Overview
The Michigan Institute for Computational Discovery and Engineering (MICDE) unites researchers across disciplines to advance modeling, simulation, AI, scientific computing, and HPC at the University of Michigan and beyond.
Our Mission
We work across disciplinary boundaries to:
- Advance core methods in scientific computing, AI, and HPC
- Support early-stage, exploratory collaborations
- Train the next generation of scientific computing researchers
- Connect U-M researchers with national labs, industry, and emerging technologies
As an idea incubator, we recognize novel opportunities in computational science and engineering and help translate them into impactful research and partnerships.
Scope & Impact
- 190+ faculty affiliates
- 200+ students enrolled in the academic programs
- 30+ departments across engineering, science, public health, medicine, and more
- A growing network of student-led initiatives, including the Scientific Computing Student Club organization, and support for several non-profit organizations
- Strategic partnerships with Los Alamos National Laboratory (SPARC), industry leaders, and campus-wide research centers
We serve as a launchpad for early-stage ideas, helping turn hallway conversations into funded collaborations—through seed funding, technical support, and connection to partners.
Learn more about MICDE’s research areas and programs here.
Core Research Themes
MICDE advances computational methods and applies them to real-world problems.
Methodological Focus
- Machine learning, foundation models, and AI agents for science
- Multiphysics and multiscale simulation
- Numerical analysis and high-dimensional inference
- Uncertainty quantification and reduced-order modeling
- Algorithms for quantum computing
- Formal verification for computational science
- Hardware/software co-design for computing at scale
Domain Applications
- Materials and manufacturing
- Fluid and plasma dynamics
- Energy systems and climate
- Biomedical modeling and public health
- National security, infrastructure, and design optimization
![Time evolution of turbulent mixing between high- and low-intensity turbulence visualized using mass fraction contours. [credit: E. An]](https://micde.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Kurantzs-LANL-research.png "MICDE faculty research images")
Research images from MICDE faculty members (from top left): Shasha Zou, Veera Sundararaghavan, Kenneth Powell, Estefan Garcia and Camille Avestruz
MICDE empowers discovery and innovation through computation. We support the development and application of advanced algorithms, data-driven models, modeling, simulation, AI, and high-performance computing to accelerate progress in science, engineering, medicine, and public policy.
What We Offer
Catalyst Grants
Seed funding for early-stage research ideas that span disciplines and push computational boundaries.
Collaboration Platforms
MICDE convenes faculty through working groups, symposia, and interdisciplinary initiatives – including the U-M/LANL SPARC partnership – to grow new research directions and develop competitive proposals.
Visibility & Amplification
We highlight research through seminars, symposia, and the MICDE Magazine, showcasing faculty research, student work, and strategic themes in computational discovery and innovation.
Academic Programs
MICDE offers the nation’s first Ph.D. in Scientific Computing, along with two graduate certificate programs: a certificate in computational science and engineering, and a certificate in computational neuroscience.
Student Support
MICDE supports student researchers through competitive fellowships, the Kaul Fellows summer program, and opportunities to work with faculty on cutting-edge projects.
Get Involved
There are many ways to connect with MICDE:
- Become an affiliated faculty member
- Apply for Catalyst Grants or student fellowships
- Propose a new research cluster, workshop, or partnership
- Attend a seminar, join a working group, or explore our SPARC collaboration
- Host visiting researchers and mentor Kaul fellows
- Enroll in one of the academic programs and become part of the student-led initiatives
Contact us at [email protected]
Why MICDE?
MICDE operates across departments and colleges as a flexible, lightweight platform that supports faculty where it’s most needed:
- At the idea stage, with seed funding and connections
- At the collaboration stage, with access to partners and platforms
- At the growth stage, by helping shape initiatives, grants, and training programs
- At the training stage, preparing the next generation of leaders in computational research
We are especially effective at identifying emerging research directions – across methods, disciplines, or technologies – and crystallizing them into actionable opportunities. We believe that computation is a generative engine of discovery and innovation, and we are here to help U-M researchers harness that power.