Laszlo Barabasi

Sponsor: NSF 2243104; University of Michigan PTE: SUBK00018203

Center for Complex Particle Systems (Compass)

Robustness under variable conditions is an essential property that biological organisms and human networks acquire by adopting a dynamic hierarchical structure. Moreover, complex organization spontaneously emerges from simple constitutents if they are numerous, strongly interacting and diverse. A nearly identical set of attributes is characteristic of colloidal particles, ranging in size from nanometers to microns. The Center for Complex Particle Systems (COMPASS) will understand, develop, and exploit this paradigm in systems of strongly interacting and polydisperse colloidal particles. In doing so, we expect to fundamentally transform the discipline of colloidal science and to engender transformative changes in multiple areas of engineering and particle-based manufacturing.