Combined study

4 years

doc. Ing. Bc. Marek Semela, Ph.D.

Chairman :
doc. Ing. Bc. Marek Semela, Ph.D.
Councillor internal :
doc. Ing. Radek Knoflíček, Dr.
doc. Ing. Robert Kledus, Ph.D.
doc. Ing. et Ing. Martin Cupal, Ph.D. et Ph.D.
prof. Ing. Rostislav Drochytka, CSc., MBA, dr. h. c.
prof. Ing. Jana Korytárová, Ph.D.
prof. Ing. Jiří Mišurec, CSc.
prof. Dr. habil. Ing. Pavel Foltin, Ph.D.
doc. Ing. Karel Šuhajda, Ph.D.
prof. Ing. Mgr. Karel Pospíšil, Ph.D., LL.M.
Councillor external :
doc. RNDr. Mgr. Petr Adolf Skřehot, Ph.D., MSc.
Ing. Dagmar Vágnerová Linnertová, Ph.D.
prof. Ing. Zora Petráková, PhD.
Ing. Jindřich Frič, Ph.D.

1. round (applications submitted from 01.04.2026 to 31.05.2026)

1. Geo-economic Shocks, Economic Complexity and Systemic Resilience of Critical Infrastructure Supply Chains

   The dissertation will focus on analysing the impacts of geo-economic shocks on the resilience of supply chains and critical infrastructure systems in an increasingly uncertain global environment. Geo-economic shocks may include armed conflicts, trade sanctions, disruptions of logistics routes, resource crises, or technological restrictions, which can trigger domino and cascading effects across economic and infrastructural systems.

   The main objective of the research is to identify and quantify the mechanisms through which such shocks propagate through global supply and value chains and to assess their socio-economic impacts on critical infrastructure and strategic sectors. The research will combine international trade data analysis, economic complexity indicators, trade network analysis, and simulation approaches (e.g. multi-agent modelling and scenario simulations).

   The study will develop an integrated analytical framework for assessing the geo-economic resilience of critical infrastructure supply chains, enabling the identification of key vulnerabilities, modelling of potential disruption scenarios, and quantification of their socio-economic impacts at the level of countries, regions, and economic sectors.

   The contribution of the dissertation will consist in developing a methodological and analytical framework for assessing geo-economic risks and resilience of critical infrastructure supply chains. The proposed approach will enable the identification of structural vulnerabilities in economic systems, analysis of shock propagation in trade and logistics networks, and quantification of their socio-economic impacts.

   The novelty of the research lies in integrating economic complexity methods, trade network analysis, simulation modelling, and resilience engineering principles into a unified evaluation framework. The results may support strategic decision-making in industrial policy, economic security, crisis management, and supply chain risk management.

   Supervisor: Foltin Pavel, prof. Dr. habil. Ing., Ph.D.

2. Characterization of Microstructural Changes in Selected Binders

   The dissertation topic focuses on the characterization of microstructural changes in selected binders using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as a key analytical tool. The main objective of the research is to identify, describe, and interpret changes in the microstructure of binders over time, depending on various influencing factors. The research is oriented toward selected binders used in construction (particularly cement-based, asphalt, and potentially alternative binders), whose microstructure fundamentally influences their macroscopic properties, such as strength, durability, and resistance to degradation processes. SEM analysis will be used to investigate the morphology of secondary products, the development of pores and cracks, the nature of interfaces between individual phases, and the identification of degradation mechanisms.

   The work combines an experimental approach with advanced image analysis and chemical microanalysis (especially EDS). Emphasis will be placed on identifying diagnostically significant features of defects and their relationship to the causes of structural damage. The results of the dissertation are expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of processes occurring at the microstructural level and to provide a methodological basis for the application of SEM analysis in forensic engineering practice, particularly in the assessment of failures in civil engineering structures, determination of their causes, and evaluation of the quality and durability of the materials used.

   Supervisor: Pospíšil Karel, prof. Ing. Mgr., Ph.D., LL.M.

3. Model for Determining Cost Items of Transport Infrastructure Projects

   The dissertation topic focuses on the development of a model for determining cost items of transport infrastructure projects using existing cost databases and real data from completed projects. The main objective of the research is to create a methodologically grounded and reproducible model enabling the determination and updating of unit prices for construction works and structures at different stages of transport project preparation. The work is based on the structure of cost databases for transport infrastructure, in particular the Classification System of Construction Works and Structures (OTSKP) and related documents for individual stages of project preparation.

   The research will include an analysis of itemized budgets from completed projects and their statistical evaluation. The model will take into account the influence of key inputs such as material costs, labor costs, machinery costs, quantity discounts, overhead costs, and profit. It will also incorporate modelling of price development over time and propose a mechanism for the regular updating of cost databases. The dissertation will further focus on the development of a system for adjusting the composition of cost items (including their addition and removal) based on investor requirements and practical experience, including verification of the impact of these changes on overall construction costs. An important part of the research will also be the back-testing of the model through the analysis of tender prices, changes during construction, and the costing of reference projects.

   The outcome of the dissertation will be the design of a comprehensive model for determining cost items of transport infrastructure projects, contributing to improved accuracy, transparency, and comparability of construction cost estimates. The model will be applicable not only in the investment planning phase of transport projects but also in forensic engineering practice, particularly in assessing the adequacy of prices, analyzing change orders, and identifying discrepancies between planned and actual costs.

   Supervisor: Pospíšil Karel, prof. Ing. Mgr., Ph.D., LL.M.

4. Property price indices and price trend estimations on market segments with sparse data

   In the cross-sectional issues of forensic engineering and real estate valuation, there is a lack of existing price indices or estimates of their continuous trends for quantitative work, especially in market segments with sparse and complex data. It is therefore necessary and desirable to construct these tools and enable their application in expert valuations in a way that creates a combination of the quantitative frame and the qualitative aspects of these properties and their position on the market.

   The topic is based on the areas of time series analysis, price index construction, possibly non-parametric smoothing and statistical analysis of sparse data.

   At least, knowledge and skills of basic statistical procedures, possibly the basics of econometrics in the area of ​​time series, possibly economic statistics and the issue of index construction are required.

   Supervisor: Cupal Martin, doc. Ing. et Ing., Ph.D. et Ph.D.

5. Resilience and Security of Supply Chains: Modelling Risks, Impacts, and Systemic Recovery

   The dissertation will focus on the resilience and security of supply and distribution chains, with an emphasis on risk assessment and impact evaluation in the context of changing geopolitical and economic conditions. Special attention will be given to critical supply networks, such as spare parts logistics, transport components, or strategic materials, where disruptions may trigger cascading effects. The main objective is to develop a methodology for assessing the resilience of supply chains by combining risk analysis, scenario modelling, and simulation using digital twin technology. The research will integrate economic and security dimensions, including effects on public infrastructure and industrial systems, and will build on the findings of current research projects addressing resilience, risk evaluation, and socio-economic impact modelling. The contribution of the dissertation will consist in designing an integrated framework for risk assessment and prediction in supply and distribution chains, enabling the simulation and quantification of disruption impacts. The novelty lies in the integration of forensic engineering methods, systems analysis, and data-driven modelling, utilizing digital twin principles and machine learning techniques. The results can support strategic risk management in transport, logistics, and industrial systems, as well as decision-making processes in public administration and crisis management aimed at ensuring supply chain continuity and systemic resilience.

   Supervisor: Foltin Pavel, prof. Dr. habil. Ing., Ph.D.

6. Systemic Resilience and Socio-economic Risks of Critical Infrastructure in the Era of Hybrid Threats

   The dissertation will focus on analysing socio-economic risks and factors influencing the systemic resilience of critical infrastructure in the era of dynamically evolving hybrid threats. The research will integrate technical, economic, and social dimensions of infrastructure performance, emphasizing modelling of domino and cascading effects, digital dependencies, and new forms of hybrid disruptions. The main goal is to develop an integrated Resilience Assessment Framework for identifying vulnerabilities, socio-economic impacts, and strategic priorities for both public authorities and private operators. The study will apply simulation, scenario analysis, and advanced data techniques (machine learning, network analytics) to predict risk dynamics and cross-sector impacts on critical infrastructure systems. The contribution of the dissertation will consist in developing a methodology and model for assessing the systemic resilience of critical infrastructure, taking into account socio-economic interactions, digital interdependencies, and hybrid threats. The novelty lies in an interdisciplinary approach that combines the principles of forensic engineering, data analytics, and security studies. The results can support strategic decision-making in crisis management, defence, and public policy, thereby contributing to strengthening the overall resilience of society.

   Supervisor: Foltin Pavel, prof. Dr. habil. Ing., Ph.D.