Akos Gosztonyi
(Hungary – GLODEP cohort 2017-2019)

I’m currently working as a Doctoral Researcher at the Sustainable Urban Systems and the Urban Environmental Policy research groups at the University of Helsinki. Before my current position and following the graduation from GLODEP I worked as the Policy and Advocacy Manager of Habitat for Humanity Hungary, a local branch of the US-headquartered international NGO advocating for the eradication of housing deprivation and the improvement of housing conditions of people of low-income and disadvantaged backgrounds. Both in my previous position and in my current role I have built on the knowledge and experience gathered during GLODEP. Switching from a more policy-oriented position to a more academic position was also a smooth process, to which GLODEP contributed greatly via providing an excellent foundation for both formulating research-based policy recommendations and producing policy-relevant research. The multidisciplinary approach has proven to be one of the key strengths of GLODEP. I have applied this perspective on a day-to-day basis in my working life navigating data and policies cutting across disciplines to provide solutions for multidimensional, complex issues. As I continue to work in an international environment, the international nature of GLODEP has also proven to be a wonderful opportunity to learn about and prepare for intercultural encounters not only in professional settings, but among my friends as well. This way, GLODEP has also helped me in building a strong international network of highly skilled and talented people. Living in Olomouc during the program allowed me to focus on my studies by accommodating me in a supportive, safe, and calm environment, while also providing plenty of sights and opportunities to relax, as well as many options to discover the region by (more) sustainable transportation.