TELSP 2025 projects

The main component of the summer program is an active participation in the selected research project offered by the staff members of the Nicolaus Copernicus University, please see the topics and their descriptions below. Interested students are welcome to contact possible advisors for more details concerning the foreseen projects and discuss the dates that the project could be undertaken.

The Role of Central and Eastern Europe in the Global Economy Amid the Challenges of War in Ukraine

Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) has long been a dynamic but diverse region, balancing historical ties with both the West and East while navigating economic and political transformations. The war in Ukraine has significantly reshaped the region’s global positioning, influencing trade flows, investment patterns, security policies, and diplomatic alliances. Additionally, the crisis has heightened the strategic importance of CEE in global supply chains, energy security, and military cooperation.

This project aims to analyze how CEE is adapting to these challenges, both economically and geopolitically, and how it is perceived by international actors. A key focus will be on the role of regional cooperation mechanisms, economic resilience, and strategic alignments. The study will also include a comparative perspective, assessing whether similar challenges and responses exist in another world region, allowing for a broader understanding of economic and political strategies in times of crisis.

The study will use policy and economic analysis, case studies of regional cooperation, and stakeholder perspectives from governments, think tanks, and businesses. A comparative approach will highlight differences and similarities between CEE and another region, providing valuable insights into how regions facing economic and geopolitical challenges adapt their strategies. This research will contribute to a broader understanding of the evolving global economic order and CEE’s position within it.

The research task

1. Economic Resilience and Transformation:
   • Examine the impact of the war in Ukraine on trade relations, supply chains, and foreign investments in CEE;
   • Identify key economic sectors driving growth and resilience in the region;
   • Assess how Poland and other CEE countries have adapted their economic policies in response to challenges such as energy crises and inflation.
2. Regional Cooperation and Internal Divisions:
   • Analyze the role of different regional organizations (Visegrád Group, Bucharest Nine, Three Seas Initiative) in economic and security cooperation;
   • Evaluate the differences in economic and political priorities among CEE countries and their impact on regional unity;
   • Investigate how EU policies and funding mechanisms influence economic development and cohesion in CEE.
3. Perceptions of CEE in the Global Economy:
   • Assess how the war in Ukraine has affected the perception of CEE as a geopolitical and economic actor;
   • Explore how key international players (EU, U.S., China) view CEE’s strategic role in trade, security, and investment;
   • Examine whether CEE is seen as a bridge between Western Europe and Eastern markets and the challenges this position entails.
4. Comparative Analysis with Another Region:
   • Compare CEE’s global economic and geopolitical role with that of the student’s home country and broader region;
   • Identify similarities and differences in economic resilience, security challenges, and regional cooperation strategies;
   • Assess how external actors (investors, policymakers, businesses) perceive CEE compared to the student’s home region;
   • Evaluate whether best practices from CEE’s economic and geopolitical strategies could be applied in other regions.

Supervisor:	Aranka Ignasiak-Szulc, PhD (aranka[at]umk.pl)
	Department of Economic Policy and Regional Studies, Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management
Internship period:	18.08 - 14.09.2025
Scientific disciplines:	Economics and Finance

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Energy Transition in Central and Eastern Europe: Between Security and Sustainability

The energy transition in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is unfolding under unique circumstances, shaped by geopolitical tensions, economic dependencies, and varying national energy strategies.
The war in Ukraine has significantly altered the region’s approach to energy security, accelerating efforts to reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels while simultaneously pushing forward the European Union’s (EU) ambitious Green Deal agenda. This project examines how Poland and other CEE countries are balancing the urgent need for energy security with long-term sustainability goals, analyzing the internal and external factors influencing their energy transition.
The methodology for this research will involve a combination of policy analysis, case studies, comparative analysis, and stakeholder perspectives.
The expected outcomes of this research are twofold. First, it will provide a detailed understanding of how CEE countries, particularly Poland, are managing the dual challenge of ensuring energy security while transitioning to a low-carbon economy. Second, by comparing these experiences with those of the student’s home country, the research will highlight the similarities and differences in the challenges faced and the strategies employed. This comparison will contribute to a broader discussion on global energy security, offering insights into how different regions can balance security and sustainability in their energy transitions.

Research tasks:

1. Energy Security and Independence:
   • How has the war in Ukraine changed CEE’s approach to energy security?
   • What strategies are being implemented to reduce dependence on Russian energy sources?
   • How do energy diversification efforts, including LNG imports, nuclear energy expansion, and new pipeline projects, impact regional cooperation and economic stability?
2. Green Transition and Renewable Energy Adoption:
   • What are the differences in renewable energy adoption across CEE countries, considering varying levels of reliance on coal, natural gas, and nuclear power?
   • How do national policies align with or diverge from the EU’s Green Deal objectives?
   • What are the key challenges in scaling up renewable energy infrastructure, including regulatory, financial, and technological barriers?
3. EU Energy Policy and National Adaptation:
   • How has the EU's energy policy evolved in response to the crisis, and what are its implications for CEE countries?
   • How are Poland and other CEE nations positioning themselves within EU energy initiatives?
   • What role do external financial mechanisms (EU funds, international investments) play in accelerating or hindering the energy transition?
4. Comparative Perspective with the Student’s Home Country:
   • How does the energy security and transition strategy of the student’s home country compare with that of Poland and CEE?
   • Are there similarities in challenges such as reliance on fossil fuels, public resistance to renewable energy expansion, or the need for major infrastructure investment?
   • What lessons can be drawn from CEE’s energy transition that may be applicable to the student’s national or regional context?

Supervisor:	Aranka Ignasiak-Szulc, PhD (aranka[at]umk.pl)
	Department of Economic Policy and Regional Studies, Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management
Internship period:	18.08 - 14.09.2025
Scientific disciplines:	Economics and Finance

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Sustainable and Responsible Tourism in Central and Eastern Europe: Adapting to Post-Pandemic and Geopolitical Challenges

The tourism industry in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) has undergone significant changes, shaped by the global pandemic, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and emerging sustainability demands. The COVID-19 crisis halted international travel, forcing the region to rethink tourism strategies. The ongoing war in Ukraine has further impacted tourist flows, perceptions of safety, and regional economic stability.
This project aims to analyze how CEE countries, particularly Poland, are adapting their tourism policies to balance post-pandemic recovery, environmental sustainability, and responsible tourism development. A comparative perspective will also explore how these trends in CEE align with global tourism practices, particularly with other regions that have faced similar challenges.
The study will involve reviewing tourism statistics, sustainability reports, and policy documents from Poland, CEE, and the EU. Case studies of successful sustainable tourism initiatives will be analyzed, along with stakeholder perspectives from tourism boards, local businesses, and international organizations. The comparative dimension will allow for a broader understanding of how global tourism practices are evolving in response to the challenges posed by the pandemic and geopolitical instability. The research will contribute to the development of strategies

Research tasks:

1. Impact of the Pandemic and Geopolitical Shifts on Tourism:
   • Examine how tourism flows in CEE have changed due to the pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
   • Investigate the short- and long-term economic consequences of these disruptions on Poland and neighboring countries.
   • Explore how changes in perceptions of safety have influenced inbound and outbound tourism in the region.
2. Sustainability and Responsible Tourism Development:
   • Analyze how CEE countries are integrating sustainability into their tourism policies.
   • Examine initiatives promoting eco-friendly tourism, cultural heritage protection, and local community engagement.
   • Assess how major tourism destinations in Poland and CEE (e.g., Kraków, Prague, Budapest) are managing overtourism while developing sustainable alternatives.
3. Policy and Business Innovations Supporting Sustainable Tourism:
   • Investigate the role of national and EU-level policies in fostering responsible tourism.
   • Examine how digitalization and technology are contributing to sustainable tourism practices (e.g., smart tourism initiatives, digital passes).
   • Assess how local businesses are adapting to new consumer preferences for eco-conscious and experience-based travel.
4. Comparative Analysis with Another Region:
   • Compare the sustainable tourism policies and challenges in Poland and CEE with those in the student’s home country or region.
   • Identify similarities and differences in managing tourism recovery, promoting sustainability, and responding to geopolitical shifts.
   • Explore how best practices from CEE can be applied in other regions to foster sustainable and responsible tourism.

Supervisor:	Aranka Ignasiak-Szulc, PhD (aranka[at]umk.pl)
	Department of Economic Policy and Regional Studies, Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management
Internship period:	18.08 - 14.09.2025
Scientific disciplines:	Economics and Finance

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ESG reporting- comparative analysis

Presentation of the scope of ESG information presented in the annual report in accordance with EU guidelines

Research tasks include:
Drawing up a comparative analysis showing the differences between selected countries in terms of ESG disclosures

Supervisor:	Ewa Makowska, PhD (emak[at]umk.pl)
	Department of Management Accounting
Internship period:	18.08 - 14.09.2025
Scientific disciplines:	Management and Quality

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Digitalization - an opportunity or a challenge in the context of sustainable development of enterprises

Presentation of the digitalization process of companies' activities in the context of the idea of sustainable development

Research tasks include:
Analysis of the opportunities and challenges, as well as the costs and benefits of the digitisation process for stakeholders

Supervisor:	Ewa Makowska, PhD (emak[at]umk.pl)
	Department of Management Accounting
Internship period:	18.08 - 14.09.2025
Scientific disciplines:	Management and Quality

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Sustainable development

The subject of the project concerns the issues of sustainable development. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States includes urgent call for action. The areas of interventions are defined by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). No poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, clean water, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, innovation, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water, life on land, strong institutions and partnerships for the goals are highlighted.
Additionally, sustainable issues including development, are widely discussed in the literature.
The aim of the project is the analysis of sustainable development with main consideration of chosen spheres.

The following tasks are included within the proposed project:

1. The theoretical consideration of sustainable development.
2. Analysis of selected spheres with special consideration of chosen goals, targets and indicators in the selected UN countries.
3. Formulation of conclusions in written form.
4. Presentation of results.

Supervisor:	Agnieszka Szulc-Obłoza, PhD (aszulc[at]umk.pl)
	Department of Economics
Internship period:	18.08 - 14.09.2025
Scientific disciplines:	Economics and Finance

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Sustainable consumption

The subject of the project concerns the issues of sustainable consumption behaviours. Sustainability and consumption as opposite terms may be perceived. However, they can coexist. Moreover, consumers, by exhibiting concern about the consequences of consuming, motivate companies to pursue sustainability. This problem is widely discussed in the world. For instance, sustainable consumption along with production is included in 17 Sustainable Development Goals (17 SDG), which are the scheme to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.

In the case of sustainable consumption, attention may be paid to the whole, holistic consumption or to the selected sector of consumption (food, clothes…). Additionally, three phases of consumption related to acquisition, usage and disposal may be distinguished. All alternatives appear in the literature and may be included in the project.

The aim of the project is the identification of sustainable behaviours in the consumption process and the analysis of selected sustainable consumption behaviours.

Within the proposed project following tasks are included:

1. The theoretical consideration of sustainability and sustainable consumption.
   In the literature, different definitions of sustainability are presented and as consequence, different aspects of sustainable consumption behaviours are analysed.
2. Characteristic of selected sustainable consumption behaviours based on the literature review and available data.
3. Formulation of conclusions in written form.
4. Presentation of results.

Supervisor:	Agnieszka Szulc-Obłoza, PhD (aszulc[at]umk.pl)
	Department of Economics
Internship period:	18.08 - 14.09.2025
Scientific disciplines:	Economics and Finance

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Criminological and criminal law aspects of domestic animal welfare abuse

Statistical data show an increasing number of animals being kept at home, including species that were not previously considered pets. There are also negative phenomena such as animal abuse and unconscious suffering caused by animals due to a lack of knowledge of the needs of certain species, the development of illegal kennels, especially for dogs and cats, in which the welfare of animals is compromised, and illegal transport which poses an epidemiological risk. The phenomenon of the illegal trade in pets is the greatest threat to animal welfare. Animals are usually reared in inappropriate and poor conditions - cages are small, dirty, and unlit, food is scarce or of poor quality, there is a lack of veterinary care, vaccinations, deworming, etc.
Abuse of animals can also pose risks to humans, such as the risk of various diseases or viruses, damage to property, or an increase in crime, especially organised crime.
The aim of the project is to carry out research on the criminal law regulations established for the protection of pets. The research will be conducted from a criminal law and criminological perspective, as it will be equally important to investigate the etiology and phenomenology of this crime.

Research tasks:

1. Analysis of Criminological Aspects of Domestic Animal Welfare Abuse
2. Examination and analysis of the criminal law approach to domestic animal welfare abuse in the law of the selected country (Student's home country)
3. Examination and analysis of the criminal law approach to domestic animal welfare abuse in Polish law
4. Comparison of solutions regarding domestic animal welfare abuse existing in the criminal law of the Student's home country and in Polish law, and an attempt to assess their scope and effectiveness

Supervisors:	Natalia Daśko, PhD (ndasko[at]umk.pl)
	Prof. Janusz Bojarski (bojarski[at]umk.pl)
	Department of Criminal Law, Faculty of Law and Administration
Internship period:	18.08 - 14.09.2025
Scientific disciplines:	law

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Human rights law – an idea or a practical concept?

Under the project the Student would develop the interest in international human rights. Mentor would encourage the Student to confront a letter of law and its implementation by analyzing laws, soft law, case-law and research findings from the country of Student’s origin with the UN and regional (e.g. the EU and the Council of Europe) legal instruments.

A list of possible research areas covers e.g.:

1. The situation of protection seekers (asylum seekers, refugees, internally displaced persons), focusing on an access to the territory (legality of establishing border walls and stopping boats in international sees, the use of the AI in issuing decisions in immigrants and asylum seekers’ cases), to asylum procedures, to legal aid, to social benefits (e.g. a doctor, housing, food), to education, and employment;
2. The situation of detainees in criminal and administrative proceedings (in particular immigrants, protection seekers, children);
3. Fight with terrorism (including its hybrid forms) and organized crime (in particular human trafficking and smuggling) – does it contradict with protection of human rights?
4. Human rights at a workplace e.g. surveillance of employers, work-life balance (in particular in a context of work at home), non-discrimination (primarily based on sex, age and religious beliefs), increasing popularity of civil contracts in employment, responsibilities of employers for ensuring human dignity at a workplace;
5. UN treaties, EU fundamental rights, and the Council of Europe system – complementarity or confrontation;
6. Human rights protection as a facilitator for a continuation of the EU-Eastern Partnership integration project (with special attention to Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia);
7. Humanitarian law (with special focus on the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement, combatants, responsibility of political leaders) and law of war (including for war crimes).

Other themes may be proposed by the Applicant.

The project schedule and research activities:

1. An identification of:
1. a particular research topic, based on the interests of the Applicant;
2. a subjective and temporal criteria of the analysis;
3. the most relevant acts of law, case-law, reports prepared by international and national non-governmental organizations and law-implementing authorities, as well as previous research findings;
2. An in-depth critical analysis of relevant acts of law, case-law, and previous research findings;
3. Presentation of the project’s outcomes – if that would be an intention of the Student it is possible to continue cooperation to deliver durable and tangible results e.g. an academic article which the Student would publish in Students’ academic journal.

Assumptions:

1. The research findings would be periodically consulted with the Mentor;
2. Additional ad hoc consultations will be organized upon the Student’s request;
3. Previous research findings from Poland and from the country of origin of the Student could be comparably analysed, if that would be to the benefit of the project and of the Student’s interests.

Supervisor:	Piotr Sadowski, PhD (psadowski[at]umk.pl)
	Department of Human Rights, Faculty of Law and Administration
Internship period:	18.08 - 14.09.2025
Scientific disciplines:	law (international law, human rights)

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The impact of EU directives on the standard of equal treatment in EU countries

The main aim of the project is to investigate the implementation and the application of the EU equality directives in different EU countries (especially Germany, France, Spain and Italy) and answer the question whether they contribute to raising the level of protection against unequal treatment and discrimination.
The examination of the experiences of different countries in the theory and judicial practice of anti-discrimination law will make it possible to compare them with Polish experiences and to draw de lege ferenda conclusions regarding the most effective system of the protection against unequal treatment.
Research tasks:

1. The reconstruction of the concepts of equal treatment and discrimination in constitutional law of a given country (analysis of the literature and case law).
2. The analysis of the problem of the relationship between the scope of protection guaranteed by national law implementing the EU directives and the standard of protection guaranteed by the constitution of a given country.
3. The assessment whether the method of implementing directives adopted by the national legislator makes them an effective tool for combating discrimination.
4. The preparation of a scientific project or written work presenting research results.

* After each stage of work, the partial research results will be discussed with the project supervisor. This will be aimed at comparing the solutions of other countries with Polish experiences in the field of equal treatment.

See more (pdf)

Supervisor:	Iwona Wróblewska, PhD (i_wroblewska[at]umk.pl)
	Department of Constitutional Law, Faculty of Law and Administration
Internship period:	18.08 - 14.09.2025
Scientific disciplines:	law (comparative constitutional law)

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International human rights standards and their domestic implementation

The aim of the project is to enable a selected participant to develop their interest in the area of human rights protection. Applicants are particularly encouraged to analyze and explore the domestic impact and application of international human rights law (IHRL). Therefore, the interrelations between domestic legal systems and IHRL, as well as different concepts ensuring its effectiveness, are highly welcomed.

A list of possible research areas includes, for example:

1. Freedom of expression and hate speech;
2. Right to health and human rights in the context of healthcare;
3. Protection of voulnerable groups;
4. Gender and human rights;
5. Reproductive rights;
6. Freedom of assembly.

Critical analysis of recent jurisprudence and practice of international human rights protection bodies and national courts.
However, these topics do not constitute a closed list, and another issue may be selected after consultation with the project participant. It is expected that the project participant will be able to identify, analyze, and interpret international and national legal instruments and jurisprudence, as well as other relevant research sources.

The project will be carried out according with a following schedule and tasks:

1. Identification and selection of a particular research topic;
2. An in-depth analysis of relevant sources (legal instruments, case-law, doctrine) according to the project’s aims and research questions;
3. Consultations with a mentor throughout the project;
4. Presentation of outcomes.

Supervisor:	Julia Kapelańska-Pręgowska, PhD (jkp[at]umk.pl)
	Department of Human Rights, Faculty of Law and Administration
Internship period:	18.08 - 14.09.2025
Scientific disciplines:	law (juridical law)

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Inclusive and pluralistic societies. A human rights approach.

The aim of the project is to enable a selected participant to develop their interest in the area of human rights protection. Applicants are particularly encouraged to analyze and explore the domestic impact and application of international human rights law (IHRL). Therefore, the interrelations between domestic legal systems and IHRL are highly welcomed. Projects should address current challenges and problems observed in selected domestic jurisdictions.

A list of possible research areas includes, for example:

1. The role of civil society in human rights protection;
2. Implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities;
3. Multicultural societies – challenges and good governance
4. Freedom of speech and hate speech
5. Human rights cities – concept and good practices

However, these topics do not constitute a closed list, and another issue may be selected after consultation with the project participant. It is expected that the project participant will be able to identify, analyze, and interpret international and national legal instruments and jurisprudence, as well as other relevant research sources.

Research tasks: The project will be carried out according with a following schedule and tasks:

1. Identification and selection of a particular research topic;
2. An in-depth analysis of relevant sources (legal instruments, case-law, doctrine) according to the project’s aims and research questions;
3. Consultations with a mentor throughout the project;
4. Presentation of outcomes.

Supervisor:	Julia Kapelańska-Pręgowska, PhD (jkp[at]umk.pl)
	Department of Human Rights, Faculty of Law and Administration
Internship period:	18.08 - 14.09.2025
Scientific disciplines:	law (juridical law)

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The future of constitutionalism in times of crisis

One of the most frequent diagnoses of the state of modern democracy is that liberal-democratic system – that is, one based on the principles of the rule of law, the sovereignty of the people, and respect for human rights – is in a constitutional crisis. The crisis, which is characterized by deep polarization and a high degree of demagogy in the political debate, would undermine both the legitimacy of a democratic system that is based on political pluralism and the capacity of political rivals to debate. At the theoretical level, the tension between the vitality of democracy and the formalism of constitutionalism is often emphasized. In a constitutional democracy, the constitution is a form of institutionalizing political power arising from the tendencies functioning in a pluralistic society that realizes the ideal of equality. In this context, the constitution expresses historically and culturally conditioned ideas that are subject to interpretation and reinterpretation. Interpretative openness is supposed to be a hallmark of democracy, and for this reason it can be seen as the institutionalization of political dispute and deliberation over the political goals of the community and the rights of individuals. Therefore, a particularly important organ for constitutional democracy is the representative legislature, which is a forum for deliberation and democratic adoption of legislative decisions. Democratic constitutionalism is based on the assumption that citizens wish to participate in the creation of their own state and law, and that the institutions of constitutional democracy should enable them to pursue this goal. In addition, contemporary theories of constitutionalism would propose new institutions involving citizens – to a certain extent – in the process of law-making, the resolution of constitutional disputes, and even the establishment or amendment of the constitution, such as the proposal to establish a special deliberation day or the attempt to make the idea of deliberative democracy a reality in the form of the Citizens' Assembly in Ireland, the Icelandic National Assembly, and British Columbia's Citizens' Assembly.

Research tasks:

1. identification and description of a specific phenomenon as a symptom of the crisis of constitutionalism;
2. reconstruction and interpretation of a selected contemporary theory of constitutionalism, e.g. democratic constitutionalism or deliberative constitutionalism;
3. answers to the question of how the selected contemporary theory of constitutional democracy responds to the diagnosed symptom of the crisis;
4. presentation of the results.

Supervisors:	Wojciech Włoch, PhD (wloch[at]umk.pl)
	Katarzyna Jachimowicz, PhD (kjachimowicz[at]umk.pl)
	Department of Constitutional Law
Internship period:	18.08 - 14.09.2025
Scientific disciplines:	law

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Working time reduction - a win-win proposition for employee and employer?

The dynamics and scale of the processes taking place in the labour market pose a major challenge for labour law. Labour law regulations should be designed to meet the challenges of the labour market, including the growing problems of the modern world of work - e.g. health risks related to, inter alia, stress and pressure in the workplace, professional burnout, problems with work-life balance, differences in the treatment of men and women, the negative effects of an ageing population, etc. The idea of reducing working time without reducing remuneration is put forward as one way of solving - at least partially - these problems. Enthusiasts of working time reduction see many advantages in implementing this proposal - for both the employee and the employer. However, would a reduction in working time really benefit the employee and the employer?
The research objectives of the project are: to analyse international, EU and national legal regulations on the current working time with an assessment of their potential effects on the employee and the employer and taking into account development trends and themes of a comparative legal nature; to determine what effects the implementation of a proposal to reduce working time may have on the employee and the employer.

Research tasks:

1. Development trends and the way in which the current working time in Poland is regulated in the context of international and EU standards (Directive 2003/88/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 November 2003 concerning certain aspects of the organisation of working time), analysis of available statistical data on how long employees work in Poland in practice and identification and analysis of proposals to reduce working time in Polish labour law and evaluation of the above proposals from the point of view of the employee and the employer (advantages and disadvantages from the perspective of both sides of the employment relationship).
2. Development trends and the way in which the current working time in the participant's country of origin is regulated in the context of international and EU standards (if applicable), analysis of available statistical data on how long employees in the participant's country of origin work in practice and whether there are proposals to reduce working time in the participant's country of origin and, if so, their analysis and evaluation from the perspective of the employee and the employer (advantages and disadvantages from the perspective of both parties to the employment relationship).
3. Comparison and evaluation of the potential effects of a reduction in working time in Poland and in the participant's country of origin.
4. Would a reduction in working time be beneficial for the employee and the employer?
5. Presentation of research results.

Supervisors:	Beata Rutkowska, PhD (beatarut[at]umk.pl)
	Jagoda Jaskulska, PhD (jagoda_jaskulska[at]umk.pl)
	Department of Labour Law
Internship period:	18.08 - 14.09.2025
Scientific disciplines:	law

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Generation Z on the Labour Market

The research project "Generation Z on the Labour Market" aims to understand the specific challenges faced by Generation Z on the labour market, taking into account the role of legal institutions regulating the employment sector. The project involves a comparison of the labour market in Poland with that of the participant's origin, focusing on the diversity of forms of employment and the analysis of legal regulations concerning employment. Particular attention will be paid to aspects related to employment contracts, civil law contracts in the employment sphere, and flexible forms of employment, such as remote work, which are becoming increasingly popular among younger generations.
The significance of legal institutions, such as minimum wage, protection against discrimination, flexibility of working hours, as well as social and pension security, is crucial on the labour market as they significantly impact job stability and the sense of security for young workers. Furthermore, the analysis of differences in legal regulations in Poland and in the participant's country of origin will provide a better understanding of how legal institutions influence the professional situation of Generation Z in different legal and economic contexts.

The following research tasks are planned within this project:

1. Analysis of legal regulations concerning employment in Poland and in the participant's country of origin – a comparison of regulations on employment contracts, minimum wage, and protection against discrimination, taking into account the specifics of employment for younger workers in both countries.
2. Diversity of available employment forms in the Polish labour market and in the participant's country of origin – a comparison and analysis of statistical data on the popularity of various forms of employment, such as employment contracts, civil law contracts, remote work and part-time work, considering trends and preferences of Generation Z. Analysis of the possible consequences of this diversity for the professional situation of young people. Exploration of the differences in the regulation and availability of flexible working arrangements and their impact on the professional mobility of young workers in both countries. The study of the possibilities of remote work and freelancing.
3. Analysis of support systems for young workers – comparison of support programmes such as internships, vocational training, and initiatives that support young people in professional integration. The effectiveness of these programmes in Poland and in the participant's country of origin will be examined in the context of Generation Z.
4. Additionally, the project will include an analysis of available statistical data on the labour market in Poland and in the participant's country of origin, such as youth employment rates, the unemployment rate among Generation Z, the popularity of different forms of employment, and wage levels. These analyses will allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the professional situation of young workers, their career preferences, and the challenges related to entering the labour market in both countries. The project will also provide recommendations for adjusting employment policies to the needs of Generation Z, considering both legal and market perspectives.

Supervisors:	Jagoda Jaskulska, PhD (jagoda_jaskulska[at]umk.pl)
	Beata Rutkowska, PhD (beatarut[at]umk.pl)
	Department of Labour Law
Internship period:	18.08 - 14.09.2025
Scientific disciplines:	law

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