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Topic: Summary the 1st day of conference

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Representative member of the Board of the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education and the Accessibility Council in Poland. In 2017-2019, coordinator of expert group appointed by the Minister of Education, which prepared proposals for the Model of Education for All. Leader of the project “Supporting the improvement of quality in inclusive education in Poland", implemented in 2018-2021 in partnership with the EASNIE under the European Commission's Structural Reform Support Service. Since 2022 deputy director of the Department of Inclusive Education at the Ministry of National Education of the Republic of Poland and since 2024 director of this Department. She has initiated a number of projects and activities on the implementation of the assumptions of inclusive education into school practice in Poland such as: national and international conferences, consultation meetings, research on school practice, pilots of new solutions, as well as activities related to the preparation of staff for inclusive education. One of these activities is the training project for specialist teachers: “School Accessible to All’,  implemented since May 2023 in cooperation with UNICEF and the Educational Research Institute in Warsaw.

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PhD in psychology. For over a decade, she has been dealing with the psychology of individual differences, psychological diagnosis and psychological measurement. Author of several dozen scientific and popularizing publications. She has participated in numerous scientific and practical projects, developing psychological tests and questionnaires, including a battery of computer tests for the diagnosis of cognitive functioning in children and adolescents (KAPP - Comprehensive Analysis of Cognitive Processes) addressed to psychologists working in psychological and pedagogical counselling centres, the CMVI (Carrotspot Motivation Value Index) questionnaire for the diagnosis of professional well-being. In the Inclusive Education project at the Educational Research Institute National Research Institute, she is involved in the development of tools for measuring and monitoring student well-being. She also works as an assistant professor at the Faculty of Psychology at the SWPS University in Warsaw.

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Education Specialist and Disability Focal Point in the UNICEF Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia Region since 2015. In this role, she leads and coordinates inclusive education agenda, as well as cross-sectoral programming for inclusion of children with disabilities across 22 countries. Inclusive education is one of the key UNICEF priorities in the region, and Nora works closely with the UNICEF country teams and the national stakeholders to address the barriers that marginalized children, particularly children with disabilities, face in realizing their right to education. She has more than 25 years of working experience working also in Türkiye and North Macedonia.

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Feminist, mother, politician. She is a computer scientist, but she also graduated from the Faculty of Management at the University of Warsaw and completed an MBA at the French Institute of Management. From 2004 to 2009 she served as a director of marketing, and from 2009 to 2019 she was the chancellor of the Polish-Japanese Academy of Computer Technology.

Chairwoman of the Inicjatywa Polska party, which has been co-founding the Koalicja Obywatelska since 2018. Member of the Parliament of the Republic of Poland during the 9th and 10th terms, elected in the Gdynia-Słupsk constituency. During the 9th term of the Parliament, she worked in the Committee on Education and Youth and was a vice-chair of the Subcommittee on Science and Higher Education.

She is a vice president of the Izabela Jaruga-Nowacka Foundation. She worked as a volunteer at the Women's Helpline established by the Federation for Women and Family Planning. Member of the Program Council of the Congress of Women. She twice chaired the Citizens' Committee for the Ratujmy Kobiety legislative initiative liberalizing the anti-abortion law. She was also a member of the Citizens' Committee Yes to in vitro. She is a co-founder of Campus Poland of the Future - Europe's largest socio-political festival for young activists.

In 2016, she was included in the annual FP Top 100 Global Thinkers Foreign Policy list, and in 2017 - together with the Ratujmy Kobiety committee - received the Simone de Beauvoir International Award for Women's Freedom. In 2020, she was awarded the National Order of Merit - the fourth French distinction in the hierarchy of seniority of the state.

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prof. UAM, dr hab. Magdalena Olempska-Wysocka (IBE)

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prof. UAM, dr hab. Magdalena Olempska-Wysocka (IBE)

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PhD in psychology, professor Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, psychologist, special educator (therapist for the deaf), speech therapist - neurologist. Research and teaching employee at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, National Coordinator of the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education. Leader of Task 3 in the project “Supporting accessibility of education for children and young people” implemented by the Educational Research Institute in Warsaw. Author of many scientific publications and participant in scientific and popular science conferences in the field of speech therapy, special pedagogy, and psychology. She specializes in speech and psychological diagnosis and therapy for children with developmental disorders.

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Emilia is a 19-year-old high school student in the 12th grade and a passionate advocate for children's rights and the inclusion of children with disabilities in the society. She is actively involved in school activities to ensure that every child, regardless of their abilities, is treated with dignity, respect, and equal opportunities. As part of her advocacy efforts, Emilia has participated in discussions on the Parliament Commission in Moldova, where she shared her personal experiences and highlighted the importance of inclusive education and equal treatment for children with disabilities.  Beyond her advocacy work, Emilia is a positive and kind person who finds joy in nature, animals, books, and exploring the mountains. She believes that education should be accessible, inclusive, and empowering for all. Emilia will speak at the thematic session on inclusive early childhood education and care.

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My life has been a journey of challenges, determination and breaking barriers. As a child with a disability, I experienced exclusion, but also at the same time support that built my courage. In high school, I started asking - "Why do I have to adapt?". This question became the foundation of my later activity. Today I am a woman who has shown that diversity is strength. I broke stereotypes as the first professional model in a wheelchair, started a family and proved that everyone has the right to make their dreams come true. Now, as the president of the Diversum Foundation, I educate and inspire, open others to diversity and show how, thanks to inclusive education, future generations can start from a higher level of openness and empathy. I will share my personal stories, experience and practical solutions that fill a niche in the system. Together we will think how to create a better tomorrow in a society that builds a future on the values of inclusion.

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Daniela Bulgarelli, Ph.D., is Associate Professor of Developmental and Educational Psychology at the University of Turin, Turin (Italy). Her main scientific publications concern play and social cognition in typical and atypical development; inclusion in ECEC; the effect of early childcare on children’s development; healthy eating in pre-schoolers. She is chair of the project PRIN “CRESCI–CaRe & Education Supporting Children’s Inclusion and social skills” (2025-2027) and took part in several projects: “Inclusive Approaches in European ECEC” (2021-2023); “Children’s Play in Crisis” (2020-2021); EIT Food “See & Eat” (2019-2020); COST Action TD1309 “LUDI–Play for Children with Disabilities” (2014-2018); European Project “Changing Families and sustainable societies: Policy contexts and diversity over the life course and across generation” (2013-2017); Fondazione CRT “GioDi–Play fof Disabilities” (2014-2015, 2017-2018). The list of her publications is available here: https://iris.unito.it/simple-search?query=daniela+bulgarelli

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Dirk Schleihs has a career in education, consulting, and management. Since 2010, he has been the Director of the Center for Special Education in the German-speaking Community of Belgium. In parallel, he has worked as an independent consultant at Tibidabo since 1998, specializing in intercultural services. Previously, he spent over 12 years as a high school teacher in chemistry, natural sciences, communication, and media analysis, while also holding a middle management position. His professional experience also includes serving as Managing Director of Noves Group (1999–2002) in event management and working as a Production Assistant at Notorious Films (1995–1996).

Additionally, he is actively involved in various administrative boards on a voluntary basis. For example, he serves as a representative for Unia in the Parliament of the German-speaking Community. Unia is an independent public institution in Belgium dedicated to combating discrimination and promoting equality. It advocates for the inclusive and equal participation of all individuals in all areas of society and supports citizens who have experienced discrimination.

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Doctor of humanities in linguistics. Presently coordinator of the European Language Label in the Foundation for the Development of Education System. Former Director of the Teaching English in Poland program in the Kosciuszko Foundation. For many years President of the Polish Association for Quality in Foreign Language Teaching  - PASE. Former editor-in-chief of the journal Foreign Languages at School as well as the Head of the Polish Eurydice Unit until 2017. Academic teacher at the Institute of Applied Linguistics at the University of Warsaw. Teacher trainer and author of many articles and publications in the field of education. Member of the Advisory Board of the PAFF's English Teaching program.

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People-oriented psychologist with extensive experience in initiating, planning, and conducting research from inception to completion. At the Educational Research Institute, she has been engaged for many years in both social and educational research, as well as implementation projects related to lifelong learning and the situation of students with special educational needs. Currently, she leads the project "Career Without Barriers"; aimed at schools and designed to support teachers, career counselors, and other specialists working with students with diverse educational needs in preparing them for their future transition into the labor market. She is also involved in the topic of peer violence in Polish schools and is a co-creator of the RESQL system for violence prevention. She is the author of numerous studies and publications in the field of education.

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Biologist and research & development project coordinator at the Copernicus Science Centre, creator of innovative educational solutions. Co-author of educational kits used by hundreds of schools across Poland. Co-creator of a network of schools utilizing Mobile Makerspaces– mobile construction workshops used during lessons, developed in partnership with Boeing company as part of the Dream Designers program. Currently focused on developing educational resources that integrate mobile devices as powerful learning and measurement tools. Coordinator of the School with Technology project, developed in partnership with Samsung.

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PhD in pedagogy, deputy head of the Accessibility Education Team at the Educational Research Institute, leader of the "Accessible School for All" (UNICEF-ASA) project, scientific researcher, author of many publications on the school situation and the functioning of students with diverse educational needs. Her scientific interests and research focus on inclusive education, teaching strategies in diverse classrooms, universal design for learning and assessment for educational purposes.

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Field researcher studying education in culturally diverse environments, with a focus on humanizing methodology, childhood studies concerning children’s rights in fragile contexts. She is a PhD professor, Member of the Scientific Board in Education, member of Research Laboratory on Diversity at the University of Warsaw and a guest professor at the Evangelical University of Applied Sciences in Darmstadt. She has conducted extensive field research in Central Africa, the Horn of Africa, the South Caucasus, and Europe. Her professional career includes 20 years of international research in education and intercultural teaching experiences at various HEI's levels and educational centres. She participates as an expert, guest professor in international studies and internationally trains professionals in the field of education for all and learners’ needs. She is a member of the international research groups and contributes to the committees of national and international journals and academic bodies. She is an author of academic books, articles and chapters in Polish and international publications including by Sage, Springer, Routledge, and Bloomsbury.

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A flutist, cultural manager, and theater shows producer and long-time agent for Wojciech Pszoniak and publisher of his audiobooks. As a teacher, she has been co-creating the path of inclusive education in Poland for 20 years. The mother of two autistic sons, one of whom, Jeremiasz Popiel, is very talented visual artist. Winner of the "Teacher of the Year" title in 2015, nominated by Sinfonia Varsovia, and one of the nominees for the Superheroine of High Heels 2023 award.

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Dr Carol Guildea is the Guidance Specialist (Assistant Principal Officer) in the Guidance Unit within the Department of Education in Ireland.

Carol has over twenty years of experience working in education. In addition to her fifteen years of experience in the role of guidance counsellor in a variety of post-primary school settings, Carol has also undertaken numerous additional roles in the wider education sector all of which inform work undertaken in her current position. For example, as Guidance Programme Coordinator (2019-2022), Carol designed, coordinated and delivered a comprehensive programme of support for schools and contributed directly to the development of post-primary guidance policy.

Carol completed her PhD research on stakeholder perspectives and assessment in second level education. She has co-authored and published two books to support students and parents as they navigate the Irish education system. Carol holds a BA, MEd (Specialisation in Guidance Counselling), GDEd and a PhD (Education Policy and Practice). She is also a guidance counselling supervisor.

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Judith Lyons is a Principal Officer in the Department of Education, Ireland, where she leads the Parents and Learners Unit.

Judith has worked in the Department of Education for over 15 years. Judith leads work in the department to promote the participation of children and young people into policy development at a national level and at a school level.

Judith led the development of the department’s Student Participation Implementation Plan, which was published in October 2024, and has responsibility for overseeing its implementation. This plan sets out 50 actions, on how the Department of Education can ensure that the views of children and young people are meaningfully included in policy making, to be implemented by the end of 2026. This work has been highly commended by experts in child and youth participation and declared ‘a world first’ for a government department.

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Charlene Brazil is a Senior Inspector with the Department of Education Inspectorate, Ireland. As part of her role, Charlene works within the Inspectorate’s Business Operations and Communications Unit and is team leader for the Inspectorate’s Student Participation Project (SPP). The work of the SPP team centres on the development of strategies to support greater participation of children and young people in the inspection process.

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Dr. Lucie Cerna is currently a Senior Analyst in the Equity, Inclusion & Transitions cluster and a Project Leader for Education for Inclusive Societies in the Directorate for Education and Skills, OECD, Paris. She is also an Associate Research Fellow at the Centre for Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University Singapore.  Prior to coming to the OECD, she was a Lecturer in Politics at Merton College, University of Oxford, and an Assistant Professor in Global Challenges (Political Economy) at Leiden University, the Netherlands. Lucie holds a DPhil from the University of Oxford.

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Monika has been active in the community of people with disabilities since 1994. She is one of the founding members of the Platform of Families od Children with Disabilities and she was at creating of the peer network for parents of children with disabilities in Slovakia. Since 2021, she has been leading the Platform of Families. Platform of Families is a parental NGO supporting annually 1000 families, enforcing the rights of children with disabilities in 33 working groups and promoting the understanding of the disability in campains reaching 69% of Slovak population.

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I have been an English teacher for 15 years. I am proud to serve as the headmaster of the Institute for the Deaf in Warsaw - the oldest school in Poland for students with hearing impairments and aphasia. I have managed a variety of projects focused mainly on teaching foreign languages and social inclusion, both at the national and international levels. In my free time, I enjoy watching films, especially those with British humor.

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Nora Schiopu is a language educator with expertise in inclusive education and multilingual teaching. She holds a Master’s in European Studies from the Free University of Brussels and has extensive experience teaching French at the European School of Brussels. Previously, she worked with visually impaired students in Romania, contributing to the Robobraille project, which enhances accessibility through assistive technology.

She has been involved in Erasmus+ initiatives and specializes in curriculum adaptation for diverse learners. She is passionate about inclusive language teaching and innovative educational strategies.

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Practitioner in the area of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). Teacher and therapist in 48th kindergarten with integrational and special units in Zabrze, Poland. Teacher consultant in the Regional Center for Teacher Development in Rybnik, focusing on challenges within IT Education laboratory and distance learning. Experienced eTwinner and eTwinning ambassador, winner of Polish and European eTwinning Prizes. With constant commitment, spreading the idea of international collaboration of teachers and students within projects implemented in a close relation to cultural background, natural environment and digital world opportunities. During the last years notably focusing on a field of outdoor education and sensory integration, seeing its positive impact on the development of a child. It is mainly this field that she devotes her workshops, speeches, and publishing educational materials as a teacher educator. As befits a horticultural therapist, Anna loves taking care of plants and approaches gardening with heart. She is passionate about dancing and even more about Icelandic nature and culture.

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Prof. Pauline Slot, Utrecht University, the Netherlands, focuses on early education and care from an international perspective, building on several EU-funded projects. She is interested in how quality affects child development, especially children with diverse needs, and how characteristics at the system, organizational, classroom and teacher level contribute to quality. Her work is revolved around inclusion and equity, and the potential role of professional development as vehicles for change.

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Professor Romita IUCU is the President of the Board of Trustees at the University of Bucharest and a professor of higher education and Pedagogy at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences. With an important experience in international cooperation in the field of education, professor Iucu is, currently, the Coordinator of UNICA EduLAB Group, the Co-Chair of the FOREU European Degree subgroup of European Universities, and a former member of the European University Association (EUA) Learning & Teaching (L&T) Steering Committee. He has been appointed as a Magna Charta Observatory Ambassador from April 2022 and broaden rewarded as a member of The International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame (IACEHOF). Starting from 2024 he is also a member of the Future of the Bologna Process Task Force. Professor Iucu held several university-management positions (former Acting Rector of the University of Bucharest, and Vice-Rector for Academical Affairs for more than 16 years), with an important role on designing, managing, and validating higher education and adult education policies at different level. He is a former President of ENTEP (European Network on Teacher Education Policies) and was the national’s representative in the BFUG (Bologna Follow-up Group). Professor Iucu had worked for many years at the European Network of Country Experts in Education (ENCEE), and as a member of the Expert Group on Improving the Education of Teachers & Trainers. He also worked for the European Commission, Eurydice, World Bank, and UNICEF in several educational programmes. As a recognition of his professional activity, he was inducted as a member of The International Adult and Continuing Education (IACE) Hall of Fame (UO-OCCE). His main fields of scientific interest are educational policies in the higher education area, higher education pedagogy and teacher education policies.

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María Castro Morera is a Full Professor in the Department of Research and Psychology in Education at Complutense University of Madrid. Her research focuses on evaluating education systems, programs, and schools, with expertise in large-scale educational assessments. Author of over 40 high-impact articles, she leads the “Measurement and Evaluation of Educational Systems” research group. She directed a study on applicant profiles for teaching studies and served as Vice Chancellor of Quality (2015–2019). Appointed by the Mexican Senate, she advised the National Institute for the Evaluation of Education (INEE) on teacher evaluation. She was also a visiting scholar at UCLA, collaborating on educational research.

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Director of the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education (EASNIE). Full Professor of Linguistics at NOVA University Lisbon, he holds a PhD in Linguistics (1998) from Leiden University and was a visiting scholar at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1996. His research activity focuses on the domains of theoretical syntax, language acquisition, development and impairment, and educational linguistics. João Costa was the Portuguese Minister of Education from 2022 to 2024. He joined the Portuguese Government in 2015, serving as Secretary of State for Education until he was appointed Minister of Education. Chair of the Advisory Group of the OECD Global Forum on the Future of Education and Skills 2030, since 2024. Chair of the OECD Education Policy Committee, since January 2024. Chair of the Governing Board of the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS), from 2017 to 2022. Member of the UNESCO Steering Committee for Sustainable Development Goal 4, from 2022 to 2024. Dean of the School of Social Sciences and Humanities, NOVA University Lisbon, until November 2015, and Chair of the Scientific Council for Social Sciences and the Humanities of the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), until November 2015. He was a member of the Scientific Council of the National Reading Plan, of the National Commission of the International Portuguese Language Institute, and of the Advisory Board of Camões Institute. President of the Portuguese Linguistics Society (2006–2008). Visiting professor at universities in Brazil, Macao, Spain, the Netherlands and Italy.

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Riia Palmqvist is a seasoned education professional with a deep commitment to improving learning environments. She holds an M.A. in Education and a PhD in Social Sciences (Social Psychology), alongside qualifications as a special needs teacher and professional guidance counselor. Currently serving as an education counselor at the Finnish National Agency for Education, Riia brings extensive expertise in learning support, special needs education, student well-being, and guidance and counseling, particularly within the Department of General Education and Early Childhood Care. In addition to leading workshops for educators, she actively contributes to the development of Finland's national core curriculum and the creation of support measures that promote learning and participation in schools. With a career focused on fostering inclusive, equitable educational practices, Riia continues to shape the future of education in Finland.

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Policymaker and researcher in education and labor market policy. He directs the Educational Research Institute in Poland, leading work on student assessments, experimental research, and curriculum reform. He holds a Ph.D. in economics and an MA in sociology from the University of Warsaw, where he works at the Faculty of Economic Sciences. His research focuses on statistical methods for policy impact evaluation and the analysis of international large-scale student assessments. He served as a Deputy Minister at the Polish Ministry of National Education between 2012 and 2014. In 2014, he established the Evidence Institute Foundation in Poland to promote evidence-based policymaking and teaching practice. Before joining the government, he worked in the OECD PISA team in Paris (between 2008 and 2012). He is a consultant for governments and international institutions, including the World Bank, OECD, European Commission, and UNESCO.

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Leader of OECD’s work on social and emotional skills at the Centre for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI). Born in France, she graduated from Paris Graduate School of Economics, Statistics and Finance and holds a doctorate degree in sociology from Sciences Po Paris.
Noémie Le Donné joined the OECD in 2014 and has significantly contributed to international large-scale assessments, including the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS). As an accomplished author, Noémie Le Donné has published numerous research and policy papers on teacher policies, student academic achievement and social and emotional skills.

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Dr Ewa Bacia is a social and political scientist. She prepared her dissertation on the topic of "The Understanding of Democracy in Post-Socialist Regions of Europe. Comparison of Social Capital in Brandenburg and Podlasie" at the Free University of Berlin. She has had over 20 years of work experience in several research projects in the field of education. She has worked in Poland and in Germany, with European cooperation partners, in an inter- and transdisciplinary way. She had a research and teaching position at the Technical University in Berlin, where she habilitated in the field of educational science. The topic of her cumulative habilitation thesis was "Democratic Approaches in School and Out-of-School Educational Processes. Results of empirical studies in an international educational context". Currently Dr. Ewa Bacia works as a senior researcher and project manager in the FiBS Research Institute for Education and Social Economics in Germany. Her research focus is on democracy education, civic education and the analysis of the acquisition of social and political competencies among young people and adults in the context of global societal processes, but also taking into account local influencing factors.

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Maria Pitzioli is a Teacher Trainer in the Cyprus Pedagogical Institute.  She holds a Greek teacher diploma from the University of Athens and a Master’ s degree in Teaching Greek as a second/foreign language from the University of Nicosia. She has a long teaching experience in secondary schools and since 2014 she is working in Cyprus Pedagogical Institute (CPI) in the In-Service Teacher Training Department as a teacher trainer and as a critical friend in school-based teachers’ professional development programs. She is a member of the Interdepartmental Committee of the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth for the integration of children with migrant background to the Cyprus Educational System and she coordinates the Programme of the integration of children with migrant background of secondary education to the Cyprus Educational System on behalf of the CPI. She offers seminars on teaching Greek as a second language using methodologies like quality teaching rounds and lesson study.

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Clara Moura Cruz Niggebrugge is the STEM Learning Coordinator at the European Space Agency. In this role, she oversees the programmatic and geographic expansion of the ESERO project framework, supervises ESA’s STEM didactics initiatives on both national and European levels, and forges strategic alliances and partnerships to advance education across all 23 ESA Member States. Clara is a highly accomplished professional with extensive experience in STEM education, noted for fostering international collaborations to enhance quality and inclusivity in education. With over 24 years of experience in international and intergovernmental organizations, Clara is a distinguished professional specializing in STEM education, strategic communication, and international cooperation. Her career includes coordinating European STEM education projects and delivering outreach programs that spark enthusiasm for space science and technology. Her expertise in corporate communication, knowledge management, and consulting has equipped her to lead the management and implementation of innovative projects that engage diverse audiences and align with institutional goals. Clara holds a master’s level degree in Mathematics Education and another in Communication, blending these disciplines to pioneer educational innovation and strategic learning approaches at a pan-European level. She is deeply committed to leveraging education as a catalyst for innovation, inclusion, equality, and sustainable development at institutional, national and international level.

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Sebastian Cycuła, a political scientist, has been working for people with autism since 2003. As President of the Generado Foundation, he specializes in housing and long-term support for adults on the spectrum. Formerly President of APHA "Together Forward" (2008–2024), he managed educational and therapeutic services for over 280 beneficiaries. He coordinated the "Airstrip" project (2021–2024, VELUX FOUNDATIONS), under which a Vocational Development Center is being established. Currently, he is overseeing the construction of Supported Housing Communities, enabling 24 people with autism to live independently.

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Director of the Lithuanian Center for Inclusion in Education, social pedagogue, author of numerous methodological publications and scientific publications, author and co-author of the idea of the first Lithuanian psychoactive substance abuse prevention program “My Way”.  Sandra, together with the team, also created the first child social pedagogical assessment instrument “Child Monitoring Cards” for social  pedagogues of Lithuanian general education institutions, and she is an ambassador of inclusive education in Lithuania.

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PhD Joanna Mucha – Economist, graduated with a degree in management and a postgraduate degree in health economics at the Warsaw University ; she received her PhD in health economics at  the Catholic University of Lublin. From 2002- 2010, she worked as an assistant at the Institute of Economics at the Catholic University of Lublin. She is a lecturer at the SWPS University and Collegium Civitas. She was secretary of the Bioethics Convention Committee. During the years 2012-2013 she was the Minister of Sport and Tourism. Member of the Parliament of the Republic of Poland for the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th terms. Member of the Parliament Committees: Health, Public Finance, Constitutional Responsibility, Environmental Protection and Legislative. In the 2023 parliamentary elections, she won the re-election on behalf of the Coalition Committee of the Third Way Poland 2050 Party of Szymon Holownia and the Polish People’s Party . She is Vice Chairman of Szymon Holownia’s Poland 2050 Party .

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Daniela Popa is Associate Professor, Director of Teacher's Training Department, Faculty of Psychology and Science of Education at Transilvania University of Brasov, Romania. She is also the coordinator of MA in English entitled Teaching, learning and Counselling in Intercultural Context - the first MA with this focus in Romania. Her research interests are teachers’ training in diversity, educational psychology, and education for sustainability and inclusion. She has 2 MA in Educational Sciences and Psychology, and she holds a PhD in Educational Sciences. She authored a book concerning strategies to stimulate self-regulated learning in students with learning difficulties, one book on therapeutic approaches of communication disorders and co-authored a textbook on collaboration in designing a pedagogical approach in information literacy and teaching in diversity.

Assoc. prof. Popa has participated in the international CISI program “Curriculum Innovation for Social Inclusion” CISI (UE), as well as other Erasmus+ projects, and is an expert in teaching teachers working in various contexts and with children with special needs. She is currently involved in a AMIF project called Supporting language learning of migrant children and young adults through language buddies. The project aims at enhancing the language learning of students with a refugee/migrant background through non-formal and informal learning through the upscaling of mentoring practices and implementation of a buddy system.

She has coordinated 5 volumes covering aspects related to the dimensions involved in special, inclusive education, the status of optional subjects in the national curriculum, a methodological guide for the counselling and personal development for integrated special needs education, educational psychology and psycho-pedagogy of adolescents, young people and adults. She authored and co-authored over fifty scientific articles (examples:" The intercultural competence: Past, present, and promise; Linking positive psychology and intercultural competence by movies: Evidence from Brunei and Romania) and book chapters.

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Dr Annet De Vroey started her career as a pedagogue working in a parent organisation, and as a learner support teacher working in inclusive settings. She then became a lecturer and researcher at the Teacher Education College, UC Leuven (Belgium), and at KU Leuven, Parenting and Special Education department (Belgium, Fl). For ten years, she was a programme manager at the Teacher college, where she coordinated postgraduate and post-bachelor programmes on multilingual education, special needs education and inclusive education. As a researcher, she initiated and supervised research in the field of inclusive education. Currently, she works as a consultant for the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education, where she has been involved in several projects, including the Teacher Professional Learning for Inclusion (TPL4I) project.

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Anthoula Kefallinou (Greece) is an Activity Manager at the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education. She has been involved in various European projects focusing on inclusive policy development and inclusive practice. She also supports the Agency’s activities in the frame of the EU Technical Support Instrument (TSI) programme, focusing on legislative changes regarding inclusive education in European countries. In the past, she taught and participated in action research projects at the University of Manchester, where she completed her PhD in Education. She also holds a BA in Classical Philology and an MA in Special Education. She has published at European and international levels.

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Kaloyan Damyanov is the National Coordinator for the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education in Bulgaria. He serves as the Director of the Regional Center for Support of the Inclusive Education Process in Sofia. Additionally, he is a university lecturer at Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski," where he teaches courses in inclusive education and training for children and students with special educational needs. Damyanov has completed the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs' Professional Fellow Program in the USA and holds a Ph.D. in Special Education. He has numerous scientific publications to his credit.

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Judith Hollenweger Haskell, Prof. Dr., studied education and psychology. Doctorate at the University of Zurich in Special Education. Professorship for Diversity and Education at the Zurich University of Teacher Education, works in Switzerland and internationally on issues related to diversity in educational systems. She chairs the EDK recognition commission for pedagogical-therapeutic teaching professions and is a member of the WHO Functioning and Disability Reference Group for the further development of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). She works as a consultant for various international organisations, including UNICEF, WHO, European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education, and the Council of Europe.

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PhD. Hab. Edyta Widawska, Professor of the University of Silesia, at the Institute of Pedagogy, Faculty of Social Sciences – social pedagogue and sociologist, specialist in human rights and intersectoral cooperation, long-term trainer and educator of equality in Poland and abroad, cooperating with non-governmental organizations. Successfully combines work in the field of scientific research with practice, implements projects in cooperation with institutions involved in the implementation of equality policies at national and international level (OSCE, UN, RE, EU, UNHCR).

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Karina Søbirk Sørensen has worked in vocational education for 27 years, focusing on management, teaching, guidance, and support for students with special needs. She is particularly dedicated to ensuring that Herningsholm supports and guides these students both in their school education and during workplace training, providing the best conditions for their academic and personal development within a progressive learning process.

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Tone Merete Udland works as a special advisor in “The Section for Learning environment, inclusion, and diversity” within the Education Agency of Oslo municipality. The section supports 180 schools in addressing school environment issues. The inclusive definition of bullying (UNESCO) forms the basis of the work, in conjunction with the Education Act and core curriculum.

Udland has previously taught in lower secondary schools and in teacher training at the University of Oslo.

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Marta Sałkowska – Centrum Nauki Kopernik, Pracownia Przewrotu Kopernikańskiego, Dział Badań nad Kompetencjami przyszłości

Marta Sałkowska, PhD - sociologist, researcher, disability studies expert. She is interested in participatory and inclusive research methods. She explores formal and informal educational settings. Conducts research and development work within the "Science for You" program and provides research support to the Laboratory Department of the Copernicus Science Centre. Member of the Polish Sociological Association, long-time academic lecturer. Author and co-author of reports, articles, and monographs. As a co-author, she received the Zygmunt Bauman Award for the monograph "Flammable Society. Practices of helping war refugees from Ukraine in 2022 in Poland" (Collegium Civitas, Warsaw 2023, ISBN, 978-83-66386-36-5).

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Master’s degree in special education, University of Lisbon. Professor of Inclusive Education and Disability Inclusion in Higher Education Institutions. Former Director of the Special and Inclusive Education, Guidance and Psychologist Unit, Portuguese Ministry of Education. Since 1997 as Director of the Special Needs and Inclusive Education Unit, involved in legislation, policy papers, teacher training programmes and guidelines for practice. Author and co-author of several publications on the thematic of special educational needs and inclusive education. Participation in various EU working groups on Special Needs and Inclusive Education. For 25 years, Representative Board Member at the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education. For the last 15 years international consultant to the World Bank and UNICEF on the implementation of policies on inclusive disability, inclusive education, and care services provision for children with disabilities. Member of OECD’s Strength through Diversity programme, Analysis and Review of Inclusive Education in Portugal, and in Designing a national system to monitor the implementation of Portuguese legislation on inclusive education, within Structural Reforms Support Programme, DG Reform, European Commission.

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Director of the Department of Innovation and Development. Professionally involved in education for almost 20 years. First as a teacher and then within public administration. In his work, he deals with issues related to the development of digital competences of students and teachers, the implementation of new technologies in education, innovative and experimental activities, educational research, talented students and lifelong learning

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Frances Foreman is a Senior Education Officer for inclusion and additional support needs in Education Scotland, an executive agency of the Scottish Government.  This involves collaboration and engagement with a wide range of agencies and other stakeholders. She advises Scottish Government on policy development and implementation and builds capacity in inclusive practice within and across the education system through professional learning. She was a secondary school teacher and is passionate about the rights of all children and young people to have their needs met within an inclusive environment.

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Justyna Józefowicz, PhD - Head of the Department of Health Promotion, Prevention and Education at the Centre for Education Development. Psychologist, trainer, academic lecturer (University of Lower Silesia, UW, SWPS), supervisor, mediator, addiction therapist specialising in technology addiction. She gained experience in introducing people to the labour market in, among others, the Synapsis Foundation and the Association of Friends of Integration. She has authored and co-authored publications and manuals for lecturers, teachers and trainers, e.g. ‘Comprehensive model for vocational activation of people with Asperger Syndrome’ (2012), ‘Project Method. Handbook' (2022), “Climate Education” (2023). Winner of the POLCUL award for her work on Polish culture abroad. Creator of TechFreeLiving (techfreeliving.com), co-founder of the Psychological Emergency and the Better Day Clinic (klinikalepszegodnia.pl). More information: justynajozefowicz.pl.

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Sociologist, evaluator, trainer. Deputy Project Leader (A career without barriers) in the Educational Research Institute,  In the years 2009-2015 expert, lecturer and trainer in project “New school inspection system” run by Jagiellonian University and Ministry of Education of Poland. Member of research teams, evaluator of projects carried out by NGOs, public administration, EU initiatives. Expert, lecturer and trainer in the area of educational accessibility and evaluation.

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Martyna is 18 years old, comes from Gdańsk, where she lives and studies in a high school with a math and physics profile. She is a participant in the "Blue Sneakers" project, created by the FOSA Foundation in Gdan sk and supported by UNICEF’s Refugee Response Office in Poland. In addition to being a participant, she also volunteers there, helping with various initiatives such as the annual concert promoting mental health. Providing help is what she enjoys the most, as it allows her to broaden her horizons and gain valuable experience. In the future, she wants to become a psychologist to help others overcome difficulties. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, as it allows her to express herself and her emotions. Martyna will speak at the thematic session on inter- and cross-sectoral cooperation to address the diverse needs of students.

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Elżbieta Płaszczyk holds the position of Deputy Director of the Education Division at the City Hall of Łódź Municipality. She is personally responsible for creation of favourable conditions for education of children with special needs and disabilities. Her duties also cover monitoring of kindergartens, schools and educational centres in our city in the aspect of access to inclusive learning environment and equal learning opportunities for children.

Mrs. Elzbieta Płaszczyk is also committed to support children and adolescents who are in need of special care especially in the area of psychological and pedagogical assistance. She is engaged in creation and implementation of city policy for integration of foreigners with special focus on refugee children and youth. Since June 2022 she is responsible for design, coordination and implementation of UNICEF Work Plan for the City of Lodz in education section. Responsible for implementation of cross-sectoral model of cooperation for support of children and youth with special educational needs.

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Maria João Horta is a science and ICT teacher and a guest professor at the Universidade Lusófona for the initial training of teachers. She holds a PhD in ICT and Education from the Institute of Education of the University of Lisbon and a Master's in Science Education from the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon.

She is currently the Deputy Director-General for Education at the Ministry of Education in Portugal. She is also a Commissioner in the Coordination of the National Early Childhood Intervention System and the National Coordinator for Autonomy and Curriculum Flexibility. Additionally, she is the National Coordinator of the Support Program for Schools in Priority Intervention Territories – TEIP. Maria João Horta is the Portuguese national representative in the European Commission's Working Group on Digital Education: Learning, Teaching, and Assessment (WG DELTA). She represents Portugal in the Working Group on Digital Citizenship at European Schoolnet (EUN) and is a member of the Board of Directors of European Schoolnet. She is also a member of the Steering Committee and the General Assembly of EUN.

She is Portugal's representative in the OECD project "Education for Inclusive Societies" and a member of the Board of Representatives of the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education for Portugal.

Previously, she was the Director of the teacher training center EDUCOM and later the Head of the INCoDe Team for Education, an integrated public policy initiative to improve digital skills in education. In addition, she has taken on various roles as a Teacher Trainer and Researcher in the field of Educational Technology and as a Consultant in ICT for Teaching and Learning purposes. Her work includes producing curriculum documents, monitoring and evaluating ICT projects in primary and secondary schools, and supervising teacher training in the educational use of digital technologies.

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Anna Atłas, graduate of history and German philology at the University of Warsaw (teacher specialization) and postgraduate studies at SWPS, PISM, SGH, and UMCS; director of the Bureau of School and Adult Education Programs at FRSE, experienced expert in professional development, international education, and educational project management, a certified program and project management manager (Prince 2, AGILE, PM2), she supervised implememntation of the European Union programmes for lifelong learning, school education and vocational training since 2004 (LEONARDO da VINCI, COMENIUS, ERASMUS), she  participated in development of many dedicated training programmess for public sector employees and teachers. She worked in the area of supporting Polish education abroad as Director of ORPEG and is currently also active in the field of linguistic and social integration of migrants in Poland; examiner for the state certification of the Polish language.

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A graduate of the Faculty of Geology at the University of Warsaw, he also completed postgraduate studies in European integration. Since 1996, he has been affiliated with the Foundation for the Development of the Education System (FRSE), initially working in the PHARE and "Youth for Europe" Program Office. He later served as Deputy Director of the Community "Youth" Program (2000-2006), Deputy Director General (2006-2009), and General Director (2010-2016). From 2018 to 2024, he was Deputy Director of the Centre for European Projects under the Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy, overseeing Interreg cross-border cooperation programs. He coordinated secretariats in Wroclaw, Kraków, Gdansk, and Olsztyn while supervising inspections of Polish beneficiaries in European programs.

Between 2006 and 2007, he was a member of the Bologna Process Council at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. He also co-founded and was a member of the Committee of the Polish-Lithuanian Youth Exchange Fund (2007-2010). From 2010 to 2013, he was part of advisory teams at the Ministry of National Education, providing expertise on the professional status of teachers and Holocaust education. He has held leadership roles in commercial law companies and served on advisory teams at the Ministry of National Education. A former councillor of Wawer District (1998-2010) and a longtime scout leader, he has been honoured for his contributions to education and public service with the Medal of the National Education Commission and the Silver Medal of Jan Kilinski from the Polish Craft Association for his services to Polish crafts, including also recognition as a "Personality of the Republic of Poland" by the Oxford Encyclopaedia Committee.

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Jędrzej Stasiowski is a sociologist, researcher, and evaluator with expertise in social research methodology. He believes that public policies should be based on reliable evidence. He has worked on research projects for institutions such as Gallup Institute, the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development, the Institute of Public Affairs, and the Foundation for the Development of the Education System. Since 2013, he has been with the Educational Research Institute (IBE), leading the Graduate Career Tracking System development project.

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Historian of philosophy. Expert in science engagement. Copernicus Science Centre founding director and the CEO since 2006. Co-founder and organizer of Science Picnic – Europe’s largest outdoor science communication event. Since 2008 until 2023 he has been a Trustee of the Board of Ecsite – European Network of Science Centres and Museums; in 2011-2013 he served as the Board’s President. Since 2017 member of the Board of Directors of the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) in Washinton DC. Expert of the European Commission. Member of the Science Communication Council of the Polish Academy of Sciences, CERN Science Gateway Advisory Committee, Deutsches Museum Kuratorium, Ciencia Viva Advisory Council, and other boards of international organizations. In 2012 President of the Republic of Poland awarded him the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta and in 2022 – the Medal of the Centenary of Regained Independence Polonia Rediviva. In 2014 he received the French National Order of Merit from President François Hollande. For creating a novel research and development facility, the Copernican Revolution Lab, he has been named a Blooloop 50 Museum Influencer in 2024. This list features individuals from around the world who, through their innovation, passion, and creativity, significantly influence the development of cultural institutions and help shape the industry.

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Anastasiia Martyniuk, 29, is the head of the youth space of STEAM education Lviv Open Lab in Lviv, Ukraine. From October 2020 to March 2023, she was the project manager of the youth space of STEAM education Lviv Open Lab. She realized local, national and international projects in the framework of cooperation with UNFPA, UNICEF, the Copernicus Science Center, the School with Class Foundation. During 3 years she lead the international project "Young Explorer's Club" from Lviv Open Lab, implemented by the Copernicus Science Center in Ukraine. In 2019, 2020, 2021, she was the program coordinator of the Science Festival OL - the flagship event of the youth space of STEAM education Lviv Open Lab - the all-Ukrainian science and technology festival. From February to May 2022, she was the founder and the coordinator of the volunteer center at the youth space of STEAM education Lviv Open Lab. Since March 2023, she is the head of the youth space of STEAM education Lviv Open Lab, which has the partnership network with the Embassy of Finland in Ukraine, the Copernicus Science Center in Warsaw, the Human Doc Foundation, the Polish-American Freedom Foundation, UNICEF, the T3 Foundation. Also till now she is the coordinator of the international project "Young Explorer's Club" from Lviv Open Lab, implemented by the Copernicus Science Center in Ukraine, and the coordinator of the Science Festival OL - the flagship event of the youth space of STEAM education Lviv Open Lab - the all-Ukrainian science and technology festival.

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Noemi is a Roma artist, animator, and social activist. Honored by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage for her artistic work and promotion of Roma culture, she actively fosters dialogue and integration between communities. Her artwork and photography, showcasing Roma life and cultural events, have been displayed in venues such as the Ethnographic Museum in Poznan and the Marek Edelman Dialogue Center in Ło dz . For over 9 years, Noemi has led creative workshops for children and illustrated books, including a Polish-Romani dictionary and a poetry collection. As a Roma activist, she promotes her culture, organizing exhibits like "Brothers and Sisters" and creating murals symbolizing multiculturalism in Wrocław. Noemi also supported the Roma community by assisting families with documentation and connecting them with lawyers, doctors, and schools. She has collaborated with several foundations and associations, including Bahtale Roma Foundation and Amici Foundation. Currently, she works as an Education and Culture Specialist at the Foundation Towards Dialogue, where she supports Roma refugees from Ukraine and fosters integration and education to strengthen the Roma community. Noemi will speak at the thematic session on education in diverse classroom.

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Helena Wallberg, M.Ed. & Special education with 22 years experience of teaching high school English, French and Pedagogy. Formerly with the Swedish National Board of Education, she is now a teacher trainer and an inclusion consultant. Helena has authored several books on assessment, feedback and lesson design, specifically about explicit and differentiated instruction as tools to engage all learners. She also writes articles and booklets that are distributed across Sweden for teacher learning communities, a concept that she feels passionate about. Teachers need to be empowered professionally and Helena works with teacher groups of all kinds to develop their ability to meet all students in practice. She is a member of IFIP, International Forums of Inclusion Practitioners and the coordinator of the Erasmus + project: The Emergence of the IFIP Europe.
Growing up Helena spent part of her childhood in East and North Africa where she attended British and American schools. Music is a passion and was originally the profession of her choice. She lives near the Archipelago in Stockholm with her family.

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An 18-year-old on the autism spectrum, actively involved in the Autism Team Foundation, the "We Want a Full Life!" and "Our Advocate" initiatives, as well as serving as the Social Deputy to the Ombudswoman for Children’s Rights. During the 2018 strike near the Polish Parliament, he appealed to the government to support people with disabilities. He is the author of the "Letter to the Minister," the turning point of the 2019 campaign advocating for community-based self-help homes for people with autism and multiple disabilities. He is the coordinator of the social campaign "I Am - I Can - I Will," aimed at promoting self-advocacy for children and young people on the autism spectrum, and the initiator of the Diversity Lessons program. He co-created several social campaigns, including "I Am, Be With Me," "Our Rights Are Fundamental," "Autism-Friendly School," and "STOP VIOLENCE! #friendshipforautism." He co-organized the campaigns "Childhood Without Violence, Adulthood Without Fear" and "I Am! Be With Me" on the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day, calling for the respect of the rights of children with disabilities. Jan will speak at the thematic session on involving students and their families in the educational process

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Zoriana is 22 years old, lives in Katowice, and studies journalism and social communication. She has been using a wheelchair since the age of four, but this has not stopped her from being active and full of energy. She loves conversations, sharing knowledge, and meeting new people. She volunteered in regional activities for children and youth organized by the Foundation for Active Rehabilitation in Katowice where she led wheelchair riding technique workshops. Zoriana will speak at the thematic session on career without barriers.

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Ombudswoman for Student Rights and School Dialogue in Krako w. A first-year student, and former School Student Rights Advocate in high school. Since 2019, she has been an activist focusing mainly on students' rights, women's rights, equality, and education. Actively involved in the life of Krako w, she has served twice as a youth ambassador for the citizen budget. She is the Vice Chair of the Youth Council of Krako w for the 10th term, Chair of the Committee on Equal Treatment, and a member of the Committees on Students' Rights, Culture, and a coordinator for the Małopolska region at the GrowSPACE Foundation. She is engaged in projects focused on student rights, civic participation, mental health, and advocacy work, including a report on the accessibility of school psychologists. Aleksandra will speak at the thematic session on staff preparation for inclusive education.

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Bartosz is 20 years old and has lived in Warsaw since birth. He is currently studying law at SWPS University. Previously, he graduated from high school at the Ro z a Czacka Education Center for Blind in Laski. He has been involved in sports his entire life. He trained swimming for 9 years and currently plays goalball, a Paralympic sport for people with visual impairments. In goalball, he has achieved his greatest successes, including winning the Junior World Championship and two Polish championships with the UKS Laski team. For the past two years, he has been a member of the Polish national team. Bartosz is also passionate about music. He graduated from a music school of the first degree and currently sings in a university choir. He is also trying to record his own songs. Whenever possible, he participates in initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the lives of people with disabilities. He believes that mutual understanding of each other's situations can improve the quality of life for everyone. Bartosz will speak during the thematic session dedicated to the quality of inclusive education.

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Stanislava is a 19-year-old psychology student at the Faculty of Arts, Comenius University in Bratislava. She has a visual impairment and is involved in disability advocacy. She collaborated with UNICEF on the “Invisible Badge” campaign, which focuses on raising awareness about invisible disabilities. She also volunteers with Platforma rodí n detí so zdravotny m znevy hodnení m (the Platform of Families of Children with Disabilities), where she participates in activities supporting families and promoting inclusion. Stanisłava will speak at the thematic session on new technologies for inclusive education.

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Thomas Spielkamp is Director of the German National Agency for Erasmus+ school education. He studied English and French languages and literatures at the Universities Münster (DE), Exeter (UK) and Lille (FR) and holds a PhD in English literary criticism. After his studies to become a language teacher Thomas followed the German “Referendariat”, a two years’ practical training at school. Thomas joined the Secretariate of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs in Germany in 1996 and helped building up the newly appointed “National Agency for EU-Programmes in the school sector”. His interests lie in better involving educational authorities in European collaboration and in facilitating access of schools to Erasmus+ which have little or no experience in European activities.

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Oana Felecan is Policy officer in charge of equity and well-being within Directorate General Education, Youth, Sport and Culture of the European Commission. She is part of the team following the implementation of the Pathways to School Success Council Recommendation. Part of this work, she coordinated the work of the European Commission’s informal exert group on supporting learning environments and addressing well-being at school. Prior to this, Oana has worked in Erasmus+ programme team in the field of school education.

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Baiba Martinsone Dr.psych., is a professor of Clinical psychology and senior researcher in Educational Psychology in the Department of Psychology at the University of Latvia. She is certified psychologist and supervisor in the fields of Clinical and health, and Educational and school psychology. Her research interests include social-emotional learning, promoting mental health in schools, development and evaluation of universal prevention programs. Baiba was a member of European Commission’s Expert Group on supportive learning environments for groups at risk of underachievement and for supporting well-being at school.

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Head of the Health and Social Action office in the Directorate-General for School Education in the Ministry of National Education. She is responsible for developing and implementing policies related to health, well-being, and child protection. After starting her career as a school teacher, she then took on the duties of master trainer teacher and then pedagogical adviser, specializing in particular in monitoring and accompanying students with special educational needs. Subsequently, she held the position of advisor in charge of communication and open distance training with an academy inspector. After passing the competition for management staff, she managed several secondary schools in different territories. At the same time, she was responsible for the school climate and as a reference for the experimental health promotion programme ABMA (= Going Well for Better Learning). She has also co-led the academic committee Health promoting school and the academic committee for health education and citizenship of the Orléans-Tours academy. She testified at the National Assizes of Mental Health and Psychiatry in September 2021 about her leadership for the well-being of students. Finally, she is an expert associate at the Institute of Higher Education and Training and author of textbooks.

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A graduate of the Faculty of Law at the University of Warsaw, he has been practicing law for over 15 years. He has been collaborating with the Foundation for the Development of the Education System – the National Agency of the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes – since 2000. He began his work in the Grundtvig programme, implementing EU educational initiatives for adults in Poland. From 2009 to 2019, as an attorney, he provided legal services to the Foundation. In his work, he draws on extensive experience in administrative and business law. Since December 2023, he has served as Deputy Director General of the Foundation, overseeing, among others, Erasmus+ Youth and VET, SALTO EECA, WorldSkills Poland, and the European Solidarity Corps.
He is the author and co-author of numerous publications on business law, including one of the first commentaries on the Goods and Services Tax Act 2004 available on the market.

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Dr. Piotr Rycielski is an expert in the “Inclusive Education” project at the Polish government's Educational Research Institute - National Research Institute (IBE PIB). As an academic lecturer, he has authored and co-authored numerous scholarly studies and publications in the field of educational psychology. His research focuses on educational studies, peer violence, school effectiveness factors, statistics, and psychometrics. Dr. Rycielski is also a faculty member at the School of Design at SWPS University in Warsaw and a co-creator of the RESQL bullying prevention system.

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Mr. Bogdan CRISTESCU was appointed State Secretary in the Ministry of Education on 26 June 2022. His Portfolio includes the OECD accession process for Romania, ESF+ funded projects and curricular reform for pre-university education. His Portfolio includes the OECD accession process for Romania, ESF+ funded projects and curricular reform for pre-university education.

Before he was appointed Secretary of State, he was Director of the National Centre for Policy and Evaluation in Education. He has over 25 years of professional experience in pre-university education in Romania, having been a mathematics teacher, mathematics inspector and deputy general school inspector at the Iasi County School Inspectorate. He was an expert in numerous reform projects of the Romanian educational system. He has strong expertise in curriculum development, teacher training and quality assurance. In 1997, Bogdan Cristescu graduated from Alexandru Ioan Cuza University in Iasi, majoring in Mathematics and holds a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Pitesti in 2007. He also completed Master’s programs in Iași, Romania and Venice, Italy. He has attended the Cycle des Hautes Etudes Européennes, organised by the National School of Administration in France.