Architect Diana Hodulíková works at the Institute of Spatial Design of the Faculty of Architecture of BUT and, as part of her doctoral studies, under the supervision of her supervisor, Assoc. Prof. Ing. arch. Jiří Palacký, PhD, head of the Institute of Spatial Design, her research focuses on the relationship between architecture, urbanism and social structures in the context of displacement and informal settlements, i.e. structures characterized by limited access to basic services, safe housing and legal property rights. She deals with the sustainable development of cities in the global South, specifically Addis Ababa in Ethiopia.

“I am interested in how informal settlements, i.e. areas that are often referred to as slums, can be sensitively and inclusively integrated into the urban structure. I try to find long-term solutions that are based on the needs and initiatives of local communities,” she described.

Part of her research includes, among other things, the development of an evolutionary matrix, which allows us to monitor how neighborhoods gradually transform and how the quality of life of their residents changes. She has also been collaborating with humanitarian organizations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for a long time, where she participates in projects aimed at improving the living conditions of residents.

“Receiving the Martina Roeselova Memorial Grant for me means recognition of the work I have done in recent years. At the same time, it gives me the opportunity to further develop my research and remain an active part of the academic community, participate in conferences, share results and establish collaborations, which would be much more difficult without such support. The grant also allows me to better balance parenthood and professional life. Thanks to the financial support, I can cover the costs associated with childcare, which will allow me to fully devote myself to research,” highlighted Hodulíková, adding that this type of support is also symbolically important, as it shows that an academic career does not have to stop the moment a person becomes a parent.

The Martina Roeselova Memorial Grant commemorates the internationally renowned scientist Martina Roeselova from the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic. It is awarded annually by the IOCB Tech Endowment Fund based on the evaluation of an expert committee, and it aims to support a balance between a scientific career and personal life. The allocated funds are intended to cover childcare services so that grant holders can continue their studies or research work.