A method for forming a dispersion-strengthened material containing nanoparticles (12) that are uniformly dispersed in a matrix phase. The method includes adding nanoparticles (12) and a molten material (14) to a container to form a pool (16) within the container (10) and rotating the container (10) to create a convection vortex (20) in the pool. The convection vortex is sufficient to cause the nanoparticles to be incorporated into the molten material so as to yield a molten composite material, and further causes the molten composite material to be ejected from the container. The molten composite material is then cooled to form a solid composite body (24) comprising a uniform dispersion of the nanoparticles.