BANDUNG – The Rector of Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Prof. Dr. Ir. Tatacipta Dirgantara, M.T., officially inaugurated Prof. Ir. Lavi Rizki Zuhal, Ph.D., as Vice Rector for Research and Innovation (WRRI) on Tuesday (Feb. 25, 2025) at the West Hall, ITB Ganesha Campus. The ceremony was attended by the Chair of the ITB Academic Senate, ITB leadership, and invited guests.

The procession began with the reading of the ITB Officials’ Oath of Office, followed by the inauguration statement delivered by the Rector. Afterward, Prof. Tatacipta gave a speech, which was followed by congratulations from the attendees.

In his remarks, the Rector highlighted the strategic role of the WRRI in strengthening research and innovation that benefits society and the nation.

“The ITB academic community and the public have high expectations for ITB’s progress and its contribution to the nation. Therefore, we must work diligently to achieve the targets that have been set,” said Prof. Tatacipta.

ITB remains committed to fostering an excellent academic atmosphere, producing graduates of strong character, and generating impactful research and innovations. The Rector also emphasized the importance of leadership that supports and empowers the academic community to work at their best.

Profile of Prof. Ir. Lavi Rizki Zuhal, Ph.D.

Prof. Lavi succeeds Prof. Brian Yuliarto, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D., who now serves as Indonesia’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology. He is a Professor in the Fluid Dynamics and Propulsion Research Group at ITB’s Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (FTMD). Before his appointment as WRRI, Prof. Lavi served as Vice Dean for Academic Affairs at FTMD ITB.

He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland in 1996, followed by a master’s and a doctorate in Aeronautics from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in 1997 and 2001, respectively. After completing his doctoral studies, Prof. Lavi continued postdoctoral research at Caltech’s Graduate Aeronautical Laboratories for a year before joining ITB as a faculty member.

Prof. Lavi also served as a strategic research policy advisor to Indonesia’s National Innovation Council (2010–2013). In recognition of his dedication, he received the ITB Award for Excellence in Research in 2016.

His research interests include fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, and computational science, with a focus on developing mathematical models of complex systems based on simulation and experimental data. He has published 92 scientific papers in national and international journals and proceedings and has participated in 41 research projects. Some of his ongoing research includes mesh-free Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), design optimization using machine learning, flapping-wing aerodynamics, and turbulent boundary-layer control.

In November 2024, Prof. Lavi received the Nurtanio Award from Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) in recognition of his significant contributions to the advancement of science and technology in the fields of aviation and aerospace.