The University of West Bohemia has a new professor: mathematician Petr Stehlík

Petr Stehlík from the Faculty of Applied Sciences (FAV) was appointed professor on Tuesday, December 10, at Prague’s Karolinum. He received his appointment decree from the President of the Republic. His work focuses primarily on the description of temporal evolution in mathematical models.

The newly appointed professor Petr Stehlík focuses his research primarily on describing temporal evolution in mathematical models, particularly those related to economic and biological problems. “Imagine human or economic networks where information or collaboration spreads among individuals or companies, much like how a forest grows or diseases spread. Sometimes the information passes through and stays forever; other times, it just passes but is forgotten. In some cases, islands, strips, or other fine structures remain—for instance, when we or companies establish long-term collaborations. This can help explain why we, or certain animal species, tend to help each other more or less,” explains Professor Petr Stehlík, shedding light on the world of applied mathematics.

Seemingly complex mathematics and mathematical models thus provide a language for applied sciences. “Our models do not immediately change the world. Instead, they reveal principles of how things work and help mitigate radical perspectives suggesting that societal phenomena must exist or function in a certain way,” explains Petr Stehlík, highlighting the value of studying temporal evolution in mathematical models.

Petr Stehlík has previously worked at universities in Australia and Germany, and his work has been recognized with an award from the Royal Academy of Sciences of Belgium. Students can meet him in courses ranging from basic mathematical analysis to subjects on differential equations and dynamic systems, as well as mathematical economics and game theory.

“For many of my results, directly or indirectly, I owe a great deal to broad discussions, critical feedback, and the good fortune of having outstanding people around me—an amazing family, scientific collaborators, and students. On this occasion, I would especially like to thank my co-authors, the inspiring and critically thinking people from FAV (Faculty of Applied Sciences), the Department of Mathematics, and my closest collaborators,” said Petr Stehlík.