Miriam Niklová

Miriam Niklová, PhD is a Professor at the Department of Pedagogy and Andragogy at the Faculty of Education of Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia. She has been working at the university since 2005, progressing from internal doctoral student to assistant professor, associate professor (since 2014), and professor (since 2022). Since September 1, 2021, she has served as Head of the Department of Pedagogy and Andragogy, following her role as Deputy Head since 2018.

Her academic profile spans multiple professional domains:

• President of the Association of Social Educators (since 2022)
• Member of editorial boards for international journals including 'Sociální pedagogika' (Czech Republic), 'Pedagogika spoleczna' and 'Empowerment' (Poland)
• Active participant in national and international research projects (APVV, VEGA, KEGA, Vysegrad Fund)
• Member of the Scientific Council of Comenius University's Faculty of Medicine
• Reviewer for international scientific publications

Niklová's research focuses on the intersection of social pedagogy, digital media, and youth development, with particular emphasis on online risk behavior prevention, social pathology, and inclusive education for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Her work bridges academic research with practical application in educational settings, making her a recognized expert both in scholarly circles and in practical social pedagogy. She has contributed significantly to national projects supporting inclusive environments in primary schools and has been instrumental in creating methodological materials for social educators.

Her publication record demonstrates consistent scholarly impact, with 12 scientific monographs, 12 university textbooks, over 70 scientific studies, and more than 60 additional professional publications. These works have received 691 citations overall, with 35 registered in WoS and Scopus citation indices. The analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong thematic focus on digital challenges facing youth, particularly Generation Z's experiences in virtual environments, online risk behaviors, and strategies for prevention and intervention in educational settings.

Niklová's professional activities include:

• Principal investigator for 'Media literacy as a means of eliminating fake news influence' (VEGA 1/0523/23)
• Project coordinator for 'Prevention of online risk behavior' (KEGA 024UMB-4/2022)
• Lecturing workshops for primary school teachers through the Methodological and Pedagogical Center
• Providing training for social educators within the Association of Social Pedagogues
• Participating in the creation of the Global Alliance of Social Pedagogues (since 2021)

Her practical experience extends beyond academia, having worked at the Children's Rescue Line as a consultant (1999-2001) and later as a supervisor, giving her valuable frontline experience that informs her academic work.