Princeton Center for Complex Materials

Welcome to PCCM

The Princeton Center for Complex Materials (PCCM) is a National Science Foundation supported Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) at Princeton University.  Established in 1994, the PCCM is dedicated to pushing the frontiers of complexity in materials science - bringing together over thirty faculty from six departments in the natural sciences and engineering. Funded by the NSF (DMR-1420541), the PCCM supports three Interdisciplinary Research Groups (IRGs) and several seed projects. The current IRGs are focused on research in topological phases of electrons and materials, surface and dynamics in confined polymers, and the development of ultra coherent quantum materials.

A parallel mission for PCCM is to share the excitement of materials research and engineering via its diverse education and STEM outreach (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs with the goal of educating a new generation of researchers. The PCCM programs are tailored for the general public, K-12 students, undergraduate and graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers. Our active educational and outreach programs include a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program and teacher programs.

PCCM has fostered collaborative partnerships beyond academia to include small start-up companies, large corporations, and national laboratories. PCCM’s industrial collaborations have generated new intellectual property and innovative applications. These partnerships not only are an important part of our research initiatives, but also connect students and postdocs with industrial researchers and leaders, providing valuable professional development opportunities beyond academia.