A New Czech Edition of the Legendary Physics Textbook Launched at FME

On Thursday, 9 April 2026, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at Brno University of Technology hosted the ceremonial launch of the third Czech edition of the world-renowned textbook HRW Physics (Halliday–Resnick–Walker). For decades, this publication has been one of the cornerstones of physics teaching at technical universities around the world. It has now been published by VUTIUM Press in an updated form that reflects current demands on teaching and on understanding physical principles.

Launch of the 3rd Czech edition of the HRW Physics textbook. | Author: Václav Široký

The programme also included a lecture entitled Ten Years with Gravitational Waves, delivered by Professor Jiří Podolský from the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics at Charles University. He guided the audience through one of the most significant discoveries in contemporary physics and highlighted the crucial role of engineering and advanced technologies in the detection of gravitational waves.

The new edition builds on more than twenty years of Czech translation tradition, to which Professor Petr Dub from the Institute of Physical Engineering at FME, BUT has been one of the key contributors. Over the long term, the publication has helped improve the teaching of physics not only at universities, but has also inspired secondary-school teachers.

Professor Jiří Podolský of Charles University delivered the lecture “Ten Years with Gravitational Waves”. | Author: Václav Široký

"The form of the third Czech edition, based on the tenth American edition, as well as its teaching approach, has changed substantially. The publication now offers a modern arrangement of chapters into teaching modules with clearly defined learning objectives. The explanation is systematic and accessible, accompanied by a large number of fully worked examples, and leads readers step by step towards understanding and actively applying physics," says Petr Dub.

The event offered students and the wider professional public not only an opportunity to meet the authors and guests, but also the chance to purchase the textbook on site at a discounted price.

You can read an interview with Professor Petr Dub here.

Source: FME BUT