Bronislava Adamjáková (muni.cz) is a first‑year PhD researcher at the Faculty of Economics and Administration at Masaryk University, where she studies economics with a strong focus on social policy and public administration.
- Industry relevance tags: Social policy, Public administration, Data-driven policy, AI & digital innovation
- Core research problem: Why a large share of people who are legally entitled to social benefits do not apply for them, and how lack of knowledge, administrative complexity, and social networks contribute to non-take-up, leading to ineffective social protection systems.
Bronislava Adamjáková, The Short Version
- LinkedIn: Bronislava Adamjáková
- University Profile Page: Bronislava Adamjáková | Masaryk University
Bronislava is a first‑year PhD researcher in economics at Masaryk University, exploring why people who are entitled to social benefits often do not apply for them.
Using EU‑SILC data and experimental methods, her work highlights that non‑take‑up can be far more widespread than benefit abuse , challenging common policy assumptions.
Alongside her academic work, she brings a strong creative background in marketing and design.
Outside research, hiking and creative pursuits help her clear her mind and reconnect with purpose.
Bronislava's research centers on the effectiveness of social transfers and asks a deceptively simple but socially urgent question.
"Why do so many people who are entitled to social benefits never apply for them?"
Her work examines how limited knowledge of the social system, administrative barriers, stigma, and social networks influence people's decisions not to claim benefits they are legally entitled to. Methodologically, she combines large‑scale EU‑SILC data with her own experimental research to better understand both structural and behavioral drivers of non‑take‑up.
A Hidden Problem in Social Policy
One of the most striking insights from Bronislava's work so far challenges dominant public narratives around welfare systems.
While benefit abuse is commonly estimated at around 5 to 10 percent, non‑take‑up of social benefits can reach almost 80 percent in some specific cases. This means that in many contexts, far more people are excluded from support because systems are difficult to navigate than because they are misused.
"Non‑take‑up of social benefits is a much more widespread problem than abuse, yet it receives far less attention in public discourse."
By shifting attention from misuse to missed opportunities, her research reframes how policymakers, administrators, and the public might think about fairness, efficiency, and accessibility in social systems.
From Research to Policy Impact
Bronislava's work is explicitly policy‑oriented. Her ambition is not only to explain why social systems fail certain groups, but to provide evidence that can help redesign them.
She aims to contribute to social systems that are clearer, more humane, and more effective at reaching people in need, particularly vulnerable populations such as seniors or those at risk of social exclusion. Here research speaks directly to policymakers, public authorities, NGOs, and organizations working within social services.
Building Meaningful Collaborations
In terms of collaboration, Bronislava is keen to connect on multiple levels.
She seeks relationships with fellow PhD researchers working on social policy or public‑sector topics, as well as with experienced academics who can support her development in research design, publishing, and career planning.
Equally important to her are connections outside academia. Collaborations with public authorities, NGOs, and practitioners help ground her research in real‑world needs and ensure that academic insights can translate into practical impact. International and interdisciplinary collaborations play a key role in broadening her perspective and avoiding siloed thinking.
Creativity Beyond Economics
Alongside her academic work, Bronislava brings a strong creative background. She has several years of experience in marketing and creativity, working part-time as a marketing specialist focused on newsletters, graphics, and SEO. She also creates vector graphics and enjoys visual expression as a counterbalance to analytical work.
Her broader interests include history, genealogy, drawing, and painting. And, as she notes with a smile, being from the Czech Republic also comes with a genuine appreciation for beer tasting with friends, valued as much for social connection as for tradition.
Feeling Comfortable in This World
Outside of work, Bronislava finds her strongest sense of grounding in nature. Hiking in the mountains allows her to switch off mental noise, clear her thoughts, and reconnect with a sense of purpose.
She describes these moments as essential for feeling comfortable living in this world, a phrase that reflects both personal balance and a deeper motivation behind her research.
"I want to be able to explain my research clearly, build meaningful connections, and translate academic work into real impact, whether in policy, practice, or interdisciplinary collaboration."