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.
COMPASS HANDBOOK
Explore the COMPASS Member Handbook — your introduction to our mission, research framework, and the collaborative resources that power our National Science Foundation (NSF) Science and Technology Center (STC). From advancing discoveries in nanostructures and networks to connecting researchers across nine global institutions, the handbook offers a closer look at the people, partnerships, and purpose driving COMPASS forward. Click the image to view the handbook.
Our Signature Programs
Veterans Innovation Network
The Veterans Innovation Network (VetIN) empowers prior-enlisted student veterans and reservists to become future STEM and research leaders through mentorship, collaborative research, professional development, and a strong national innovation network.
THE Active Duty Fellowship Program
The COMPASS Active Duty Fellowship (ADF) connects active duty and reserve service members with world-class research opportunities, empowering them to advance their education, contribute to mission-driven scientific discovery, and bridge military service with STEM innovation.
CERA
CERA (Collaboration and Exchange with Researchers in Africa) fosters transformative partnerships between U.S. and African researchers to advance scientific discovery, innovation, entrepreneurship, and STEM leadership through collaborative research, knowledge exchange, and global problem-solving.
K-12 Outreach Initiatives
COMPASS K-12 Outreach Initiatives empower the next generation of innovators through hands-on coding, STEM mentorship, computational research experiences, and personalized guidance that connect students to real-world scientific discovery and future STEM careers.
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
COMPASS News
The HorizonShift Program: Advancing Complex Particles Innovation and Commercialization in Africa
The NSF Complex Particle Systems (COMPASS) Science Technology Center and Origin Research & Innovation Labs are excited to announce the launch of HorizonShift, a pioneering initiative dedicated to transforming African industries and communities through original,...
COMPASS Research on Machine Learning for Complex Materials Accepted to NeurIPS 2026 Workshop
A collaborative research team supported by the NSF Center for Complex Particle Systems (COMPASS) has had its paper, “ComMat: Complex Material Datasets and Benchmarks for Graph Machine Learning,” accepted to the AI for Accelerated Materials Design (AI4Mat) Workshop at...
COMPASS Connections Help Spark New Global Startup
International connections fostered through the NSF Center for Complex Particle Systems (COMPASS) have helped lead to the formation of Cracksfox Platform Inc., an early-stage startup exploring self-healing concrete technology. The collaboration demonstrates how COMPASS...
Qian Chen Named Finalist for 2026 Blavatnik National Awards for Young Scientists
Professor Qian Chen has been named one of six finalists for the 2026 Blavatnik National Awards for Young Scientists in Physical Sciences and Engineering. The prestigious awards recognize promising researchers under age 42 in the United States. Chen was selected for...
Our Leadership
Nicholas A. Kotov
Director
Martin Thuo
Deputy Director
Elena della Valle
Managing Director
Our Partners
Academic
Knowledge Transfer
Global Impact
