The CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR NOVEL MATERIALS (CENM) is part of a high-priority national effort supported primarily by COLCIENCIAS and integrated by 19 recognized multidisciplinary research groups from 10 universities across the nation. Additionally, the Center receives international support from world-renowned institutes on materials research.

Research work at CENM is organized around 4 Interdisciplinary Research Themes (IRTs). The Research Themes are:
• Advanced Coatings
• Composite Materials
• Nano-magnetism
• Solid-State Devices, Sensors, and Mesoscopic Systems

CENM Presentation [pdf] 2.2 Mb

Mission

The mission of the Center is to participate in the furtherance of research and to carry out training activities at the highest level of excellence for graduate students in areas related to materials science; to integrate research, education, and the dissemination of technology; and to serve as a national resource for fundamental knowledge and applications in guided knowledge, design, and applications of modern materials.

Visión

CENM will have direct bearing on the integration of research processes in Colombia by providing knowledge on latest international advancement and applications of novel materials. CENM will contribute to the nation’s technological and scientific development through the implementation of novel production methods, design, and new devices; the development of our own applications software; the registry and implementation of new patents; and the preparation of young scientists.

Objectives

The primary objectives at CENM center on developing basic scientific research programs to coordinate and facilitate research and education in materials science throughout the nation in materials science, physics of condensed matter, chemistry of materials, and engineering of materials to prepare scientists and engineers at the undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD levels and to provide post-doctoral studies in said areas. Furthermore, CENM will facilitate the transfer of technology developed at the Center to laboratories and Colombian industry by way of joint research and mutual support interactions to solidify inter-institutional collaboration and the study of modern materials through advanced tools at the experimental and theoretical levels.

Besides solving specific research problems, this Scientific Center will address an important educational objective: that of preparing young researchers in these fields. This will be carried forth by involving undergraduate and graduate students, as well as post-doctorate candidates in pertinent issues of research.