After completing his studies at the Silesian University - Faculty of Social Sciences, the direction of history, pedagogical specialization (1978-1982) - in 1989 Ryszard defended his doctoral thesis on "Józef Biniszkiewicz - Political Biography 1875-1940” earning him the title of doctor of humanities. In 1999, after the habilitation colloquium at the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Silesia, he received the title of doctor habilitated in the field of history. In 2003 he was appointed Professor at the University of Silesia. Since 1982 he has been employed at the Institute of History at the University of Silesia. From 1999 to 2000 he was Head of the Department of Methodology and History Teaching. Since 2000 has been Head of the Department of History at the Silesian University. From 1999 to 2002 he was deputy director of science at the Institute of History of the University of Silesia, and between 2002 and 2005 Deputy Dean for Research.