Social Work Research Professor, Dr. Ana Lopez-De Fede lands $29 million grant
Dr. Ana Lopez-De Fede, a Research Professor and Associate Director of the University of South Carolina’s Institute for Families in Society (IFS), has received a grant of $29 million over five years from the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to support vital Medicaid operations, reporting and data analysis in the Palmetto State. Dr. Lopez-De Fede is one of UofSC’s most accomplished researchers, directing a wide body of interdisciplinary research dedicated to exploring the links and geospatial intersections between health, health service delivery systems, place and well-being.
UofSC ranks among the world’s top 100 universities granted U.S. patents for eighth consecutive year
In 2019, the University of South Carolina again ranked among the world’s Top 100 Universities Granted U.S. Utility Patents in an annual list by the National Academy of Inventors and the Intellectual Property Owners Association. This year, UofSC ranked in the 90th position with 31 new patents, one slot above Ivy League Dartmouth College and several renowned international universities. View the full rankings (pdf). UofSC has appeared on the prestigious list for eight years, since the NAI and IPO first began publishing it in 2013.
Return to work update: new research guidance and workplace resources available
The Office of the Vice President for Research, in conjunction with Future Planning Group 3: Research and Academics, has released new guidance for resuming research activities on campus. Those essential employees who were approved through USCeRA to perform “critical” research activities on campus will need to be approved for continued campus access during Phase 1 through the Summer Operations Campus Return process. There is a grace period through Monday, June 15, 2020, for researchers who currently are approved as essential to perform “critical” research activities to be included in their unit’s Return To Work Plan.
New resources to help with the safe transition back to campus are now available online:
- UofSC’s Purchasing Department has recently updated their COVID-19 Supplies web page to include an internal order form, details on available plexiglass wellness screens and contact information for questions on the initial PPE packages distributed to UofSC units.
- UofSC’s Division of Communications and Public Affairs has posted a set of downloadable and printable signage that units can post in workspaces to remind employees and students to wash hands, use face coverings, etc. Visit their Downloadable Resources page and select the “COVID-19 Resources” category to quickly view available options.
UofSC Postdoctoral Association revs up for 2020-2021
The University of South Carolina Postdoctoral Association recently elected new officers who are working diligently to update their website, share officer contact information, monitor emails and add new resources for the postdoctoral community. If you are a postdoctoral scholar who is not yet involved in the UofSC Postdoctoral Association, visit the association website and sign up today to join the group and get on the mailing list. If you work with or know any UofSC postdoctoral scholars, please share this information with them to ensure they can take advantage of this networking opportunity.
4 June 2020