Mikołaj Herbst is a Member of the IUS Council and Professor at the University of Warsaw. An economist specializing in regional development, local government, finance, and education policy, he focuses on the socioeconomic factors shaping territorial cohesion and public services. From 2008 to 2014, he served as a member of the Team of Strategic Advisors at the Chancellery of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, contributing to reforms in education and regional policy.