Martin Pavlik (62 ) works at the Department of Integrated Forest and Landscape Protection, Faculty of Forestry, Technical University in Zvolen. As an associate professor, he teaches subjects focused on forest phytopathology, mycology and forest protection. He is mostly involved in applied mycology, where he combines scientific and practical knowledge in the field of fungal ecology (especially macromycetes) with the practical needs of forestry in particular. His lectures for students, presentations at scientific conferences, in the media and at various popularization events present the possibilities of using fungi for the benefit of man and in harmony with nature: - fungi as a bioindicator of the state of the forest and nature; the use of fungi for the protection and restoration of nature, the processing and decomposition of waste substances, especially of plant origin; the cultivation of various species of mainly wood-destroying fungi; the use of the properties of fungi in nutrition and strengthening the vitality of man.