Frontiers of Computing
Recognized as one of the world’s most forward-thinking private research universities, USC is leading a major effort to stimulate the growth of advanced computing in Los Angeles, with the ultimate goal of dramatically expanding its impact on our region and the world.
Consolidating USC’s unique strengths, speed, and scale
USC Frontiers of Computing is a $1 billion, 10-year initiative to fast-track developments in advanced computing and expand the impact of scientific discovery—speeding up problem-solving and improving the quality of life for millions of people.
Key areas of focus:
USC School of Advanced Computing
We are launching a new school to consolidate USC’s vast computing strengths and drive research across the university.
Research and Innovation
We are investing in faculty to tackle fundamental computing challenges and accelerate foundational computing software, hardware, and quantum research.
Societal Impact
We are expanding the societal impact of computing by mobilizing our expertise across 22 schools to find breakthrough solutions to urgent challenges.
Future Leaders
We are creating innovative new academic programs to build the largest pipeline of diverse computing and digital talent in the U.S. All USC students will be exposed to training in data analytics, coding, and ethics, among other topics.
Ethical Computing
We are spearheading the ethical development and applications of technology to ensure its impact on people and society is always beneficial.
USC Silicon Beach
We are investing in a new USC Silicon Beach Campus to stimulate education and industry partnerships and spur innovation and entrepreneurship in L.A.
USC faculty and students are leading the way
USC selected by Department of Defense for Microelectronics Commons hub
September 20, 2023The university will lead one of eight regional innovation hubs funded by the CHIPS and Science Act.
AI meets policing: USC leads LAPD body cam study
September 14, 2023New research using artificial intelligence aims to improve officer interactions with the public.
Celebrating the newly named Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science
September 9, 2023The naming gift is part of the university’s ambitious Frontiers of Computing initiative, the largest and most comprehensive academic initiative in USC history.
Can AI teach other AI? USC researchers say yes
August 21, 2023People learn a lot by sharing and exchanging information. USC Viterbi experts say that computers can do the same with other computers.
New processor could vastly improve AI computing efficiency
August 10, 2023Study conducted by team including USC and MIT researchers shows a 100x improvement over previous technology.
Controversy brings opportunity: USC experts navigate tough questions about AI
August 7, 2023New center and initiative position the university as a leading institution on artificial intelligence policy discussions, best practices and ethical decision-making.
What are Hollywood actors and writers afraid of? AI
August 7, 2023A USC cinema scholar explains how AI is upending the movie and TV business.
Researchers confront challenges of protecting space computers from radiation
July 28, 2023Scientists at the USC Information Sciences Institute are developing software that will make future space computing more reliable by adapting to mission needs.
Why doctors who are using ChatGPT are unknowingly violating HIPAA
July 27, 2023USC Price’s Genevieve Kanter explains the privacy risks that clinicians are taking when they use AI chatbots.
Historical objects come to life, thanks to virtual and augmented reality
July 26, 2023USC Dornsife faculty are using VR and AR to provide unprecedented, close-up interaction with the past.
How AI could help with professional development for K-12 teachers
July 19, 2023With a $2 million National Science Foundation grant, USC Rossier’s Yasemin Copur-Gencturk seeks to improve math instruction with AI-driven teacher professional development.
Why do some chatbots talk funny? Teaching them to ‘think‘ rationally might help them do better
June 28, 2023Trojans Mayank Kejriwal and Zhisheng Tang decided to test how well language representation models make rational decisions.
USC Roski Eye Institute faculty use AI with aim of revolutionizing patient care
June 26, 2023Physicians Melinda Chang and Benjamin Xu are exploring the use of AI to automate clinical tasks.
The Future Foretold
June 16, 2023Will your city be under attack in the next six months? What are the odds that your favorite team will make the playoffs? USC researchers use AI to look for answers.
Quantum computers are better at guessing, study demonstrates
June 12, 2023USC researchers leverage techniques to manage error accumulation, demonstrating the potential of quantum computing.
Advancing computer vision one pixel at a time
June 7, 2023What happens when a rabbit jumps in front of a self-driving car? Perhaps nothing bad, thanks to research from USC Viterbi’s Information Sciences Institute and the Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Projects you can support
USC Dr. Allen and Charlotte Ginsburg Human-Centered Computation Hall
May 1, 2023Supports the areas of greatest need within the new Dr. Allen and Charlotte Ginsburg Human-Centered Computation Hall at USC Viterbi which will integrate and transform our computer science programs.Support this projectUSC Gerald A. Lawson Endowment Fund
May 1, 2023The mission of the Gerald A. Lawson Endowment Fund for Black and Indigenous Students is to improve representation in the gaming and tech industry fieldsSupport this projectUSC Information Sciences Institute (ISI)
May 1, 2023Support of the USC Information Sciences Institute helps strengthen the research and development of advanced information processing, AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and computer and communications technologies.Support this projectUSC Institute for Creative Technologies (ICT)
May 1, 2023Support of the Institute for Creative Technologies at USC enables the study of basic and applied research in immersive technology, simulation, human performance, computer graphics, artificial intelligence, and narrative by leveraging multi-disciplinary research to develop advanced prototypes and pilot projects that solve real-world problems facing service members, students, and society.Support this project
USC Jerry and Nancy Neely Leadership and Ethics Center
May 1, 2023Founded in 2015 by USC Trustee Jerry Neely and his wife Nancy, the Neely Center for Ethical Leadership aims to solve one of the most difficult, but most important, challenges of our time: how to align emerging technologies – from simple algorithms to artificial intelligence (AI) – with ethical, human-centered values.Support this project
USC Marshall Initiative on Digital Competition
May 1, 2023The continued and rapid growth of E-commerce has generated questions about its consequences for society, business, and the global economy. The USC Marshall Initiative on Digital Competition is a research center based at the USC Marshall School of Business that focuses on analyzing and understanding the effects of digital technology on competition and markets.Support this project
USC Randall R. Kendrick Global Supply Chain Institute
May 1, 2023The USC Marshall Randall R. Kendrick Global Supply Chain Institute (Kendrick GSCI) was founded in 2011 to help predict, mitigate, and alleviate supply chain disruptions and risks.Support this project
USC School of Cinematic Arts Interactive Media & Games Division
May 1, 2023Learn how you can support the SCA Interactive Media & Games DivisionSupport this project
USC Spatial Sciences Institute
May 1, 2023The USC Spatial Sciences Institute faculty and staff explore the frontiers of advanced spatial analytics and the potential that results when combining artificial intelligence, image processing and machine learning with geospatial infrastructures.Support this project
Your support and involvement are critical
USC Frontiers of Computing is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in world-class computing research, education, and outreach programs that will transform the future. We invite you to join us on the next stage of our journey.
“If you are interested in learning about ways you can support the USC Frontiers of Computing Initiative, please feel free to email me at wes.patterson@usc.edu. I’d be happy to tell you more about the options available.”
Wes Patterson
Associate Vice President, Strategic Initiatives
University Advancement
wes.patterson@usc.edu