Ahoj, I’m Petra Bezděková and I’ve joined the 2024-25 cohort of Doctoral Research​ Fellows at the Wirth Institute at U of A. I’m a PhD student at Palacký University in​ Olomouc, where I​ broadly focus on EU’s external policies and international​ development. However, my dissertation research is more niche as I analyse how the EU​ balances human rights – economic, social and cultural rights and civic and political​ rights – in its development policy.

Studying across Europe, with Master’s degrees from Charles University in Prague and​ Université de Lille in France, gave me a strong foundation in international relations but​ also fed my passion for exploring new places and perspectives. Early in my career, I​ worked at the European Commission in Brussels, gaining insight into how​ development policies are designed at the highest levels. But eager to see these policies​ in action, I headed to Ethiopia with the UNDP, where I helped coordinate social​ protection programs across Sub-Saharan Africa. Just as I was settling into that role, the​ covid-19 pandemic hit, and my team was suddenly managing emergency responses for​ 46 countries! It was an intense but rewarding experience, showing me firsthand the​ critical role social protection systems play in times of crisis. Most recently, I spent nearly​ four years managing bilateral projects in Moldova for the Czech Development Agency,​ gaining experience in effective, on-the-ground policy work – and, of course, becoming​ well-acquainted with the art of navigating bureaucracy.

Today, I balance my research with teaching and remote consulting. Back in Olomouc, I​ taught courses on EU politics and international negotiations, and served as faculty​ advisor to student teams for the National Model United Nations (NMUN). My goal is to​ help bridge the gap between academic research and real-world practice, creating​ policies that work better for the communities they’re meant to support.​ Here in Edmonton, I’m looking forward to my time at the U of A, not only to advance my​ research in an inspiring academic environment but also to take in Alberta’s stunning​ landscapes and vibrant culture – an experience I’m sure will be as enriching personally​ as it is professionally.