About the Institute of Theoretical Physics
- Head
- Vice-head
- Scientific sercretary
- Office secretaries
- Bc. Lenka Knotková
- +420 95155 2512
- lenka.knotkova@matfyz.cuni.cz
- Bc. Eva Kostrhúnová, DiS.
- +420 95155 2493
- eva.kostrhunova@matfyz.cuni.cz
- Address:
- Institute of Theoretical Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University
- V Holešovičkách 2
- 180 00 Prague 8
- E-mail:
- utf@matfyz.cuni.cz
The Present
Research in theoretical physics covers (often even at a single institution) a number of physical disciplines that significantly influence each other through their methods and approaches. At the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics of Charles University, theoretical physics is currently developed at several departments; however, the center of teaching and fundamental research in the field is at the Institute of Theoretical Physics, which is the guarantor of both master's and doctoral studies.
The scientific activity of the institute is primarily focused on relativistic physics, astrophysics and cosmology, quantum theory and theoretical atomic physics, mathematical statistical physics, and computational physics.
From History
The tradition of theoretical physics in our country can be traced back to the very beginning of the century, when Ernst Mach, Albert Einstein, and later outstanding Czech scientists such as Prof. Záviška and Prof. Trkal worked at Charles University. They contributed to the acceptance and development of fundamental theories of modern physics (theory of relativity, quantum theory). In the postwar years, the development of theoretical physics is associated with the names of Prof. V. Votruba (nuclear theory and elementary particles), Prof. M. Brdička (continuum mechanics, theory of relativity), and others.
The Department of Theoretical Physics was established at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics in the second half of the 1950s. Its successive heads were Prof. C. Muzikář, Prof. M. Brdička, Prof. V. Votruba, and Prof. L. Valenta.
In 1976, the Department of Theoretical Physics was administratively dissolved and roughly half of its staff moved to other physics departments. The remaining part joined the newly established Department of Mathematical Physics, headed by Assoc. Prof. J. Kvasnica. This department took over the pedagogical functions of the dissolved Department of Theoretical Physics, namely responsibility for the theoretical and mathematical physics study program and coordination of theoretical physics courses for all fields. Roughly half of the Department of Mathematical Physics staff consisted of a group of applied mathematicians led by Prof. J. Nečas. This group separated from the department in 1981. In 1986, Prof. Kvasnica stepped down as head of the department, and Assoc. Prof. J. Bičák was appointed as the new head.
In 1991, the name was changed to Department of Theoretical Physics. The name more aptly reflects the focus of most staff members; the continuity with the former Department of Theoretical Physics is also given by the continuous role the department has played throughout, primarily in educating students.
In the spring of 1994, Prof. J. Bičák was appointed head of the department until 1998 following a competitive selection process.
In the autumn of 1999, the department was renamed to the Institute of Theoretical Physics.
In 2003, Prof. J. Horáček was appointed head of the institute.
After two terms, Assoc. Prof. O. Semerák took over in 2011 and began opening the Institute of Theoretical Physics to the international scientific community, welcoming the first foreign postdocs.
In 2019, prof. P. Krtouš became head of the Institute. During his term, the reform of the PhD programme was completed, with admission taking the form of an international selection procedure.
Since 2025, Assoc. Prof. K. Houfek has been the head of the institute.
