Skip to Content
Researcher holding a microscope slide.

Research at South Carolina

Research is a learning tool of the highest order at the University of South Carolina. Discovery allows us to illuminate history, contextualize the present, and help plan for what’s to come.

Scientific research, scholarship and creative activity abound throughout USC. That focused presence within nearly all colleges, departments and campuses of the state’s flagship university is one reason Carnegie Foundation has designated South Carolina as an institution of very high research activity.

Remarkable Research at USC

The University of South Carolina is the state’s most comprehensive health sciences research and teaching institution. Our researchers are working to solve some of the Palmetto State’s biggest health issues like stroke, autism and infectious diseases while preparing the next generation to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.

Researchers working in a lab with a microscope.

Built for overcoming barriers.

The University of South Carolina is one of the nation’s leading, large-scale research enterprises. Within our campus centers, labs and collectives, students scour for answers alongside experienced faculty. Whether the challenge is formulating new ways to inspire healthier communities or developing new fuel cells, be part of addressing tomorrow’s challenges, today.

Student Research Opportunities
Students wearing safety goggles working on an machine with red and green wires.

Achieving New Understanding

USC is home to world-class research and researchers. Get to know the university’s knowledge seekers and learn how their work generates innovation from arts and humanities to mathematics, engineering and the sciences. 

Breakthrough Research
Cover of Breakthrough magazine with an illustration of robotic arm placing a Rubik's Cube into a human hand..

  • Future focused.

    USC is home to interdisciplinary expert research teams that are exploring solutions to five scientific and societal challenges facing South Carolina. Their discoveries can have wider implications — benefitting any state grappling with these significant scientific and societal challenges.

    Research Institutes
  • Group of children at a table putting together robotic cars and code on a laptop screen.
  • The sun setting over a beautiful marsh area.
  • A close up of a semiconductor microchip.
  • Someone taking a patient's blood pressure reading.
  • A patent spraying bug spray on a child's ankles.

Research Spotlights

 

View Additional Research Stories

Breakthrough Faculty

Each year, the Office of the Vice President for Research honors university scholars with Breakthrough awards. The awards honor faculty researchers at two junctures: Breakthrough Leadership in Research for senior faculty or Breakthrough Stars for early career faculty.

Award Winners
Illustration of an asterisk on a garnet background with lots of lines and shapes around it.

Investing in Research

USC generated $309 million in sponsored awards in FY24. Every investment in the pursuit of furthering knowledge helps us create an environment that supports the scholarly and creative activities of all faculty and students and provides the infrastructure necessary for a leading research university. See our funding in action.

Research Dashboards
USC stamp with text: Investing in Research, $309 million in sponsored awards in 2024

The Leading Edge of Health Sciences

USC is the state’s most comprehensive health sciences teaching and research institution. Nationally recognized programs in medicine, nursing, social work, public health, pharmacy, biochemistry, business, computing and others blend classroom learning and unique health care provider partnerships to create premier health sciences learning experiences for students.

Health Sciences
Doctor looking into a child's ear.
A presenter talking to a group of people at a press event.

Let's build a better world.

The resources of the University of South Carolina are poised to address local and global challenges. We work with public and private collaborators to provide our researchers with the resources and infrastructure they need to make a difference.

Partnership Opportunities

Office of Vice President for Research

At our research-intensive university, a team is dedicated to supporting the entire spectrum of research and scholarly activities at USC, and assisting faculty and student researchers with every step in the research process. 

Vice President for Research: Dr. Julius Fridriksson
Phone: 803-777-5458
Email: vpr@mailbox.sc.edu 

Office of Vice President for Research
Person at Discover USC with a proud smile on their face.
©