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
AI sheds new light on the ‘code of life’
June 1, 2023USC Dornsife researchers employ artificial intelligence to unveil the intricate world of DNA structure and chemistry, enabling unprecedented insights into gene regulation and disease.
Information Sciences Institute leads initiative to increase bandwidth availability around the nation
May 30, 2023The USC Viterbi unit is working with the National Science Foundation, the Idaho National Laboratory and the University of Utah to expand spectrum access.
AI helps place drones in remote areas for faster emergency response
May 18, 2023USC researchers harness the ability of AI-powered decision-making as part of a broader effort to use scarce data more effectively.
Can AI teach your child perseverance?
May 9, 2023A team of researchers including USC’s Emmanuel Johnson has been awarded a $20 million grant to fund a new artificial intelligence institute focused on AI in education.
USC announces $1 billion-plus initiative for computing including AI, ethics and quantum computing
May 4, 2023President Folt launches the most comprehensive academic initiative in USC’s history.
USC Viterbi team to participate in multi-university study on quantum computing
May 3, 2023The Department of Defense Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative Award will allow Daniel Lidar’s team to investigate techniques that may unlock quantum computing’s full potential.
Exploring the future of intellectual property in an AI world
May 2, 2023Leading voices address changes in the IP industry at USC Gould conference.
In a world where AI’s impact is growing, exactly what is consciousness?
May 2, 2023As artificial intelligence seems to be veering close to self-awareness and we reclassify some animals as “sentient,” USC scholars discuss what it means to be conscious.
AI panel quells worries about bots taking over creative industry jobs
April 28, 2023Is AI creative? A USC forum works to dispel myths about what artificial intelligence is currently able to do.
Sustainability in space: Can you teach old satellites new tricks?
April 27, 2023EARTH MONTH: Researchers at USC Viterbi’s Information Sciences Institute are looking at how to reuse existing satellites by giving them new jobs.
USC scientists see a key role for AI and 3D modeling in drug discovery
April 26, 2023USC’s Vsevolod “Seva” Katritch discusses how structure-based virtual screening and AI could disrupt the time-consuming, expensive process of drug discovery.
Machine learning can make your smartphone’s camera even smarter
April 26, 2023Researchers at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering are taking camera advancements further and pushing the limits on what they can do.
New Twitter, now with more hate
April 21, 2023A USC analysis finds that hate is up, hateful content is more hateful and there’s been no meaningful change in the quantity of bots since Elon Musk purchased the platform in October.
Why it would be helpful if robots could predict human preferences
April 20, 2023People automatically understand the steps in some processes. (Raking leaves? Get a trash can.) Two Trojans explain why robots need the same skills they’re going to be truly collaborative helpers.
Is this the future of farming?
April 17, 2023New USC research offers a radical new way to think about agriculture and the potential of using computer science to help guide the growing of food.
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