PROF. PETER C. BISHOP
Professional futurist (futurologist), a retired Associate Professor of Strategic Foresight, and the former Director of the graduate program in Futures Studies at the University of Houston. In 1968, Bishop received a bachelor's degree in philosophy from St. Louis University where he also studied mathematics and physics. He grew up in St. Louis, Missouri where he was a member of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) for seven years. From Michigan State University, he received an M.A. (sociology) in 1971 and a Ph.D. (sociology) in 1974. Bishop started teaching at Georgia Southern College (now Georgia Southern University) in 1973 where he specialized in social problems and political sociology. Bishop came to the University of Houston in 2005, after having taught futures studies at the University of Houston–Clear Lake since 1982. Specializing in techniques for long term forecasting and planning, he has published a book on the subject, Thinking about the Future: Guidelines for Strategic Foresight, with co-author Andy Hines. He delivers keynote addresses and conducts seminars on the future for business, government and not-for-profit organizations. He also facilitates groups in developing scenarios, visions and strategic plans for the future. Bishop's clients include IBM, the NASA Johnson Space Center, Nestlé USA, Tetra Pak, the Shell Pipeline Corporation, the Defense and Central Intelligence Agencies, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Texas Department of Transportation, the California Environmental Protection Agency, and the Center for Houston’s Future. He is a founding board member of the Association of Professional Futurists, and is president of his own firm, Strategic Foresight and Development, which offers education and training in futures thinking and techniques to the corporate market.
ZOFIA BUGAJNA-KASDEPKE
Founder and President of SEC Newgate CEE, one of the largest strategic agencies in the Corporate & Public Affairs sector in Central and Eastern Europe. With 20 years of experience in communication consultancy, she specializes in strategy development and implementation of PR and marketing projects. For 10 years, she held managerial positions at Publicis Groupe, and her professional background also includes work for global network agencies such as Edelman and Havas. She has received numerous prestigious awards and recognitions and currently serves as a jury member at international creative and business festivals, from the United Arab Emirates and France to virtually all major competitions in Central and Eastern European countries. Since 2017, she has been a member of the Expert Council of the THINKTANK Dialogue and Analysis Center. She is a strategic advisor and mentor for the Business Leaders Foundation. She conducts original classes at the University of Warsaw and has also lectured at SWPS University and Lazarski University. She is the Program Director of PR Masterclasses at the World Communication Forum in Davos. She was featured in VOGUE magazine as part of the "Women of Success" series and was included in the 2022 Power Rising List by Forbes Women.
M.SC. ENG. NIKOLA BUKOWIECKA
Currently pursuing a doctoral dissertation at the University of Rhode Island (USA) in the field of theoretical astrophysics and cosmology. Conducts numerical magnetohydrodynamic research in the general theory of relativity (GRMHD) concerning black hole accretion processes in collaboration with the Black Hole Initiative at Harvard University. Operates at the intersection of theory and observation, bridging physics, mathematics, programming, and new technologies, particularly in space sciences. Nikola's second passion lies in biological sciences, reflected in her role as a board member of the Polish Astrobiological Society. She is also a member of the Climate Council at the United Nations, serving as an expert in utilizing space technologies for climate improvement. Education: University of Szczecin - Master's degree in Physics (specialization: medical physics) West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin - Bachelor's degree in Automation and Robotics (specialization: control theory) Professional Experience: Former physicist at the Space Research Center of the Polish Academy of Sciences, in the Solar System Physics and Astrophysics Team, contributing to the GLOWS project (part of NASA's IMAP space mission). Software design work in astrophysics at Wolfram (USA). Employment at Creotech Instruments S.A, focusing on control systems for Polish satellites, software development for drone systems, and mission planning for space projects. Internship at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics in Greifswald (Germany) working on the Wendelstein 7-X fusion reactor. Accolades: Recipient of numerous competition awards and honors.
PHILIPP EICHHOLZER
Philipp Eichholzer is a professional with an extraordinary talent for promoting everything he puts his hands on - from brands, to teams, to channels and products. His career has been characterized by an obsession with KPIs such as ratings, monthly user activity (MAU), downloads, and engagement statistics. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, including work in television, radio and digital television, Eichholzer has managed to reach over 1.5 billion audiences in over 85 countries. His career path included a key role in curating content for MTV's international channels for fifteen years, as well as managing Fashion TV's global channels in Israel, contributing to their growing popularity around the world. Currently, as Director of International Affairs and Development at SGMK, Eichholzer uses his extensive experience and skills to further develop the brand and expand its global reach. However, his expertise goes beyond traditional media. Eichholzer is also a specialist in the use of artificial intelligence to create the image of enterprises, which is a key element in building modern marketing strategies. He studied visual communication at the Academy of Fine Arts in Germany, which allowed him to explore the theory and practice of effective communication through images. Apart from his professional life, Eichholzer has a rich private life, being passionate about artistic photography and music production. He is a history fan and hosts a history podcast. His language skills are equally impressive, as he is fluent in three languages, which facilitates his communication in diverse international environments and enriches his work in both creative and business areas. Philipp Eichholzer is therefore a multidimensional figure whose passions and professionalism translate into success on many levels. Currently, Eichholzer continues his passion and professionalism as the Director of International Affairs and Development at the Nicolaus Copernicus Main School and is the Chairman of the Council of the Copernicus Education and Science Foundation where he uses his extensive experience and skills to further develop the brand and expand its global reach.
PROF. SAŠA HORVAT
Professor, philosopher contributing to the intellectual landscape within the Department of Social Sciences and Medical Humanities at the esteemed Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Croatia.Prof. Horvat’s portfolio reflects his profound engagement with diverse philosophical realms, ranging from neurophilosophy and the philosophy of science to the intricate intersections of philosophy with religion, cognitive science, medicine, ethics, autism and artificial intelligence. Prof. Horvat has secured grants for various projects, garnering support from prestigious entities including the University of St Andrews / University of Oxford/ John Templeton Foundation / SET Foundations, the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport in Croatia, and the University of Zagreb.His global reach is evident through scholarships received from international projects. He is the author of two books: “Why do we Believe in God? Philosophical Foundations of Cognitive Science of Religion” (2023), and “Heidegger’s Notion of Oblivion” (2016), a profound exploration of Martin Heidegger’s philosophical legacy.In addition, prof. Horvat was a co-editor for five editions of scientific articles published by reputable publishers and has published numerous scientific articles. His involvement as a guest editor in distinguished scientific journals underscores his commitment to fostering interdisciplinary dialogue. Prof. Horvat is the member of the Editorial Board of “JAHR – European Journal of Bioethics” and serves as a member of the Advisory Board for “Scientia et Fides”. Prof. Horvat is also the initiator and President of the Organizational Committee of the internationally recognized interdisciplinary conference “Rijeka Scientific Bridges,” facilitating the convergence of minds across various scientific and philosophical domains.
AGNIESZKA KĘPIŃSKA-SADOWSKA
Director of Corporate Communications for the CEE region at Haleon. A seasoned communication practitioner, passionate strategist, with over 20 years of professional experience in communication and PR. Currently serving as the Director of Corporate Communications for 34 markets in Central and Eastern Europe at Haleon, a global consumer healthcare conglomerate (formerly known as GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare). Previously associated with the CCC Group as the Director of Corporate Communications and Sustainable Development and, for 14 years, with Kraft Foods/Mondelez International, including roles as the Director of Communication and External Relations for Central Europe, Poland, and the Baltics. From 2014 to 2016, she served as the Director of Internal Communication for Mondelez in Europe. Known for her engagement in industry associations, active promotion of ethics in marketing and PR activities, and self-regulation. A long-time member of the Board of the Advertising Council, previously its President from 2019-2021, currently an arbitrator of the Advertising Ethics Commission. A member of the PR Directors Club. Previously, she spent 8 years working for a public relations agency, associated with the Polish branch of the international PR agency Edelman, leading the Consumer Communications department and working on projects for major FMCG companies. In addition to her broad PR industry experience, she has extensive experience in advising and implementing CSR and marketing campaigns, particularly 360° campaigns (for brands like Milka, Prince Polo) and multi-channel communication for the launch of new brands (Burger King, Oreo). She is also an advisor in public speaking, personal brand, and executive profiling. She holds degrees in law, management, and marketing with a specialization in PR from the University of Silesia. She has taught at postgraduate PR studies at the Tischner European University in Krakow. An Executive MBA graduate from Collegium Humanum. She serves as a judge for the Golden Clips competition organized by the Association of Public Relations Companies – a prestigious competition evaluating projects in the fields of PR, communication, and employer branding.
PROF. MARIOS LOUKAS
President of the American Association of Clinical Anatomists (elected in 2015). The same year, he was appointed Dean of Basic Sciences at the School of Medicine, and he also served as Vice Chair of the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions. In 2021, he became the Dean of the School of Medicine. Marios Loukas obtained his MD degree from Warsaw University School of Medicine and a PhD in pathology from the Institute of Rheumatology at the Department of Pathology in Warsaw, Poland. He conducted post-doctoral research at Ulm University Clinic in Germany, focusing on arteriogenesis and angiogenesis projects. Starting his academic journey at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Loukas served as a lecturer and laboratory instructor for the Human Body Course. In 2005, he joined St. George’s University (SGU) in Grenada, where he quickly rose to become Professor and Chair of the Department of Anatomical Sciences. By 2008, he assumed the roles of Chair of the Department of Anatomical Sciences and Assistant Dean of Basic and Allied Health Sciences at SGU. Under his leadership, the department established innovative divisions of Ultrasound in Medical Education and Biomedical Visualization. In 2012, Dr. Loukas took on the position of Dean of Research for the SGU School of Medicine, focusing on building a transdisciplinary research infrastructure. He aimed to foster translational research and bridge the gap between basic sciences and clinical departments to enhance student and faculty research. In 2015, he was elected President of the American Association of Clinical Anatomists. The same year, he was appointed Dean of Basic Sciences at the School of Medicine, and he also served as Vice Chair of the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions. In 2021, he became the Dean of the School of Medicine. Dr. Loukas has an extensive publication record, with over 900 papers in peer-reviewed journals and 20 authored books, including well-known titles like Gray’s Anatomy Review and McMinn and Abrahams’ Clinical Atlas of Human Anatomy. He has contributed chapters to various medical and surgical textbooks, including Gray’s Anatomy. Additionally, he has played editorial roles for several journals and is the Co-Editor of Clinical Anatomy and the founding Editor-in-Chief of Translational Research in Anatomy.
GRZEGORZ PIWNICKI
Also known as Forin, born in Warsaw (1981). Master of Arts, visual artist, graphic designer. A graduate of the Faculty of Graphics at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw. Author of over 200 album covers, creator of social initiatives and lectures, winner of many industry awards. He has over 20 years of experience in the music market, awarded over 30 platinum and gold records for his contribution to capital and record sales. He has sold over a million albums with his cover. In addition to design, an approach to image creation and strategic consulting for people, companies, brands, products, creating a philosophy and product marketing. She worked, among others, for brands and organizations such as: Apple Inc., Adidas AG, Universal Music Poland, Warner Music Poland, TVN Warner Bros. Discovery, Levi Strauss & Co., Legia Warszawa, Męskie Granie, Capital City of Warsaw, Warsaw Uprising Museum. Artistic director of the Futurist of the Year congress.
KAROL SADAJ
Experienced manager with a universal profile. He specialises in introducing to the market companies and services from the sectors of finance and modern technologies. He gained his experience working for leaders of the global economy, such as Revolut, Uber, Google, PepsiCo or Philip Morris. He has extensive knowledge of consumer trends and the ever-changing customer needs. He also knows how to implement innovative solutions in the products or services development. Karol is actively involved in mentoring and advising startups. His passions are technological innovations and scuba diving. He graduated in Management and Marketing at the University of Gdansk.
ŁUCJA WOŹNICA
Industry Manager, Google. Łucja Woźnica is a highly experienced senior digital marketing professional with over fifteen years of expertise in marketing, public relations, and online sales. Her knowledge was developed within the IT industry through positions at Google offices in Wrocław, Dublin, Mountain View, San Francisco, and Warsaw. Łucja has a proven track record of assessing the marketing and advertising requirements of retail clients and cultivating relationships with partners in the mobile gaming industry. Currently, she is focused on developing business and technology partnerships with the most prominent enterprise advertisers in Poland. Łucja is passionate about technology and career coaching.
ANNA ŻYWIOŁEK
Experienced Relationship Manager at Julius Baer Bank & Co. Ltd. in Zurich, with over 17 years of experience in the financial and banking industry. Her professional journey began after obtaining a Master's degree in Economics and Finance from the University of Economics in Katowice. She holds certifications in Series 7 (Securities Industry Essentials Examination) and is a Certified Wealth Management Advisor (CWMA). Anna has gained banking experience in various regions worldwide, allowing her to fluently communicate in Spanish, Italian, English, and Polish.
Scientific Congress
FUTURIST OF THE YEAR 2024
“FUTURIST OF THE YEAR 2024 is the first futurological congress initiated to create a space for the exchange of knowledge and experience in the field of the future: technology (including artificial intelligence), economics (including inflation projections), and education (including endowment).”