The Institute of Physics in Opava as an independent constituent part of Silesian university in Opava was established by the Rector of the Silesian University in Opava on 1 January 2020. Its establishment was preceded in 2019 by extensive negotiations with the management of the Faculty of Philosophy and Science in Opava, in its structure was the Institute of Physics included from the beginning.
The Institute of Physics in Opava is an internationally respected scientific institution, whose scientific activities are realized in the Research Centre for Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics and the Research Centre for Computational Physics and Data Processing. In the field of theoretical physics, research is focused on gravitational theories, elementary particle physics, quantum field theory, quantum theory of multiparticle systems and their applications, especially in astrophysics and cosmology. An important part of scientific activities are computer simulations of physical processes, implementation of numerical methods, processing and analysis of large data sets. Works from various areas of relativistic astrophysics, which cover a wide range of processes in multimessenger astrophysics, from processes in combined strong gravitational and electromagnetic fields around black holes and neutron stars and their observational aspects, to inflationary cosmology and modeling of dark effects eg. multimessenger energy and dark matter at the level of galaxies and their clusters, are most prominent. Employees and doctoral students of the Institute of Physics in Opava achieve significant national and international awards.
Many methods verified in the framework of basic research are also taught at the Institute of Physics in Opava for students of applied physics focused on environmental monitoring and on diagnostic methods and data processing.
The scientific activities of the Institute of Physics in Opava and its employees are closely linked to the scientific research of many world workplaces operating in relativistic astrophysics or particle physics. The Institute of Physics in Opava is a member of ICRANET, a network of workplaces dealing with astrophysics issues, which is spread across all continents. In addition, the staff works intensively with research teams from the University of Oxford, Harvard University, ISAS Trieste, University of Bologna, Fudan University Shanghai, University of Gothenburg, University of Cologne, University of Tübingen, Tashkent University, University of Bremen or with research institutions such as is JINR Dubna, INAF Rome, or MPI Bonn. The number of cooperating institutions is constantly expanding and cooperation is deepening.
Quality of scientific research is a key aspect in the implementation of six study programs provided by the Institute of Physics in Opava. Academic bachelor's, master's and doctoral study programs are organized by the Education Center for Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics, professional study programs are organized by the Education Center for General Physics and Applied Physics. The Institute of Physics in Opava will also provide education of physics for studies accredited at the Faculty of Philosophy and Science in Opava until the expiry of their accreditations. Graduates of subsequent master's degree programs can take here a state rigorous examination in theoretical physics and obtain the title of RNDr. The Institute of Physics in Opava also participates in lifelong learning within the University of the Third Age.
Students of all study programs have extensive opportunities for study visits abroad within the ERASMUS+ program and other exchange programs, and have the opportunity for research cooperation with the world's leading experts. Every year, the Institute of Physics in Opava organizes the traditional RAGtime workshop dedicated to the problems of contemporary relativistic astrophysics focused on the physics of black holes and neutron stars. The workshop includes valuable meetings with leading representatives of the world astrophysics community.
The Institute of Physics in Opava pays special attention to the popularization of science in general and the promotion of the results of its own research. In this respect, the study program Multimedia Technology plays a decisive role, within which the creation of programs is realized. A unique immersive medium is used to popularize science - Unisphere, which enables suggestive 3D projection of popularization programs.
