Research That Saves Lives
USC transforms visionary ideas into life-saving solutions through cutting-edge research.
USC is one of the nation’s premier research institutions, where bold ideas and cross-disciplinary collaboration fuel discovery and innovation. Our researchers tackle society’s most urgent challenges, delivering solutions that save lives and improve communities around the world. We are deeply grateful for the trust the American taxpayer has placed in USC’s research enterprise that advances our nation’s global and economic competitiveness.
Life-saving Medical Research
At USC, medical research goes beyond the lab — it saves lives. Our scientists and clinicians are leading bold efforts to eliminate today’s health issues. From decoding the earliest signs of neurodegeneration to pioneering medical, surgical and other advancements for cancer, and blindness prevention, USC’s cross-disciplinary teams are reshaping the future of medicine.
#1
Keck School of Medicine at USC ranks first among the top 40 medical schools for National Institutes of Health funding per investigator, according to NIH rankings.
5
The number of USC research centers and institutes dedicated to eradicating Alzheimer’s disease.
1 of 8
USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, one of the eight original National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers, has led advances in cancer research, treatment and prevention for 50 years.
Learn how the USC is leading the fight against Alzheimer’s disease
At the Keck Medicine of USC and Keck School of Medicine of USC, researchers are taking a 360-degree approach to Alzheimer’s, from decoding early molecular signals to pioneering new clinical treatments. Their work is changing the future of care for millions affected by this devastating disease.
After a dozen failed eye surgeries, a patient finds a breakthrough solution at USC
After more than a dozen unsuccessful eye surgeries and the threat of complete vision loss, Stephen Singer found hope at the USC Roski Eye Institute. A breakthrough treatment from a USC retina surgeon helped stabilize his deteriorating eyesight — and gave him a new outlook on life.
Medical Breakthroughs
Fortifying American Defense and National Security
USC plays a vital role in advancing national security through cutting-edge research and longstanding military partnerships. As one of the top 10 private research universities for Department of Defense-sponsored research, USC drives innovation across disciplines. USC also supports future military leaders through one of the country’s longest-running and continuous ROTC programs.
Terrain Intelligence, Transformed
One World Terrain is a Department of Defense initiative that provides high-resolution 3D terrain data directly to warfighters in the field. This innovative pipeline utilizes data collected by military units and enhances it through feature attribution research, enabling non-experts to generate detailed models with roads navigable by simulated personnel and vehicles.
Transforming Space Defense Through Software Innovation
USC researchers are advancing software development practices for space defense, focusing on improving speed, reliability and cybersecurity in high-stakes, mission-critical systems.
USC and the U.S. Military
Celebrating 25 years of USC’s Institute for Creative Technologies
She’s out to end the military mental health stigma
USC Rossier grads team up to reimagine military training
Transformative Technological Innovation
From reshaping medicine with AI to decoding the quantum realm and making high-powered computing more sustainable, USC researchers are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Explore how Trojan innovation is transforming health, science and technology for a better tomorrow.
46
The number National Academy of Inventors fellows at USC — one of the largest chapters in the United States.
#1
Among U.S. research universities, USC is first overall in computer science degrees conferred.
$1 billion+
USC is consolidating a $1 billion-plus investment into its role in advanced computing research in artificial intelligence, machine learning and data science with ethics at its core.
How USC is shaping the future of quantum computing
At the forefront of quantum research, USC blends scientific theory with real-world application, developing powerful tools to solve some of today’s most complex global challenges.
USC rocket team sets new global altitude record
A student-built rocket from USC’s Rocket Propulsion Lab reached 470,000 feet, breaking the amateur spaceflight record and showcasing hands-on engineering excellence.
Technological Breakthroughs
Breakthrough procedure opens new opportunities in quantum research
IBM agreement boosts USC’s quantum computing leadership
Dark matter and pursuing the unknown with Vera Gluscevic
How AI and genomics are personalizing cancer treatment
Office of Research and Innovation
The mission of USC’s Office of Research and Innovation is to nurture and promote ethical and rigorous research, scholarship, creativity and innovation to benefit society.
Research and Innovation at USC
Student Research
With a student-faculty ratio of 9-to-1, students work closely with faculty on exploring research opportunities in the lab, the local community and around the world.
Faculty Research
USC has an exceptional faculty engaged and committed to moving our world forward with advances in medicine, science and understanding.
Innovation
By fostering an entrepreneurial spirit, convergent research and novel approaches, USC translates some of the newest ideas into societal solutions, worldwide.