TELSP 2026 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.ECONOMICS, MANAGEMENT AND FINANCE:
- Energy Transition in Central and Eastern Europe: Between Security and Sustainability (dr Aranka Ignasiak-Szulc)
- Sustainable and Responsible Tourism in Central and Eastern Europe: Adapting to Post-Pandemic and Geopolitical Challenges (dr Aranka Ignasiak-Szulc)
- Sustainable energy behavior of young adults (dr Maria Kola-Bezka, dr Tomasz Grodzicki)
- Digitalization - an opportunity or a challenge in the context of sustainable development of enterprises (dr Ewa Makowska)
- AI-Powered Targeting: The Impact of Algorithmic Personalization on Consumer Behavior in Social Media Marketing (dr Mariusz Lewandowski)
- Artificial Intelligence, Digital Transformation, and Energy Intensity in selected sectors of European Union Economies (dr Andrzej Geise)
- Optimal inflation target (dr hab. Maciej Ryczkowski)
- Sustainable Foreign Direct Investment and Green Innovation in OECD Economies (dr Xiaohong Xie)
LAW:
- Criminal law and AI (dr Natalia Daśko, dr hab. Janusz Bojarski)
- Human rights law – an idea or a practical concept? (dr Piotr Sadowski)
- Current problems of maritime law (dr Zuzanna Pepłowska-Dąbrowska)
- Contemporary problems of human rights protection (dr Julia Kapelańska-Pręgowska, dr hab. Janusz Bojarski )
- Inclusive and pluralistic societies. A human rights approach (dr Julia Kapelańska-Pręgowska)
- Protecting employee dignity – how to effectively prevent mobbing and discrimination (including harassment and sexual harassment) in the workplace? (dr Beata Rutkowska, dr Jagoda Jaskulska)
- The future of constitutionalism in time of crisis (dr Wojciech Włoch, dr Katarzyna Jachimowicz)
ECONOMICS, MANAGEMENT AND FINANCE
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:
- 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?
- 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?
- 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?
- 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: | 17.08 - 13.09.2026 |
| 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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: | 17.08 - 13.09.2026 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Economics and Finance |
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Sustainable energy behavior of young adults
The project aims to explore how multiple overlapping crises – namely the energy crisis, climate crisis, and economic crisis – shape energy-related attitudes, choices, and everyday practices of young adults. Young people are a key social group in the energy transition, as their behaviour, values, and expectations will strongly influence future energy systems and policies. The project is designed as an introductory research experience that combines theoretical learning with practical empirical work. The student will become acquainted with the concept of sustainable energy behaviour and its relevance in the context of contemporary global challenges. A particular emphasis will be placed on understanding how the crises affect perceptions of energy security, affordability, and environmental responsibility. The student will actively engage in data collection among peers, which makes the project feasible within the limited timeframe. Through this project, the student will develop basic research skills, including literature review, research design, data collection, and analysis. The results of the project may provide valuable insights into young adults’ responses to crises and their potential role in promoting sustainable energy transitions. The project thus combines educational value with societal relevance.
The research objectives include:
- to learn the basic concepts of sustainable energy behaviour and energy-related decision-making,
- to become acquainted with the impacts of energy, climate, and economic crises on everyday energy practices,
- to analyse attitudes, behaviour, and perceptions of young adults regarding energy use in times of crises.
- to develop basic empirical research skills in social science research.
- to reflect on the role of young adults in fostering sustainable energy transitions..
- Conducting desk research on sustainable energy behavior in the times of crises.
- Developing a simple research tool (survey questionnaire).
- Conducting a survey among summer school participants.
- Conducting an online survey among peers (e.g. friends or fellow students – optional).
- Conducting short qualitative interviews with selected participants (if feasible).
- Analysing the collected data using basic qualitative and/or quantitative methods.
- Preparing a short research report summarising the methodology, results, and key conclusions.
| Supervisors: | Maria Kola-Bezka, PhD (mkola[at]umk.pl) |
| Tomasz Grodzicki, PhD (t.grodzicki[at]umk.pl) | |
| Department of Economic Policy and Regional Studies, Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management | |
| Internship period: | 17.08 - 13.09.2026 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Economics and Finance |
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Digitalization - an opportunity or a challenge in the context of sustainable development of enterprises
Presentation of the process of digitalization of business activities in the context of the idea of sustainable development
Research tasks include:
Analysis of opportunities and challenges, as well as costs and benefits, created by the digitization process for entities
| Supervisor: | Ewa Makowska, PhD (emak[at]umk.pl) |
| Department of Management Accounting | |
| Internship period: | 17.08 - 13.09.2026 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Management and Quality |
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AI-Powered Targeting: The Impact of Algorithmic Personalization on Consumer Behavior in Social Media Marketing
Research objectives:
- To examine how AI-driven personalization algorithms influence the visibility and reach of marketing content on social media platforms.
- To analyze the relationship between personalized advertising and user engagement (clicks, likes, shares, comments).
- To investigate how consumers perceive AI-personalized ads in terms of relevance, intrusiveness, and trust.
- To assess the impact of algorithmic targeting on consumer purchasing decisions and brand loyalty.
- To compare the effectiveness of personalized vs. non-personalized marketing strategies across different social media platforms.
- Analyze a selected sample of personalized ads on platforms like Instagram or TikTok to identify common features in content, format, and targeting strategies.
- Conduct a survey or experiment to measure user reactions to AI-personalized vs. non-personalized ads, focusing on engagement, perceived relevance, and trust.
- Evaluate the correlation between exposure to personalized ads and consumer behavior indicators such as product interest, purchase intent, or actual conversions.
| Supervisor: | Mariusz Lewandowski, PhD (mlewandowski[at]umk.pl) |
| Department of Organisational Behaviour and Marketing | |
| Internship period: | 17.08 - 13.09.2026 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Management and Quality |
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Artificial Intelligence, Digital Transformation, and Energy Intensity in selected sectors of European Union Economies
Achieving higher efficiency in energy consumption is a key prerequisite for meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and advancing the low-carbon transition. Policymakers increasingly recognize that reducing energy intensity requires a structural shift away from traditional, energy-intensive growth models toward development paths centered on green energy, technological innovation, and digitalisation (Rame et al., 2024).
In the European Union, reducing energy intensity is directly linked to climate policy objectives aimed at decoupling economic growth from energy consumption and lowering greenhouse gas emissions (European Commission, 2022). Improvements in energy efficiency allow EU member states to meet binding emission-reduction and renewable-energy targets while preserving industrial competitiveness, particularly in energy-intensive sectors. Against this background, the project addresses the following core research question:
How does artificial intelligence (AI) innovation capacity affect energy intensity in EU economies, and does digital transformation accelerate this effect?
The main objectives of the project are:
- To conceptualize artificial intelligence and identify suitable country-level proxies for AI innovation capacity.
- To empirically assess the impact of AI innovation capacity on energy intensity in EU member states, accounting for differences in digital maturity.
- To evaluate whether digital transformation strengthens the energy-efficiency effects of AI, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Conceptual and Literature Review: Students review key literature on energy intensity, AI-driven innovation, and digital transformation, and develop a conceptual framework linking these elements.
- Data Collection and Variable Construction: The analysis uses panel data for EU member states, drawing on indicators of energy intensity, AI innovation capacity (e.g. AI-related patents or R&D proxies), and digital transformation (e.g. DESI).
- Empirical Analysis: Panel econometric methods are applied to estimate the relationship between AI innovation capacity and energy intensity. Interaction terms are introduced to capture the moderating role of digitalisation, and sub-sample analyses compare low- and high-digitalisation countries. Additional specifications examine changes during and after the pandemic period. The relationship is best examined using Difference-in-Differences (DID) models, as they allow for the identification of the causal impact of artificial intelligence development on energy intensity by comparing changes over time between EU countries with different levels of AI adoption and digitalisation.
- Interpretation and Policy Implications: Results are interpreted in light of EU climate and digital strategies, with emphasis on policy-relevant insights regarding the role of AI and digital transformation in reducing energy intensity.
| Supervisor: | Andrzej Geise, PhD (a.geise[at]umk.pl) |
| Department of Econometrics and Statistics | |
| Internship period: | 17.08 - 13.09.2026 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Economics and Finance |
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Optimal inflation target
The aim of the project is to find an optimal inflation rate
Tasks to do:
- Preparation of the database
- Literature review
- Econometric and statistical analyses
- Preparing a draft of the manuscript
| Supervisor: | prof. Maciej Ryczkowski (m_ryczkowski[at]umk.pl) |
| Department of Economics | |
| Internship period: | 17.08 - 13.09.2026 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Economics and Finance |
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Sustainable Foreign Direct Investment and Green Innovation in OECD Economies
- Evaluate how sustainability-oriented FDI contributes to green innovation and economic upgrading in host economies.
- Investigate the role of environmental policy stringency and institutional quality in shaping the FDI–green innovation relationship.
- Literature review on FDI and green innovation.
- Data collection from OECD and World Bank databases.
- Panel data analysis using R or Stata.
| Supervisor: | Xiaohong Xie (xiaohong.xie[at]umk.pl) |
| Department of Econometrics and Statistics | |
| Internship period: | 17.08 - 13.09.2026 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Economics and Finance |
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Criminal law and AI
The growing presence of artificial intelligence in everyday life has significantly transformed many areas of social and economic activity. AI systems are increasingly used in medicine, commerce, the military, transportation, digital technologies, and everyday consumer applications. This development generates new challenges for criminal law, which was traditionally designed to respond to human conduct and human responsibility. Artificial intelligence can function as a tool in the hands of offenders, facilitating cybercrime, fraud, manipulation of information, and the production of deepfake content. On the other hand, AI systems may themselves cause harm, for example in cases involving accidents caused by autonomous vehicles, algorithmic errors, or malfunctioning automated systems, and their level of autonomy is likely to increase as technology develops. As a result, concerns are emerging that traditional criminal law concepts - such as perpetration, intent, guilt, and attribution of responsibility - may become insufficient to address certain forms of harm. These developments raise the fundamental question of whether existing criminal law frameworks are capable of responding adequately to AI-related phenomena.
The aim of the project is to analyse how criminal law currently reacts to acts committed with the use of artificial intelligence and to formulate proposals concerning how criminal law should evolve in order to respond more effectively to AI-related risks.
Research tasks:
- Analysis and evaluation of criminal law regulations concerning acts committed with the use of artificial intelligence in the student’s home country;
- Analysis and evaluation of criminal law regulations concerning acts committed with the use of artificial intelligence in Polish law;
- Examination of supranational legal frameworks and selected foreign legal systems in order to identify criminal law regulations and doctrinal approaches to AI-related phenomena that may be relevant for comparative analysis;
- Comparative assessment of the solutions adopted in the analysed legal systems, with particular attention to models of criminal responsibility for AI-related conduct;
- Formulation of conclusions and normative proposals regarding possible directions of development of criminal law in the context of artificial intelligence.
| 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: | 17.08 - 13.09.2026 |
| Scientific disciplines: | law |
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Human rights law – an idea or a practical concept?
A Student would develop the interest in international human rights. Mentor would encourage the Participant to confront legal text and practice of its implementation by analyzing laws, soft law, and case-law and from the country of Student’s origin with the UN and regional (e.g. the EU and the Council of Europe) legal instruments. However, projects focusing on practice of implementation of national law are also possible if they are well-based in e.g. positions of non-governmental organisations focusing on human rights.
A list of possible research areas covers e.g.:
- The situation of asylum seekers, refugees, internally displaced persons - an access to the territory, legality of a use of the AI in issuing decisions in immigrants and asylum seekers’ cases, access to legal aid and social benefits;
- The situation of detainees in criminal and administrative proceedings (in particular but not limited to immigrants, protection seekers, children);
- Fight with terrorism (including its hybrid forms) – does it contradict with protection of human rights?
- Hybrid war and its implications on human rights – expanding limitations of human rights, ways of fighting with hybrid war.
- Disinformation and misinformation in current world – challenges and possible solutions;
- UN treaties, EU fundamental rights, and the Council of Europe system – complementarity or confrontation;
- Human rights as a paradigm in negotiations of an accession to the EU;
- Humanitarian law and law of war (including war crimes).
- An identification of:
- a research topic, based on the interests of the Applicant;
- a subjective and temporal criteria of the analysis;
- 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;
- Critical analysis of relevant laws and other information;
- 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.
- The research findings may be consulted with the Mentor at a time of convenience of a Student;
- Additional ad hoc consultations may be organized upon the Student’s request.
| Supervisor: | Piotr Sadowski, PhD (psadowski[at]umk.pl) |
| Department of Human Rights, Faculty of Law and Administration | |
| Internship period: | 17.08 - 13.09.2026 |
| Scientific disciplines: | law (international law, human rights) |
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Current problems of maritime law
Conducting a research analysis in the field of a selected issue currently being addressed within ongoing work on maritime law at the forum of the International Maritime Organization or the Comité Maritime International, in particular:
- the legal regulation of autonomous ships (analysis of work carried out to date at the international level, comparison of achievements in domestic law of selected jurisdictions);
- the search for a regulatory approach to alternative fuels;
- legal issues related to the shadow fleet (dark fleet);
- the nomenclature of national and international legislation concerning seagoing vessels or other objects at sea (Mobile Offshore Removable Units).
- analysis and preparation of research on one of the above-mentioned issues in the form of a presentation and, where appropriate, in the form of a publication in a student academic journal / on the website of the Student Scientific Association of Maritime Law
| Supervisor: | Zuzanna Pepłowska-Dąbrowska, PhD (zpeplow[at]umk.pl) |
| Department of Commercial Law, Maritime Law and Civil Procedure, Faculty of Law and Administration | |
| Internship period: | 17.08 - 13.09.2026 |
| Scientific disciplines: | law |
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Contemporary problems of human rights protection
The aim of the project is to enable the selected participant to develop their interests in the field of human rights protection. Applicants are particularly encouraged to analyze and explore the domestic impact and application of international human rights law (IHRL). Accordingly, the interrelations between domestic legal systems—including legislation, jurisprudence, and public policies—are to be assessed in light of international standards.
A non-exhaustive list of possible research areas includes:
- The right to life – positive and negative obligations;
- Contemporary forms of slavery
- Human rights, clean environment and climate change
- The right to health and human rights in the context of healthcare
- Reproductive rights
- Human rights in the age of digital and technological development (e.g. AI)
- Human rights in times of conflict, emergencies and disasters
The project will be implemented in accordance with the following schedule and tasks:
- Identification and selection of a specific research topic;
- In-depth analysis of relevant sources, including legal instruments, case law, and doctrine, in line with the project’s aims and research questions;
- Ongoing consultations with a mentor throughout the duration of the project;
- Presentation of the research outcomes
| Supervisor: | Julia Kapelańska-Pręgowska, PhD (jkp[at]umk.pl) |
| Department of Human Rights, Faculty of Law and Administration | |
| Internship period: | 17.08 - 13.09.2026 |
| 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 the selected participant to develop their interests in the field of human rights protection. Applicants are particularly encouraged to analyze and explore the domestic impact and application of international human rights law (IHRL). Accordingly, the interrelations between domestic legal systems—including legislation, jurisprudence, and public policies— are to be assessed in light of international standards. The project should either identify a contemporary problem with the realization of the idea of inclusive and pluralistic society, or a good practice that illustrates good governance of diversity.
A non-exhaustive list of possible research areas includes:
- Freedom of expression
- Hate speech and hate crime
- Protection of vulnerable groups, such as women, children, or persons with disabilities; minorities (national, ethnic, sexual)
- Freedom of assembly
- The principle of equality and non-discrimination
The project will be implemented in accordance with the following schedule and tasks:
- Identification and selection of a specific research topic;
- In-depth analysis of relevant sources, including legal instruments, case law, and doctrine, in line with the project’s aims and research questions;
- Ongoing consultations with a mentor throughout the duration of the project;
- Presentation of the research outcomes.
| Supervisor: | Julia Kapelańska-Pręgowska, PhD (jkp[at]umk.pl) |
| Department of Human Rights, Faculty of Law and Administration | |
| Internship period: | 17.08 - 13.09.2026 |
| Scientific disciplines: | law (juridical law) |
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Protecting employee dignity – how to effectively prevent mobbing and discrimination (including harassment and sexual harassment) in the workplace?
The aim of the project is to highlight the fundamental importance of protecting employee dignity as one of the core values of labour law and democratic legal systems. The project focuses on the analysis of mobbing and discrimination in the workplace, including harassment and sexual harassment, as serious violations of human rights and significant threats to employees’ health, safety and well-being. The research seeks to raise legal awareness of mechanisms for preventing such practices and to identify effective legal and institutional tools for promoting a safe, equal and dignified working environment.
The research objectives of the project include: analysis of international, EU and national legal regulations concerning the protection of employees against mobbing and discrimination (including harassment and sexual harassment), taking into account development trends and comparative law issues, assessment of the potential effectiveness of national regulations, and formulation of conclusions de lege ferenda based on this assessment.
Research tasks:
- Development trends and the current regulation of employers' obligations to counteract behaviour that violates the dignity of employees in Poland in the context of international and EU standards, analysis of available statistical data on the scale of mobbing and discrimination (including harassment and sexual harassment) in Poland.
- Development trends and current regulations protecting employees against behaviour that violates their dignity in the participant's country of origin in the context of international and EU standards (if applicable), analysis of available statistical data on the scale of mobbing and discrimination in the participant's country of origin in practice.
- Comparison and assessment of the potential effectiveness of regulations in protecting employees against mobbing and discrimination (including harassment and sexual harassment).
- Conclusions de lege ferenda – is there a need to amend national regulations aimed at protecting employees against behaviour that violates their dignity?
- 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: | 17.08 - 13.09.2026 |
| Scientific disciplines: | law |
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The future of constitutionalism in time 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:
- identification and description of a specific phenomenon as a symptom of the crisis of constitutionalism;
- reconstruction and interpretation of a selected contemporary theory of constitutionalism, e.g. democratic constitutionalism or deliberative constitutionalism;
- answers to the question of how the selected contemporary theory of constitutional democracy responds to the diagnosed symptom of the crisis;
- 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: | 17.08 - 13.09.2026 |
| Scientific disciplines: | law |
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