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,...
Emanuela Del Gado Delivers Keynote at the 100th ACS Colloid & Surface Science Symposium
COMPASS is proud to recognize Emanuela Del Gado for delivering a keynote presentation at the 100th American Chemical Society (ACS) Colloid & Surface Science Symposium, held at the University of Delaware. The symposium marked the centennial of one of the American...
Tiny Nano-Edges Unlock Big Advances in Programmable Nanomaterials
Nature often provides the best blueprint for innovation. Proteins, the molecular machines that power life, owe their remarkable abilities to precisely organized patterns on their surfaces. These intricate surface features allow proteins to fold, recognize one another,...
László Barabási Receives the 2026 Euler Award at NetSci’s 20th Anniversary Conference
COMPASS is pleased to congratulate László Barabási on receiving the 2026 Euler Award, the highest recognition presented by the Network Science Society. Awarded annually, the Euler Award honors a network scientist whose research has fundamentally advanced the field...
Our Leadership
Nicholas A. Kotov
Director
Martin Thuo
Deputy Director
Elena della Valle
Managing Director
Our Partners
Academic
Knowledge Transfer
Global Impact
