The GROM Foundation. Strength and Honor and the Faculty of Political Science and International Studies invite you to a scientific conference “Young, Aware, Safe!”, dedicated to the role of the young generation in the state security system. The event will take place on May 25, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM in the Old Library Hall of the University of Warsaw.
The conference will be a platform for exchanging knowledge, experiences, and best practices concerning building a culture of security, social resilience, counteracting disinformation, and preparing young people for responsible responses in crisis situations.
The event has received honorary patronage from the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Interior and Administration, the Ministry of Digital Affairs, and the Marshal’s Office.
From 9:00 AM, educational stands prepared by, among others, the Ministry of National Defense, the Police, WSRP 1939, Bezpieczny Orlen, SOP, the Border Guard, and the State Fire Service will be available.
The official opening of the conference begins at 9:00 AM. Speakers will include:
- Ms. Agnieszka Petelicka, President of the GROM Foundation
- Mr. Robert Grey, Chancellor of the University of Warsaw
- Dr. hab. Agnieszka Bieńczyk-Missala, University Professor, Deputy Dean for International Cooperation at the Faculty of Political Science and International Studies, University of Warsaw
- Ms. Joanna Kluzik-Rostkowska, Member of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland.
- Ms. Magdalena Roguska, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Interior and Administration.
- Mr. Michał Domaradzki, Executive Director for Control and Security, Orlen S.A.
- Dr. Hubert Cichocki, President of the Łukasiewicz Research Network.
Following the opening of the conference, a lecture titled “The Role of the Young Generation in the State Security System” will be delivered by Brigadier General Cezary Janowski.
The first panel, “Building a Culture of Security – Challenges and Expectations,” will begin at 10:30 AM. The moderation will be led by Inspector (ret.) Dr. Kornela Oblińska.
The speakers are:
- Magdalena Roguska from the Ministry of Interior and Administration.
- Dr. Hubert Cichocki from the Łukasiewicz Research Network.
- Colonel Dr. Katarzyna Rzadkowska from the Veteran Center.
- Inspector Dr. Robert Żółkiewski from the Police Training Center in Legionowo, referred to in the program as CSP in Legionowo.
The panel will focus on how to create a lasting culture of security in society. Key topics will include youth and citizen education, the involvement of public institutions, the responsibility of social organizations, and the participation of the private sector, especially large companies, in activities strengthening state security.
The second panel, titled “Disinformation – How to Effectively Combat It?” will take place at 11:45 AM. The moderation will be led by Colonel (res.) Professor Dr. hab. Eng. Marek Wrzosek.
The speakers are:
- Dr. Joanna Grubicka from the University of Słupsk.
- Dr. Monika Wysocka from the Polish Naval Academy.
- M.Sc. Eng. Marcin Chmurski from the Digital Competence Development Center of the Ministry of Digital Affairs.
- Marek Orzechowski from the Lotto Foundation.
- Inspector Beata Trojanowska from the Central Bureau for Combating Cybercrime.
Mechanisms of disinformation, recognizing false content, counteracting information warfare, and building young people’s resilience to manipulative messages and cyber threats will be discussed.
The third panel is titled: “Population Protection and Civil Defense – Facts and Myths.” It will begin at 1:30 PM. The moderation will be led by Brigadier Dr. Barbara Szykuła-Piec from the Main School of Fire Service.
The speakers are:
- Dr. Daria Olender from the University of Warmia and Mazury.
- Dr. Zbigniew Bartosiak from ANSGK, Kutno.
- Volunteer Firefighter Teresa Tiszbierek from the State Fire Service.
- Senior Brigadier Dr. hab. Izabela Grabowska-Lepczak from the Main School of Fire Service.
- Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Magdalena Kozak from the Military Institute of Aviation Medicine.
The panel will address population protection and civil defense, an area particularly important in crisis situations, military threats, disasters, natural calamities, and other events requiring cooperation among administration, services, universities, local governments, and citizens.
The last panel, “Crisis Management – How to Respond in a Crisis?” will start at 2:15 PM. The moderation will be led by Dr. Wojciech Staniuk from the GROM Security Academy.
The speakers are:
- Joanna Sokołowska from the Marshal’s Office.
- Maciej Bukowski from the Pułaski Foundation.
- Dr. Barbara Drapikowska from the War Studies University.
- Senior Brigadier Dr. Eng. Robert Piec from the Main School of Fire Service.
- Paweł Ferst from the Marshal’s Office.
The panel concerns practical crisis response. Both the stages of crisis management and the importance of effective communication in emergency situations will be discussed.
After the four panels, Part II, practical workshops, will begin. They will take place from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM and will be in the form of rotating stations:
1. “Population Protection – Practical Guidelines for Young Leaders”
Led by: Senior Brigadier Dr. Eng. Robert Piec from the Main School of Fire Service.
2. “Information vs. Disinformation – Recognizing Manipulation and Cyber Threats”
Led by: Inspector Beata Trojanowska from the Central Bureau for Combating Cybercrime.
3. “Evacuation Backpack – How to Prepare for a Crisis Situation”
Led by: M.Sc. Eng. Oktawian Zmuda and Eng. Patrycja Rotuska-Śledź from Orlen S.A.
4. “First Aid in Life-Threatening Situations”
Led by: Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Magdalena Kozak from the Ministry of National Defense.
5. “Presentation of the ‘First Responder’ Application”
Led by: Volunteer Firefighter Marcin Fleischer from the Main Board of the Association of Voluntary Fire Brigades of the Republic of Poland.
6. “Academic Legion as a Form of Enhancing Students’ Defense Qualifications”
Led by: Second Lieutenant (res.) Stanisław Wojciech Wykowski.
7. “BEHOLDER – Horizon Europe Project – Strengthening the Resilience of Critical Infrastructure in Cities and Improving Public Space Safety – Increasing Awareness and Preparedness for CBRN-E Threats”
Led by: Dr. hab. Grzegorz Gudzbeler, University Professor, Dr. Kornela Oblińska, Dr. Antoni Morawski, Julia Pieklik from the University of Warsaw.
8. “MiniGo: Evacuation Backpack for Children. Design Supporting Safety”
Led by: Dr. Agnieszka Fujak.
Additionally, there will be educational stands from: the Main School of Fire Service, BEHOLDER, CBZC, the Police Training Center in Legionowo, the ORLEN Foundation, Bezpieczny ORLEN, ORLEN OCHRONA, WSRP 1939, and the Main Board of the Association of Voluntary Fire Brigades of the Republic of Poland.
A static exhibition titled “Like GROM from a Clear Sky. Combat Missions of JW. GROM Operators in 1994–2021” will be presented.
At 4:00 PM, the conference concludes with conclusions and recommendations.
Link to registration –> https://forms.gle/uR3TjZMqyneVi2op8