The ASPIRE program bolsters USC’s research excellence with funding for faculty to develop individual innovative research projects leading to the pursuit of extramural funding. This program emphasizes support for early-career investigators who are within 10 years of completing their terminal degree.
These signature Breakthrough faculty awards honor outstanding faculty researchers in different career phases. Breakthrough Stars awards recognize early-career faculty who have made considerable contributions to their field in terms of research and scholarly activity while at USC. Breakthrough Leadership in Research awards show appreciation for senior faculty who are committed to taking a synergistic approach to promote and inspire excellence in research, resulting in a significant impact on USC and the community.
Through a competitive application process, the RISE program provides financial support to faculty members at the University of South Carolina's senior and regional campuses for summer salary, research supplies, travel related to research and undergraduate student support. Faculty members can also use these funds to spend the summer collaborating with USC Columbia faculty members.
The SMART Program was established by the Office of the Vice President for Research to enhance the training of under-represented minority undergraduate students and their recruitment into graduate programs at USC. Faculty who mentor under-represented minority students (from historically black colleges and universities, USC or other institutions) during the summer will receive a supplement of $1,000 per student, for up to two students. This support can be used toward summer salary for the mentor, research costs and/or for the under-represented minority undergraduate students.