COMPASS: Center for Complex Particle Systems was honored to represent the University of Michigan College of Engineering at this year’s President’s Symposium for Research Impact and Policy Leadership—an event that celebrates research driving meaningful change in society.
Hosted by the University of Michigan, the symposium recognizes individuals and teams whose work exemplifies the “Look to Michigan” vision through public engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world impact. COMPASS was proud to be included among this year’s distinguished participants.
As an NSF Science & Technology Center, COMPASS represents the largest single investment in self-organized nanomaterials in U.S. history ($30M). Led by Chemical Engineering Professor Nicholas Kotov, the center brings together more than 30 faculty members and over 200 students, alongside global partners spanning four continents.
At its core, COMPASS is focused on solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges. By bridging disciplines—from mathematics and chemistry to engineering and manufacturing—the center is advancing the development of complex particle systems with applications in:
- Energy storage and battery innovation
- Medicine and healthcare technologies
- Sustainable agriculture
- Advanced materials for transportation
What sets COMPASS apart is its commitment not only to discovery, but to impact. Through hands-on education, entrepreneurship initiatives, and global partnerships, the center ensures that breakthroughs move beyond the lab and into real-world application.
Additional funding of $6.1 million from partners across the U.S., Europe, and Africa further strengthens this mission—expanding both the reach and the impact of COMPASS research.
Being selected to represent Michigan Engineering at the President’s Symposium is a reflection of the collective efforts of the COMPASS community—faculty, students, and collaborators—who are working every day to engineer solutions for a healthier, more sustainable, and more connected world.
