Decoding Complexity, Engineering the Future.
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
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...
Our Partners
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