Dr. Fahrudin Nugroho, a UGM Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA UGM) lecturer, was inaugurated as a professor of nonlinear dynamics and chaos on Tuesday (Apr. 22) at the UGM Senate Hall.
In his inaugural address, “Prospects for the Development of Complex Dynamics Research in Physical Systems,” Professor Nugroho highlighted how the concepts of chaos and turbulence are not merely difficult physics terms but realities that shape many aspects of life.
“Understanding disorder is the key to creating new solutions in a fast-paced and complex world. This is a kind of science that may sound abstract, but its impact is very real,” the new professor said on Tuesday (Apr. 22).
Chaos and turbulence often occur unnoticed, from wind and cloud patterns in the sky to fluid dynamics in the industry. Despite appearing random, these systems still adhere to the fundamental laws of physics and have statistical structures that can be analyzed.
In other words, science can detect hidden patterns even in disorder. This foundation is crucial in fields like engineering, meteorology, and aviation.
“Turbulence is the state of highly irregular and swirling fluid flow, while chaos refers to the dynamics of deterministic systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions,” Professor Nugroho explained.
As a continuously evolving field, nonlinear dynamics and chaos encompass three primary branches: theoretical development, system control, and practical applications.
He cited the use of machine learning algorithms to predict chaotic systems and how bifurcation theory helps explain instability in ecological systems.
“What seems disordered may actually be a process toward a new balance, and understanding that process can help save many things, from natural systems to human health. Chaos is not always permanent. Sometimes, it’s just a temporary dynamic phase,” he added.
At UGM, research on chaos dynamics has grown rapidly. One notable example is the development of a Rayleigh-Bénard Convection (RBC) system, which allows researchers to observe the transition from orderly to turbulent flow.
In addition, UGM’s Department of Physics is exploring electrohydrodynamics (EHD) in liquid crystals, which has led to the discovery of a phenomenon called soft-mode turbulence (SMT)—a type of turbulence with low nonlinearity.
This discovery opens doors not only for fundamental research but also for applications in materials science and electronics.
“We identified the presence of glassy dynamics in SMT and discovered that SMT responds to alternating magnetic fields in a way that mimics ferromagnetic characteristics,” Professor Nugroho noted.
Beyond experiments, the research team is also employing numerical approaches by analyzing various nonlinear differential equations, such as the Kuramoto–Sivashinsky, Swift–Hohenberg, and Nikolaevskii equations.
These simulations allow researchers to test hypotheses without immediately resorting to laboratory work, offering opportunities to explore new ideas that could later be developed into practical technologies.
“These simulations provide crucial insight into the transition from regular to chaotic dynamics, as well as the hidden structures within turbulence,” he said.
The professor also acknowledged influential figures in the field, such as Pierre-Gilles de Gennes, Giorgio Parisi, and Edward Ott, whose work has shown that seemingly chaotic systems can contain hidden orders vital for advancing technology, communications, and artificial intelligence.
He cited chaos shift keying-based communication technology, which is difficult to intercept and highly relevant for data security systems and the Internet of Things (IoT).
According to Professor Nugroho, chaos science is no longer limited to academic study; it is now part of the future of digital technology.
Closing his speech, Professor Nugroho expressed his gratitude to his family, colleagues, institution, and everyone who has supported his journey thus far.
He also expressed his hope that the next generation of scientists will continue exploring the potential of complex dynamics in physical systems.
“By understanding complex dynamics, we can develop new methods to control and utilize these phenomena, both to deepen our understanding of nature and to apply it in technology. In an increasingly complex world, perhaps chaos will help us uncover patterns, hope, and breakthroughs,” he concluded.
Chair of the UGM Professorial Board, Professor M. Baiquni, stated that with this inauguration, Professor Nugroho became one of 526 active professors at Universitas Gadjah Mada and strengthened the group of 56 active professors at FMIPA UGM.
This achievement reinforces UGM’s position as a center of academic excellence in complex dynamics in physical systems and becomes part of a growing intellectual legacy, cultivating ideas and dedication to national advancement.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photographer: Firsto