Exterior of ASU buildings with overlay of crystal minerals.

Facility for Open Research in a Compressed Environment

Our mission

The Facility for Open Research in a Compressed Environment (FORCE) has the tools researchers need to explore the inner workings of planets and to discover and study new materials. The findings from this foundational science will advance technology and our understanding of the universe.

Our unique collection of equipment allows visitors to run experiments at extremely high pressures and temperatures and can accommodate the largest sample sizes in the United States.

FORCE is an open facility available to researchers in universities, national labs and industry. The facility also offers summer internships, workshops, short-term office space, training and hands-on experience. We are committed to fostering an equitable and inclusive working environment.

FORCE research

Learn more about the science behind our facility and the equipment that makes it possible.

FORCE newsletter

Join our mailing list to stay updated on the latest news and events at FORCE.

Materials of the Universe

The Navrotsky Eyring Center for Materials of the Universe leads ASU’s research on new materials, extreme conditions and the evolution of planets. Much of the center’s work relies on the equipment at FORCE.

This new national center will bring scientists from around the world to ASU to work with our faculty in aspects of materials science that are as yet entirely unexplored.

Professor Neal Woodbury Vice President of Research and Chief Science and Technology Officer of ASU Knowledge Enterprise

FORCE was funded by the National Science Foundation to establish a national high-pressure user facility at Arizona State University.

Grant #2131833. Learn more about this grant.