsibility. A pleasant bonus of fulfilling that duty is the opportunity to work alongside positive and motivated people who care.

M.A. Iwona Szajner

I am a Polish philology graduate and a postgraduate in journalism and public relations at the University of Wrocław. I work in the  Promotion Department at WUST, where I lead the Promotion Section.

Together with my team, we make sure the University is positively represented in the broader public space. We do this by organizing science outreach events such as the Night of WUST and the WUST Challenge. I enjoy working in a team because I’m inspired by the diversity of perspectives and the energy that comes from collaboration. I believe we can achieve more together than on our own.

Balance is important to me in every area of life, so I try to wisely divide my time and energy between family, hobbies, and work. I believe all these aspects can complement each other and generate positive energy and motivation to act.

I joined the Equality and Community Development Team to support initiatives that truly make WUST a welcoming place to work and study for everyone—regardless of gender, age, or position.

Dr. Jolanta Maj

I am a researcher specializing in inclusion and diversity, with many years of experience in issues concerning inequality, discrimination, and exclusion. My empathetic nature and passion for working with people drive me to collaborate effectively and support others in their development. I have extensive experience as a scholar, including numerous scientific publications and participation in various research projects. I enjoy sharing knowledge by teaching courses related to diversity management, inclusion, and inclusive leadership, aiming to cultivate students’ awareness of inclusion and equal opportunities.

I am always seeking new challenges and opportunities for collaboration, especially in the field of diversity and integration, where I can apply my expertise and passion to foster positive change in organizations and society. That is why I decided to join the work of the Community Development Team.

M.A. Ewa Markowska

I work at the Center for National and International Relations and have extensive experience in international cooperation. Previously, I worked as an English instructor and in export departments for manufacturing companies.

Respectful communication is something I deeply value, and it closely reflects the principles of Nonviolent Communication (NVC). I support projects that empower girls and promote education free of stereotypes—from early childhood through higher education. At the University, I have supported international students in recruitment and adaptation to a new environment, served as a speaker at industry conferences, and initiated the University's inclusion in the Saudi Arabian government scholarship program. My responsibilities include promotion and international inter-university cooperation. In the previous term, I was a member of the Work-Life Balance Team.

I hold a degree in English Philology and a postgraduate qualification in Management Psychology. I am also a certified alpine skiing instructor.

In the Equality and Community Development Team, I intend to apply my intercultural competencies, analytical skills, and empathy to help find and promote solutions that support the well-being of our University community.

Dr. Eng. Małgorzata Rutkowska-Gorczyca

I hold a PhD in Mechanics and have served as an assistant professor in the Department of Vehicle Engineering at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering for 15 years. My research interests focus on materials engineering, functional coatings, and issues related to hydrogen embrittlement. For over six years, I have had the honor of working as an academic tutor in various projects at WUST. Working individually with young people brings me great joy and highlights the importance of interpersonal relationships in every aspect of life.

I believe that joining the Equality Community Development Team will help me contribute to positive changes at our University.

M.A. Michał Skorupa

I am a co-founder of the Promotion and Cooperation Team at the Faculty of Electronics, Photonics and Microsystems. For years, I have been working in positions related to promotion, student recruitment, and student services. I serve as an Accessibility Leader and a member of the Rector’s Anti-Discrimination Committee. In the past, I was responsible for the Information Point for Students from Ukraine and for initiating the contest “Mathematics – Our Common Language.” For several years, I coordinated the Open Day of WUST. I am always eager to engage in initiatives that support our University Community.

I enjoy taking on challenges that lead to positive results.

M.Sc. Eng. Ewelina Kusa

I am a teaching assistant at the Department of Structural Engineering at the Faculty of Civil Engineering. I have been at WUST for nearly 20 years—first as a student, then as a staff member. In my teaching work, I try to approach each student and their individual situation personally.

As social beings, people need a supportive community. That’s why a positive work and study environment—where we spend much of our time—is essential.

I am part of the Team because I want to influence the direction in which our University develops and  amke sure it becomes a friendly place for work and study, where every person is respected and treated kindly.

Dr. Eng. Ewelina Stefanowicz, 

I am a Doctor of Engineering Sciences and work as an assistant professor at the Faculty of Environmental Engineering at WUST. My scientific interests focus mainly on modeling and analysis of ground source heat pump performance, as well as thermal response testing of the ground.

As an educator, I place great importance on the atmosphere of the classes and how they are conducted. I strive to ensure that every student feels respected and supported in their learning process. I am also involved in activities promoting WUST and the Faculty of Environmental Engineering.

My commitment to the Eaquality and Community Development Team stems from a desire to create a friendly and supportive environment where every member of the academic community can find space for growth and maintain a balance between work and personal life.

Dr. Eng. Paweł Strzałkowski

I work as an assistant professor in the Department of Mining at the Faculty of Geoengineering, Mining, and Geology at WUST. I have been affiliated with the University for over 10 years. My scientific interests focus on occupational health and safety, particularly training, workplace accidents, and shaping safety culture. I am also interested in wellbeing in the work environment. Another area of my research includes the properties of natural stone and mineral aggregates, as well as post-mining land reclamation. Additionally, I am involved in projects carried out by the Teaching Excellence Center at WUST.

As a part of the Equality and Community Development Team, I would like to focus on tasks related to work-life balance.

Prof. Krzysztof Walkowiak, DSc, PhD, Eng.

I am a graduate of WUST (1997, Computer Science, Faculty of Electronics). I received my PhD in Computer Science from the same faculty in 2000 and my postdoctoral degree (habilitation) in 2008. In 2017, I was awarded the title of Professor of Technical Sciences. Currently, I work as a university professor at the Department of Computer Systems and Networks at the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology. Since 2020, I have served as the Dean of the Doctoral School at Wrocław Tech.

My scientific interests include computer network optimization, the use of artificial intelligence methods in networking, and TinyML systems. I have published over 330 research papers, including 80 articles in JCR-listed journals. I have supervised 10 completed PhD theses. As a principal investigator or co-investigator, I have been involved in 15 research projects funded by the EU, NCN, NAWA, and NCBR (including four NCN OPUS projects as principal investigator). Since 2019, I have been listed among the world’s Top 2% most cited scientists.

I joined the Equality and Community Development Team to support the growth of the Wrocław Tech community and help introduce changes that foster collaboration, mutual support, and the well-being of all members of our academic community, with a particular focus on doctoral students.

Dr. Eng. Wojciech Wodo

I am an assistant professor at the Faculty of Computer Science and Telecommunications at WUST. I earned my PhD in Technical Sciences from the Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw, specializing in computer security. My expertise focuses on cybersecurity, particularly in digital banking, electronic identity, and biometrics.

I completed the MNiSW Top 500 Innovators program at Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley, which focused on science management, technology transfer, and commercialization. I am the author of two academic textbooks on entrepreneurship and innovation, and for the past decade, I have mentored and tutored numerous students. I also completed the MEiN “Masters of Didactics” program at the University of Groningen.

I am passionate about open science and actively participate in international projects such as OPTIMA (Openness, Transparency, and Integrity in Modern Academia) and Unite Widening. I serve as an ambassador for openness practices and advocate for FAIR principles in academic life. Between 2024 and 2026, I will be a member of Academia Iuvenum at WUST.

I joined the Equality and Community Development Team because I am guided by the principles of transparency and honesty. Treating others with respect and empathy is my compass, and I am committed to fostering working and learning conditions at our University based on these values.

Dr. Karol Wróbel, University Professor

I am employed as a University Professor at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering. My research focuses on control and estimation structures in electric drive systems. I teach courses on the application of programmable controllers in industrial processes and industrial robot programming. I actively participate in knowledge dissemination and promote our University by co-organizing and taking part in various popular science projects and events. I am the head of the Industrial Automation Laboratory and the Mechatronic Systems Research Laboratory, a member of the Faculty Competition Committee for the Best Graduate of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering TOP-10, the Diploma Examination Committee, and the scientific editor of the Department of Machines, Drives, and Electrical Measurements. In the previous term, I served as a member of the disciplinary committee for students of Wrocław University of Science and Technology.

I hold a PhD degree earned in 2000 and completed my habilitation in 2008. Since 2017, I have held the academic title of Professor of Technical Sciences.

I joined the Equality and Community Development Team to support the growth of the WUST Community and to promote changes fostering collaboration, mutual support, and improving the well-being of all members of our Academic Community, with particular attention to doctoral students.

Dr. Katarzyna Zahorodna

I am a psychologist and Doctor of Philosophy. I have been learning and teaching at WUST for the past 15 years. I work at the Department of Science, Technology and Society Studies at the Faculty of Management. My academic interests lie in ethics and the intersection of empirical and humanities-based approaches to the study of human behavior.

My teaching work focuses on educating educators — I mainly work with university teachers and doctoral students. I also collaborate with students, primarily in the areas of mental health, self-understanding, self-regulation, and finding one's place among others.

For years, I have also been involved in projects aimed at strengthening university instructors in their interpersonal and communication competencies.

I have been part of the Equal WUST initiative from the very beginning as a co-organizer, because I believe that respect, mutual understanding, and collaboration are key to social life.

M.A. Aleksandra Tomaszewska

A graduate of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Wrocław. Professionally, I have always worked in the field of recruitment and employee development, supporting companies and organizations. I have collaborated with managers at all levels, public institutions, and NGOs. I designed Assessment and Development Center sessions, co-developed an internal opinion and onboarding survey program, and prepared internal regulations, forms, procedures, reports, and presentations.

I supported initiatives such as the development of the Wrocław Tech Strategy, implementation of the principles and recommendations of the European Charter for Researchers, the Unite! university network, the Equality Team, the Guide for New Employees, and the Exit Interview form.

Privately, I am a lifelong fan of biographies, long-distance running, cycling, and — more recently — Formula 1 racing.

Joining the Equality and Community Development Team is both a privilege and an honor. I believe that respect, openness, and attentiveness to the needs of others are values and skills that must be nurtured with particular care.

Dr. Monika Małek-Orłowska

I hold a PhD in the philosophy) and an MA in law. I have been affiliated with Wrocław University of Science and Technology for 15 years and currently work at the Faculty of Management, where I serve as Deputy Head of the Department of Science, Technology and Society Studies.

My area of specialization is ethics — both theoretical and normative — as well as applied ethics. My research focuses on technology assessment, research ethics, ethics of emerging technologies, and the philosophy of technology.

I have been part of the Equal WUST from the very beginning. I co-authored the university’s first Equality Plan and anti-discrimination policy. I currently chair the University Anti-Discrimination Committee.

I joined the Equality Team because I care deeply about the principles of equality, accessibility, inclusion, and social participation, and I want to contribute to their practical implementation.

My favorite philosopher is John Stuart Mill — author of a modern concept of liberty, a utilitarian, and in a way also a social reformer. As a humanities scholar working at a technical university, I also strive to bring reformist thinking into action. After all, macro-scale change always begins at the micro level.

Karolina Żurawska

Expert in Practical Accessibility. Equality Educator. Certified Trainer. Certified Coach. 

I have over 15 years of experience in organizing events and supporting people with diverse needs. I have delivered trainings and workshops for incarcerated individuals, older adults, blind people, d/Deaf people, as well as people with intellectual disabilities. I support students and staff at WUST in building psychological resilience and self-awareness, and I actively serve as an Accessibility Leader at the university. My professional background also includes providing care and support to people with disabilities and to individuals experiencing mental health crises. In my work, I place great value on open dialogue grounded in psychological safety. I am deeplyinterested in people—what motivates them, what resonates with them emotionally, and what inspires them to take action. My interests include inclusive language and Deaf Culture. I am a graduate of the Anti-Discrimination Education Academy and the author of equality-focused workshops “Can Silence Be Heard?” and “Silence—Please Repeat,” developed as part of a mentoring process with Dominika Cieślikowska. I have a basic knowledge of Polish Sign Language and continuously develop my skills in this area. I also work in career counseling and coaching. I conduct individual sessions based on developmental coaching tools. On a daily basis, I am affiliated with the WUST Library.

“People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Maya Angelou

• M.Sc. Eng. Monika Kaczmarz;
• Aleksandra Łukowicz;
• Dr. Jagoda Mrzygłocka-Chojnacka;
• M.A. Natalia Sęga;
• Dr. Eng. Piotr Szymański.