BIO

Michal Apollo is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, Institute of Geography, Department of Tourism and Regional Studies, a Fellow of Yale University’s Global Justice Program, New Haven, USA, and a Visiting Scholar at Hainan University – Arizona State University Joint International Tourism College, Haikou, China. He received his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Earth science in the field of geography at the Pedagogical University of Cracow, and PGCert in Global Development at the University of Warsaw. Michal is an enthusiastic researcher (research field: System man – high-mountain environment), traveller (visited more than 60 countries on 6 continents), mountaineer (several new climbing routes, including first ascent on two Himalaya peaks: in 2006, Masala Peak, and in 2012, Forgotten Peak), ultra-runner (among others, finisher of a 100-mile trail race), diver (AOWD), photographer (a few photo exhibitions) and science populariser (a few hundred of pop-science lectures). Michal’s unique background allows him to integrate knowledge from the perspectives of various points of view into his research and consultancy work. His areas of expertise are tourism management, consumer behaviours well as environmental and socioeconomical issues. In his main research field he focuses on human presence in high mountain regions, and their well-being. Currently, he is working on a concept of a sustainable use of environmental and human resources, as this is a key to development, prosperity and well-being of all stakeholders. Michal is a founder and a chairman of Polish Chapter of Academics Stand Against Poverty. In 2014, he received the title of the Man of the year 2013.