Viera Paganová

Prof. Viera Paganová is a Full Professor and Head of the Department of Planting Design and Maintenance at the Institute of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra. With over 25 years of academic experience, she has established herself as a leading expert in urban forestry, landscape ecology, and plant physiology, focusing particularly on tree species adaptation to urban stressors.

Her educational background includes:

• Phytology studies at Technical University of Zvolen (1991-1995)
• Forestry studies at Technical University of Zvolen (1986-1991)

Prof. Paganová's research centers on plant adaptation to urban environments, with special emphasis on drought and salinity tolerance in tree species. Her work bridges theoretical ecology with practical landscape architecture applications, developing methodologies for selecting and managing tree species in challenging urban conditions. She has pioneered research on unconventional tree species for urban planting, particularly focusing on Pyrus pyraster and Sorbus domestica.

Her extensive publication record shows a clear trend toward addressing climate change impacts on urban green infrastructure. Recent works emphasize digital technologies in landscape restoration, physiological responses to environmental stressors, and integrating ecological principles into recreational and educational spaces. Her research demonstrates how physiological understanding can inform practical urban forestry solutions.

Prof. Paganová has contributed significantly to professional standards in arboriculture:

• Arboricultural standard series (1-7) covering tree planting, pruning, and urban tree management
• Manual for the management of invasive tree species in protected areas
• Methodologies for introducing climate-resilient tree species

As Head of Department, she oversees educational programs in landscape architecture while leading the Urban Environment and Landscape Modeling Laboratory. Her work integrates teaching, research, and practical application, with current projects focusing on proactive urban tree management education and the FIELDLAB initiative promoting biodiversity in urban settlements.

Her laboratory team conducts cutting-edge research on tree physiology under stress conditions, developing practical guidelines for urban forestry professionals across Slovakia and contributing to European initiatives on climate-resilient urban green infrastructure.