COMPASS | Center for Complex Particle Systems

Decoding Complexity, Engineering the Future.

Center for Complex Particle Systems (COMPASS)

Simple pathways to complex materials.

MISSION

We advance the design and manufacturing of complex materials with mission-critical combinations of ‘impossible’ properties for a secure and healthy future of the nation and the world.

VISION

By bridging the theory of graphs, physics of networks, science of self-assembly and artificial intelligence, we create scalable materials with controllable combinations of order and disorder to accelerate transformative solutions to technological challenges of today and tomorrow.

Research Focus Areas

Graph Theoretical Description of Colloids as Complex Systems

Graph-Based Functionality Metrics for Colloidal Particle Systems

Pathways to Complex Particle Systems

Implementation of Complex Particle Systems

Our Leadership

Nicholas A. Kotov

Director

Martin Thuo

Deputy Director

Elena della Valle

Managing Director

Our Team

COMPASS News

Kids Who Code hosted 3 students at NCRC for an MC2 Tour

Kids Who Code students local to the Ann Arbor and Detroit areas were invited to tour the North Campus Research Complex (NCRC) and the Michigan Center for Materials Characterization (MC2). Dr. Nancy Muyanja showcased how researchers study complex materials, including...

Exploring Brain Health Across Scales: A Two-Day Challenge on the Networks that Drive Neuroinnovation

On May 7–8, 2025, COMPASS proudly partnered with the Biointerfaces Institute at the University of Michigan to present the Nanoscale, Microscale, and Macroscale Networks in Brain Health Technologies Challenge. The two-day event convened a dynamic community of...

The 2025 COMPASS AI/ML Grand Challenge Launches This June

Get ready for an inspiring global event! The 2025 COMPASS AI/ML Grand Challenge, taking place from June 2–10, invites African researchers, data scientists, and AI/ML practitioners to step up and tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges through...