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
Nature Publishes Pottery-Inspired Nanoparticle Research from COMPASS Collaboration
A new study published in Nature highlights a major collaborative achievement between COMPASS researchers at the University of Michigan and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Led by Professors Qian Chen and Sharon Glotzer, the work introduces a...
Announcing the Active Duty Fellowship Program
COMPASS: Center for Complex Particle Systems is thrilled to announce the launch of the COMPASS Active Duty Fellowship (ADF) Program, a vital new initiative dedicated to supporting active duty military members in advancing their careers and education! On September...
Congratulations to Prof. Martin Thuo!
Congratulations to Prof. Martin Thuo, COMPASS Deputy Director, on receiving the 2025 Viness Pillay Prize at PolyChar in Mauritius, awarded by Minister of Tertiary Education Dr. Kaviraj Sharma Sukon and South African High Commissioner Dr. Hlamalani Nelly Manzini! This...
Our Partners
Academic
Knowledge Transfer
Global Impact
