Building the Next UIUC Center for Computational Materials

Strategic Research Initiatives

Harley Johnson: Mechanical Science and Engineering

Dallas Trinkle: Materials Science and Engineering

David Ceperley:  Physics

About

The objective of this project is to build upon existing excellence in computational materials across The Grainger College of Engineering and to lay the groundwork for a major center-level activity. Experts in materials modeling reside in many departments across the College, with interests ranging from fully quantum mechanical descriptions of matter to macroscale materials processing. With strategic coordination of efforts and engagement of partners on and off campus, there is significant untapped potential for growth in new areas including multiscale modeling and data science. This project will take strategic steps to build these connections and position the college for a more coordinated computational materials center-level activity, with goals of (i) developing of national labs partnerships, (ii) engaging funding agencies, (iii) identifying external collaborators, and (iv) articulating focused research themes. The project will support a workshop to bring experts in multiscale modeling and data science to the College of Engineering to meet with local participants, and it will provide additional opportunities for local researchers to engage with national labs and funding agency partners.