"I've been a fan of electrical engineering for a long time. When I was searching the internet for something to learn more about it, I came across Physics Thursdays. The first time I came was for a climate detective story with Mr. Veselý, and I was amazed," recalls Lukáš Horák, a student at Pod Marjánkou Elementary School. "At the end of the lecture, I knew that I liked it and that I wanted to come back. So I started attending regularly."
He was the one who brought his classmate Hugo Albrecht to the faculty. "Lukáš took me with him for the first time in eighth grade, and we both fell in love with it. He started showing me what electrical engineering is all about, and I discovered that it's a field full of creativity," says Hugo.
Both agree that the greatest charm of Physics Thursdays is the opportunity to experience science live—to see experiments, hear explanations from experts, and soak up the atmosphere of a real university. And even though some topics are beyond their current knowledge, Lukáš takes it with a smile:
"I'm fourteen, so it's clear that I don't understand everything. But I have my motto – even if I take away a single piece of information from the lecture that broadens my horizons, it was worth it."
In addition to listening, both boys are actively involved in "tinkering" – they build their own devices at home, repair computers, and prepare projects for competitions. Lukáš, for example, is currently working on a miniature CANSAT satellite, while Hugo is building his own computer from non-functional components.
"Thanks to Physics Thursdays, I now understand what our physics teacher explains at school better," says Hugo. "When you take an interest in something outside of class, everything starts to make more sense."
Both are thinking about a future revolving around technology. Lukáš would like to study at FEL one day. "It's my dream. That's why I go to Physics Thursdays, to be as close to the school as possible. It's a beautiful place where you can always learn something new."
In conclusion, Lukáš adds a thought that sums up the mission of Physics Thursdays. "They say that those who are curious will soon grow old. But I think it should rather be said that those who are curious will soon become educated."
The students were also noticed by the CEZ Group
Lukáš and Hugo captivated the audience in the lecture hall with their curious questions back in December 2024 during a discussion after Physics Thursday, which featured a presentation by Dr. Jan Rataj from the Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering at the Czech Technical University in Prague entitled What Awaits Us in the Core in 2025.
It was then that they caught the attention of representatives of the CEZ Group who were present at the lecture. They subsequently rewarded the schoolchildren's enthusiasm with, among other things, a personal invitation to the introductory part of the SMR Camp, which is intended for university students.
"Initiating interest in technology as early as elementary school is a phenomenon that is increasingly being noticed by both the academic and applied spheres, including CEZ management. I think their story is a wonderful example of the path to follow and how interest in technical fields is born," said Josef Kaňkovský from the Strategic Recruitment and School Cooperation Department of the CEZ Group, adding that their interest is also driven by an enthusiastic physics teacher.
Every summer, CEZ organizes a week-long internship called SMR Camp, which focuses on the latest nuclear technologies—small modular technologies. The internship includes interesting excursions and inspiring lectures by experts from the field. Participants get to meet important figures and leaders in the nuclear energy sector. At the same time, they have the opportunity to win a scholarship that will help them launch their careers.
In addition to the aforementioned event, CEZ also organizes Summer Universities in Temelín and Dukovany.
Physics Thursday at FEE CTU is a popular series of lectures and seminars organized by the Department of Physics at FEE CTU for students, teachers, professionals, and the general public. At the end of each lecture, the audience has the opportunity to ask the speakers questions.
