It is with sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dr. Barbara Malak-Minkiewicz, IEA Honorary Member, on Thursday, 24 July 2025. Her loss is deeply felt by former colleagues and the wider education research community.
Barbara, who is a recipient of the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta and described as a democratic opposition activist and citizen of the world, spearheaded ICCS (International Civics and Citizenship Study) from the early days of CIVED (Civic Education Study) as a steering committee to being an active member of the ICCS Project Advisory Committee (PAC), which last met with Barbara in October 2024. As a respected and long-time member of the PAC, Barbara provided critical guidance for the development of ICCS and its cycles.
Throughout her life, Barbara’s dedication to civics and citizenship education did not wane. Her contribution as editor to Influences of the IEA Civic and Citizenship Education Studies Practice, Policy, and Research Across Countries and Regions, a one-of-a-kind research publication from 2021 that reflects on cross-national differences in research, policy, and teaching practice in civic education.
Barbara was also a valued member of the IEA community and worked tirelessly for 17 years to manage and build IEA’s membership at the office in Amsterdam.
Our thoughts and sympathies are with her family and friends during this difficult time.
A tribute from Dr. Dirk Hastedt, IEA Executive Director:
On behalf of IEA, I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of Dr. Barbara Malak-Minkiewicz. She was a highly respected member of our organization whose dedication and contributions played a significant role in shaping ICCS into the study it is today. Her legacy will continue to live on, and she will be remembered for her unwavering commitment. My heartfelt sympathies to Barbara’s family, friends, and colleagues.