Kuramoto specializes in nonlinear dynamics (also known as nonlinear science) and non-equilibrium statistical mechanics. Notably, he has worked on the network dynamics created by limit cycle oscillators. Among his accomplishments is the derivation of the Kuramoto–Sivashinsky equation, which describes the phase instability of oscillating fields. This is regarded as the first example of spatiotemporal chaos. Another achievement is his proposal of a solvable model for oscillator populations, now known as the Kuramoto model. Other achievements include deriving the complex Ginzburg–Landau equation in reaction-diffusion systems and studying the entrainment phenomenon in coupled oscillator systems.
His book "Chemical Oscillations, Waves, and Turbulence" is one of the most cited publications in the field of nonlinear dynamics, and it is often said that "the number of citations exceeds the number of copies published."
Career
1964 - Graduated from the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Kyoto University
1969 - Left the Doctoral Course of the Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, after earning the required credits. Assistant at the Faculty of Science, Kyushu University
April 1976 - Associate Professor, Faculty of Science, Kyoto University
April 1981 - Professor at the Research Institute for Fundamental Physics, Kyoto University
April 1985 - Professor, Faculty of Science, Kyoto University
1995 - Professor, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University
2004 ** Retired from Kyoto University and became an Emeritus Professor of Kyoto University. Specially Appointed Professor, Hokkaido University COE
2005 - Received the Asahi Prize for his pioneering research on nonlinear science, such as synchronization phenomena.[2]
2008 - Visiting Professor, Research Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Kyoto University (Itoh Kiyoshi Doctor Gauss Prize Award Memorial (Nomura Group) Mathematical Analysis Contribution Research Division)
2013 - Deputy Director, International Institute for Advanced Studies (until March 2017)
Major works
Chemical Oscillations, Waves, and Turbulence Springer-Verlag, 1984 (Reissued by Dover publications in 2003)
"Iwanami Lectures: The World of Physics, Statistical Mechanics 1: Bridging Micro and Macro—Thoughts on Heat and Statistical Mechanics" (Iwanami Shoten, 2002)
"
New Natural Science—The Potential of Nonlinear Science" (Iwanami Shoten, 2003) Chikuma Gakugei Bunko, 2016