Born on 6th March 1949. The son of Janusz Ziółkowski - member of the First Term Senate.

In 1971, graduated from the Faculty of Economy and Sociology at Łódź University and, in 1976, completed studies in philosophy at Łódź University Faculty of History and Philosophy. In 1974, obtained the doctoral degree in sociology, in 1980 - the degree of doctor habilitated and in 1990 - the title of professor. Since 1993, holds the title of full professor.

Lectures at "Adam Mickiewicz" University in Poznań since 1974. 1981-1984 - deputy director, then director (1984-1993) of the Institute of Sociology at "Adam Mickiewicz" University. Since 1981 - head of the Department of Sociology of Public Knowledge and Awareness. Recently was head of the Department of Sociological Methodology. Since 1999, also lectures at Warsaw School of Social Psychology where, between 2001 and 2003, was dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Since 1991, also works at the Institute of Political Studies of the Polish Academy of Sciences.

Author or co-author of a dozen or so books (included several prize winners) and numerous articles in Polish, English and French. Spent a considerable amount of time abroad lecturing as a visiting professor in the U.S.A., Australia and France.

Member of numerous organizations in Poland and abroad, such as the Polish Sociological Society, Committee on Sociology of the Polish Academy of Sciences (was its chairman between 1990 and 1993) and the Chapter of the Scientific Prize of the City of Poznań. Since 1992, chairs the Social Sciences Commission of the Polish UNESCO Committee and often represented Poland in UNESCO. 1997-2001 - a two-term chairman of the Council of the Public Opinion Research Centre (CBOS) Foundation. 2003-2005 - deputy chairman of the European Sociological Society. Since 2002 - deputy chairman of the Social Council of the Archbishop of Poznań Metropolis. Since 1996 - honorary consul of the Republic of France in Poznań.

Member of the Solidarity Trade Union since 1980. Between 1984 and 1987, chaired the Solidarity Underground Scientific Council which, among other things, distributed scientific grants. Since 1990 - founding member of the Christian Democratic Party and then Polish Christian Democratic Alliance. Was member of Stronnictwo Konserwatywno-Ludowe - Ruch Nowej Polski (a conservative-peasant party) until the late 2003.

Member of the Civic Platform political party.

Married, has three daughters.