Research Framework | INSTITUTE FOR MULTISCALE MATTER AND SY…

TG-CP research systems, shared platforms, and outputs

Research Framework

IMMS organizes multiscale research as a connected system: Technical Groups build long-term capabilities, Core Projects focus those capabilities on strategic challenges, and shared platforms turn research cycles into reproducible outcomes.

RESEARCH FRAMEWORK

An operating map for multiscale research

IMMS connects philosophy, capability groups, mission projects, shared platforms, and publications into one research operating system.

IMMS research framework map: five Technical Groups (TG1–TG5) and four Core Projects (CP1–CP4) connect through a shared collaboration hub of data, experiments, expertise, and methods, supported by IMMS platforms (OA-SDL and the IMMS Analytical Facility) and producing research outputs such as publications, prototypes, datasets, trained researchers, collaborations, and technology transfer.
Atomic insight Materials function Device implementation System performance
  1. 01

    MULTISCALE PHILOSOPHY

    Multiscale Research Philosophy

    Research moves from atomic and molecular insight to materials, devices, and system-level performance.

  2. 02

    CAPABILITY LAYER

    Technical Groups

    Five Technical Groups build durable expertise across materials, computation, characterization, devices, and autonomous experimentation.

  3. 03

    MISSION LAYER

    Core Projects

    Four Core Projects integrate multiple TG capabilities around strategic materials and systems challenges.

  4. 04

    RESEARCH ENGINE

    IMMS Platforms

    Open platforms make experimentation, measurement, analysis, and data learning repeatable and shareable.

  5. 05

    OUTPUTS

    Publications & Impact

    Research outputs feed back into the TG-CP system and shape future projects, collaborations, and publications.

RESEARCH FRAMEWORK

Research Framework

IMMS research framework infographic showing Technical Groups and Core Projects connected by shared platforms, publications, and impact across an atom-to-system multiscale axis.

CAPABILITY LAYER

Technical Groups build reusable capabilities from atomic insight to materials and device implementation.

MISSION LAYER

Core Projects turn those capabilities into mission programs, while platform data and research outputs feed the next cycle.

TG-CP SYSTEM

Capabilities and missions work together

Technical Groups keep IMMS expertise durable. Core Projects focus that expertise on strategic research missions.

Technical Groups

Long-term capability groups that sustain IMMS research expertise beyond any single project lifecycle.

Core Projects

Mission-oriented projects that integrate multiple TG capabilities around national and global challenges.

PLATFORMS & OUTCOMES

Shared infrastructure turns the framework into practice

IMMS platforms support repeatable experimentation, advanced characterization, data learning, and external collaboration across the TG-CP system.

  • OA-SDL

    Open-Access Self-Driving Laboratory

    An AI- and robotics-enabled autonomous experimentation platform that connects hypothesis generation, execution, analysis, and data learning.

  • FACILITY

    IMMS Analytical Facility

    A shared characterization and measurement hub for reliable, quantitative, and reproducible materials and device research.