Cognitive Science builds MindShield: A defense against Cognitive Warfare

On our visit to the Central Group of Psychological Operations (CGDP)—an elite unit of the Polish Armed Forces (PSYOPS).

Cognitive Science at UMK (Nicolaus Copernicus University) does not stand idly by in the face of modern challenges. As it turns out, our team has a great deal to offer and can respond effectively and swiftly to contemporary threats.

This is how we view our invitation and collaboration with the Central Group of Psychological Operations, an elite unit of the Polish Armed Forces (PSYOPS). Late last year, representatives of our team (Arkadiusz Gut, Jan Nikadon, Andrzej Zykubek, and Jacek Matulewski) made their inaugural visit to the CGDP headquarters.

During several hours of intensive discussions and lectures, we covered topics including:

• Building social ontology and mental maps;
• Modeling social narratives;
• Lie detection using neural methods;
• Advanced linguistic research powered by AI;
• Biological markers of traumatic experiences and the experience of psychosis;
• The gut microbiome and its critical impact on emotions, mood, and mental health via the gut-brain axis;
• Building attitudes and behaviors in strategic games;
• The tendency to utilize artificial agents in shared online gaming environments.

In our talks with CGDP representatives and Commanders of the Polish Armed Forces Training Center, we demonstrated the elite, interdisciplinary nature of our research. We showcased the advancement of our studies on the social mind, language, social networks, the brain, the psyche, and biological processes. An account of our visit has already been featured in the CGDP’s industry journal, „Czarny Pająk” (Black Spider).

We consider the invitation from the Commander of the CGDP, not only a great honor but also a commitment and a source of inspiration. As a direct result, we are today establishing the MindShield Discussion Club within the Cognitive Science department, in collaboration with experts from various UMK faculties and institutes.

We have already held informational meetings with our Cognitive Science students and are currently mapping out a plan for joint ventures. On February 20, 2026, Prof. Arkadiusz Gut presented our shared plans during the CGDP Day celebrations. We look forward to sharing more about our joint research initiatives soon.

It is worth noting that this is a key component of our ongoing „shield against Cognitive Warfare” efforts, conducted alongside other research units in Warsaw and Wrocław. Stay tuned for more details in our next post…