United Against Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most enigmatic brain afflictions and among the greatest health care challenges facing the nation. USC researchers and clinicians are making groundbreaking strides in the treatment, prevention and care of the disease.
(Illustration/Bratislav Milenkovic)
Top Headlines
COMMENCEMENT: Honorary degree recipients include a literary legend, a classical music virtuoso and a trailblazing geophysicist. Baccalaureate event will feature author Lisa Miller.
Generations of USC veterans, service members and ROTC students gather for memorable 17th annual gala
STORY and PHOTOS: LA28 CEO Lt. Gen. Reynold Hoover delivers stirring keynote; 100-year-old World War II veteran George Mullins is a surprise star attraction.
STORY and PHOTOS: The theme of this year’s event was “Rooted in Our Stories, Planting Our Own Future.”
A new National Institutes of Health grant supports the next phase of a national effort to use AI, brain imaging, genetics and data to better classify Alzheimer’s and related diseases, predict progression and identify new treatment targets.
Leading the Way in AI
In institutes, labs and classrooms across the university, USC is setting the pace in artificial intelligence — its development, implementation and potential. Take a look back at five decades of innovations that established USC as a leader in the field — and look ahead at what’s next.
The Driver of Tomorrow’s Tech is Here Today
Not so long ago, artificial intelligence was the stuff of science fiction. Today it’s affecting our lives in countless ways — and USC is leading the revolution.
USC maintains a critical piece of the internet’s phone book — and it just got a boost
The Public Interest Registry makes a gift to the USC Information Sciences Institute in recognition of its nearly 40 years of operating B-Root and pioneering DNS privacy research.
USC dental school taps into AI to help with diagnosis
Faculty members at the Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC develop three-app system, fueled by a proprietary AI algorithm, to assist clinicians with proper orofacial diagnoses.
The AI writing tool that’s helping soldiers learn more quickly
VIDEO: Researchers at the USC Institute for Creative Technologies have created an tool that is finding use beyond helping soldiers improve critical thinking.
AI for Business summit forecasts future of artificial intelligence in industry
Founders, faculty members and students spoke of balancing new technology integration with human-first workplaces.
New USC degree connects data science with legal applications
An interdisciplinary collaboration between USC Gould and USC Viterbi prepares graduates for careers at the intersection of data, policy and legal analysis.
Is artificial intelligence reliving the dot-com boom (and bust)?
USC experts discuss why “inefficient” AI spending might power future growth.
AI Momentum Across USC
Artificial intelligence is accelerating, and USC is helping shape its direction. Across practical innovation, new degrees and work in tech, law, business and the arts, Trojans are building frameworks for using AI responsibly.
How USC Helped Shape Modern Computing and AI
USC has helped shape computing and artificial intelligence for more than 50 years, including the founding of the USC Information Sciences Institute in 1972 and USC computer science in 1976. Trojan researchers have contributed to major advances, including work connected to the Domain Name System and DNA computing, and USC’s President’s AI Strategy Committee is guiding how the university applies AI ethically and responsibly across its academic mission.
A Faster Way to Model Complex Fluid Dynamics With AI
USC researchers led by Birendra Jha developed a deep-learning framework to predict and analyze “viscous fingering,” a complex mixing pattern that can complicate groundwater remediation and oil recovery. The work, published in Physical Review Fluids, aims to deliver faster, more practical modeling than traditional direct numerical simulations.
USC Debuts Human Technology Interaction Degree for an AI-Driven Workforce
USC Iovine and Young Academy announced a new Bachelor of Science in Human Technology Interaction, the first undergraduate program of its kind in the country. The degree is designed to combine full-stack technical training with human-centered design, communication and applied product management, supported by the academy’s challenge-based learning model.
A New Platform for AI Law, Standards, and Policy Tracking
USC Gould and Akerman LLP launched the Law+AI Initiative, a knowledge-sharing platform connecting legal scholarship with commercial legal practice in emerging technology. The initiative aims to help shape standards and regulatory pathways for AI adoption and plans to track legislation, rulemaking and litigation internationally.
Future-Proofing Arts Training in the Age of AI
In a faculty Q&A, Dean and Professor Emily Roxworthy discusses her role on USC’s AI Strategy Committee and why professional development and ethical preparation matter as AI reshapes entertainment. She also describes how SDA’s curriculum cultivates essential human capabilities and previews an Institute for Actor-Driven Innovation to help students and alumni navigate AI and artistic creativity.
USC Research Fair Spotlights AI, Banking and Decision-Making
At the 2026 USC Marshall Research Fair, five faculty members presented work spanning AI, management, banking and data analysis, with an emphasis on practical relevance. Featured talks included Jacob Bien’s presentation on learning from data without “fooling yourself” and Giorgia Piacentino’s look at money and banking, including the origins of banks.
Spotlight: USC Leventhal School of Accounting
A global leader in accounting education, the USC Leventhal School of Accounting combines academic excellence with a forward-looking, industry-connected approach. With top-ranked programs, a close-knit learning environment and deep ties to the business community, Leventhal prepares students with the technical expertise, critical thinking and an ethical foundation to lead across accounting, finance and data-driven industries.
The Festival of Books Returns to USC
The L.A. Times Festival of Books returns to USC’s University Park Campus on April 18–19 for a two-day literary celebration featuring author talks, book signings, activities and more. Open to the public, it’s a weekend for readers of all ages to discover new books and ideas across the USC campus.
Around the University
Legally Blonde: The Musical
The USC School of Dramatic Arts presents Legally Blonde: The Musical, a lively adaptation of the hit film that follows Elle Woods as she leaves Southern California for Harvard Law School and discovers her own strength, intelligence and worth. Performed at the Bing Theatre, the production showcases our amazing USC student performers.
Friday, April 3, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 4, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sunday, April 5, 2 p.m.
Thursday, April 9, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, April 10, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 11, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
