WUEB Experts Weekly Review. Research, Projects and Academic Successes (19–25 October 2026)

Why do some regions of Europe grow faster than others? Dr hab. Paweł Dobrzański, Professor of the WUEB, wins the PTE Award

WUEB expert: dr hab. Paweł Dobrzański, Professor of the WUEB

The regional development researcher received the Polish Economic Society’s Professor Edward Lipiński Award for his monograph “Lagging Regions in the European Union: Structural, Productivity and Efficiency Aspects”. The book examines economic disparities between EU regions, changes in labour productivity and the efficiency of European funding. His research assesses cohesion policy through the results it achieves, providing an analytical basis for discussions about how to support regions that are falling behind. 

Source: https://badania.uew.pl/en/why-do-some-regions-of-europe-grow-faster-than-others-dr-hab-pawel-dobrzanski-associate-professor-at-uew-wins-the-pte-award/

Komunikat PTE: Nagroda PTE im. prof. Edwarda Lipińskiego w 2026 r. 
Source: https://www.pte.pl/aktualnosci/posty/konkurs-o-nagrode-pte-im-prof-edwarda-lipinskiego-5 

A substantial insurance gap: how did we get here? 

WUEB expert: dr hab. Ilona Kwiecień, Professor of the WUEB

Interia Biznes reports on Ilona Kwiecień’s contribution to the EKF Insurance conference. The insurance expert explains that a protection gap can arise because someone has no policy, because cover does not meet their needs, or because a payment falls short of expectations. She also highlights the difficulty of assessing insurance before a claim and understanding policy exclusions. Her analysis shows why providing more information does not, by itself, build trust or ensure adequate protection. 

Source: https://biznes.interia.pl/gospodarka/news-mamy-potezna-luke-dlaczego-w-nia-wpadlismy,nId,23560374

Sixth edition of the competition for the best workplace wellbeing projects 

WUEB expert: dr hab. Dorota Molek-Winiarska, Professor of the WUEB 

Dorota Molek-Winiarska, whose research focuses on employee wellbeing and occupational stress, has joined the judging panel for “The Best of Wellbeing at Work”. The competition recognises organisations that take a systematic approach to working conditions, relationships and organisational culture. Entries are assessed for coherence and their long-term effects on employees. Her contribution brings expertise in the psychological aspects of people management to the assessment. Applications close on 16 November 2026. 

Source: https://moto.co.pl/vi-edycja-konkursu-na-najlepsze-projekty-wellbeing-43238552.html

Why is the planetary diet entering school canteens? Less meat, more pulses 

WUEB expert: dr hab. inż. Agnieszka Orkusz, Professor of the WUEB 

Bstok.pl draws on research by Agnieszka Orkusz and Diana Bogueva into menus in Wrocław preschools. The analysis found excessive protein and sugar alongside insufficient provision of some nutrients, including calcium and vitamin D. These findings show why the presence of meat does not establish that meals are nutritionally balanced. The WUEB researcher’s contribution centres on assessing the whole menu and its nutritional value. The article also distinguishes the planetary diet, developed for adults, from children’s specific dietary needs. 

Source: https://www.bstok.pl/dlaczego-dieta-planetarna-trafila-do-szkolnych-stolowek-mniej-miesa-wiecej-straczkow/ 

Szymański of Trade Republic: Gen Z really knows its finances 

WUEB expert: prof. dr hab. Czesław Zając, Rector 

Bankier.pl’s report from the first day of its Finance Forum also covers the WUEB Rector’s contribution to a debate on Wrocław’s development. Czesław Zając discussed adapting education to technological change, developing social skills and research collaboration through AI Hub. He emphasised human responsibility for reliable content and the importance of relationships between the University, the city and business. WUEB hosted the Forum on 23–24 October. Tygodnik Powszechny previewed it in “We Wrocławiu porozmawiają o przyszłości Polski i naszych pieniędzy” — a report on the planned discussions about Poland’s future and personal finances. 

Source: https://www.bankier.pl/wiadomosc/Forum-Finansow-Bankier-pl-we-Wroclawiu-relacja-9217213.html 

Source: https://www.tygodnikpowszechny.pl/we-wroclawiu-porozmawiaja-o-przyszlosci-polski-i-naszych-pieniedzy 

Polish firms expand abroad: expert forecasts for Poland’s economy in 2030 

WUEB expert: prof. dr hab. Krzysztof Jajuga

The finance and risk management expert moderated a debate at the Bankier.pl Finance Forum. Participants discussed the resilience of Poland’s economy, barriers to development and opportunities for businesses to expand abroad. Demographic change, innovation and the use of artificial intelligence were among the issues raised. The report identifies Krzysztof Jajuga as the moderator bringing together representatives of public institutions and business to consider the conditions for sustained economic growth. 

Source: https://bomega.pl/polskie-firmy-ida-w-swiat-polska-gospodarka-2030-prognozy-ekspertow-i-ekonomistow/ 

Source: https://www.bankier.pl/wiadomosc/Polskie-firmy-ida-w-swiat-Polska-gospodarka-2030-prognozy-ekspertow-i-ekonomistow-9217332.html 

Lower Silesian Business Stars 2026: awards presented at the final gala in the Old Mine  

WUEB expert: dr hab. Dorota Teneta, Professor of the WUEB

Coverage of the gala at the Old Mine in Wałbrzych presents the results of the “Lower Silesian Business Stars 2026” awards. Dorota Teneta served on the judging panel alongside representatives of local government, business organisations and financial institutions. Her involvement brought an academic perspective to the assessment of economic initiatives in the region. The researcher’s role in the competition was that of a panel member. 

Source: https://walbrzych.naszemiasto.pl/dolnoslaskie-gwiazdy-biznesu-2026-przedstawiono-je-na-gali-finalowej-plebiscytu-gospodarczego-w-starej-kopalni-zobaczcie-zdjecia/ar/c1p2-29466421