Exploring Invisible, Advancing Science

Dr. Erdal C. Oguz. (Photo/S&T Daily)

In 2019, Dr. Erdal C. Oguz, a young scientist with a passion for the invisible forces that shape the world, packed his bags for a short trip to China. The trip turned into a life-changing adventure, one that would lead him to the heart of China's scientific community and deepen his love for the mysteries of soft matter and colloidal physics.

Sitting down for an interview with Science and Technology Daily (S&T Daily), Oguz shared his story with a deep appreciation for the world around him.

Science of everyday life

When asked about his research, his face lights up with enthusiasm. "It's not as remote as it might seem. Soft matter is everywhere."

He points out everyday examples, like aerosols in the air and the liquid crystals in LCD screens, to demonstrate how prevalent soft matter is in our daily lives. "Even your cup of coffee contains colloidal particles," he adds with a smile.

The ability to connect complex scientific concepts to everyday life is one of his strengths. "I see myself as a messenger," he adds, "explaining to people how fascinating this world is."

His interest in the field was triggered by a series of small experiences. "It was during an undergraduate lecture in Germany that I first became captivated by soft matter," Oguz recalls. "It wasn't one particular instance, but rather the gradual realization that soft matter was all around me."

But what does his work actually mean for the rest of us? "Most of my research is about understanding the fundamentals," he explains. "It's like building a house and you need a strong foundation before you can create something amazing."

Beyond the basics, he also works on practical applications, like developing materials that can absorb and distribute stress in a targeted manner and thus can potentially be used in industries such as automotive manufacturing. "Soft matter is both fundamental and practical," he says. "It's about understanding the world and then using that knowledge to make life better."

Why China? Why not?

After that short trip to China six years ago, Oguz decided to make a move that would change his life. He accepted a position at the Institute of Physics (IOP) at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). When asked why he chose China, his simple but telling answer is: "Why not?"

He had already established connections with colleagues in China during the first trip and applied for a position on seeing the potential for collaboration. He was struck by the rapid development and openness of the scientific community in China and describes his first impressions of China's scientific environment as "amazing". "In just three years, China's scientific landscape has changed significantly. The openness to international collaboration is incredible," he says.

The dynamic nature of Chinese society plays a vital role in advancing science. "It's not just about building infrastructure; it's about building relationships. Science, at its core, is international. Collaboration is key to progress." He regards cross-border cooperation as essential for scientific and technological advancement.

On the impact of China's growing openness, Oguz points to a recent report that identifies China as a global leader in physics research. "In the field of physics, China now leads in 10 key areas in terms of publications. This is huge for global scientific innovation. More collaborations mean more ideas, and that ultimately benefits everyone."

China's tech surge

China has made remarkable advancements in a variety of scientific fields, with particular emphasis on AI, renewable energy and electric vehicles (EVs). "Chinese companies are now leading global markets in EVs, quantum computing and big data," he says.

Oguz highlights the universal impact of China's technological innovations: "Every advancement in technology contributes to humanity's progress. Some might seem small, but all of them matter in the grand scheme of things. Every technological achievement and invention inherently has an added value, and has a contribution to the progress of humanity in general."

He acknowledges that certain technological developments, such as nuclear energy, can have mixed consequences, but overall, technological progress drives humanity forward.

Looking ahead, he hopes "we can move beyond economic tensions and work together for the benefit of everyone. When scientists collaborate, they create a space where ideas can flow freely. That's how innovation happens."

Embracing Chinese culture

Beyond his scientific endeavors, Oguz is seeking to immerse himself in Chinese culture. "From east to west, north to south, China is incredibly diverse," he remarks. "The architecture, the food, the traditions — there's so much to explore."

Having grown up in Türkiye, he finds similarities between the ancient Chinese and Middle Eastern civilizations. "Both societies developed independently but have rich histories," he says. "You can see that in the food, the literature and even in the way people approach life."

One cultural aspect that particularly fascinates him is the concept of patience and harmony. "I'm still learning it," he says. "As a scientist, I'm used to structured, result-oriented thinking. But here, I'm learning to embrace a more relaxed approach, letting things flow."

IOP also contributed to this article.

Source: Science and Technology Daily