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
Can AI help us uncover unknown authors?
April 24, 2024USC computer scientists are developing language technologies that could potentially identify who wrote anonymous text.
USC, Capital One establish Center for Responsible AI in Finance
April 12, 2024Housed under the new USC School of Advanced Computing, the center aims to advance responsible AI for financial services
Preparing future teachers for the AI era
April 12, 2024USC Rossier faculty members aim to instill curiosity and inquiry in students as they grapple with and integrate artificial intelligence in their classrooms.
Artificial intelligence can help people feel heard, new USC study finds
April 11, 2024New research from the USC Marshall School of Business reveals AI-generated responses can make humans “feel heard” but an underlying bias toward AI devalues its effectiveness.
The words you use matter — especially when you’re engaging with ChatGPT
April 8, 2024USC researchers are exploring the impact of prompt design on the performance of large language models like ChatGPT.
Exactly what opportunities does quantum computing present, anyway?
April 1, 2024In science fiction, quantum computers have often been touted as “magical” devices. Experts at USC’s Information Sciences Institute are figuring out exactly how the computers will impact real life.
How a USC-developed ‘robot friend’ is making AI education more accessible
March 12, 2024USC researchers have created a low-cost learning kit to help high school and college students build and customize their own small robot.
IBM agreement boosts USC’s quantum computing leadership
March 11, 2024The collaboration with IBM establishes USC’s IBM Quantum Innovation Center and propels USC researchers and students toward new discoveries. It’s part of USC President Carol Folt’s Frontiers of Computing “moonshot.”
USC Iovine and Young Academy, SoLa Impact jump-start a science, design and engineering program for L.A. youth
March 7, 2024The collaboration establishes an after-school program and fellowships that will put 750 young students and adults a year on the path to STEAM careers.
11 USC researchers named National Academy of Inventors senior members
February 27, 2024The honor recognizes innovation that has a real impact on the welfare of society.
USC collaborates with pre-seed investor Techstars to kick-start IP
February 27, 2024The university and Techstars will work together to accelerate opportunities for USC-affiliated entrepreneurs, including students, faculty and alumni.
Could AI help us prepare for the next pandemic?
February 23, 2024Elizabeth Ondula, a USC doctoral student in computer science, examines how policymakers and administrators can leverage AI to prepare for an infectious disease outbreak.
A new dynamic duo? AI and people skills are changing business
February 23, 2024Research from USC Marshall’s Nan Jia demonstrates that artificial intelligence and humans can foster a complementary relationship in the workplace.
Shri Narayanan named USC vice president for presidential initiatives
February 23, 2024With expertise bridging a wide range of disciplines from computer science to linguistics and medicine, Narayanan will focus on bringing together presidential “moonshots” and expanding their reach.
Q&A with Shri Narayanan, USC’s new vice president for presidential initiatives
February 22, 2024Narayanan, a multidisciplinary scholar with the mind of a scientist and the heart of a musician, sees technology as a powerful force for positive change.
‘A powerhouse director for a powerhouse school’: USC celebrates inauguration of School of Advanced Computing director
February 8, 2024Professor Gaurav Sukhatme, “a thoughtful and responsible innovator,” was installed as the inaugural director of the university’s 23rd school during a Wednesday ceremony on the University Park Campus.
USC Gould aims to expand expertise in teaching, researching artificial intelligence
February 6, 2024A new AI minor for undergraduates wlll join a Master of Science in Innovation Economics, Law and Regulation program that started last year.
How teachers make ethical judgments when using AI in the classroom
February 5, 2024Gender and technology confidence are factors in the use of AI in education, a new study from the USC Center for Generative AI and Society reveals.
Q&A with USC School of Advanced Computing Director Gaurav Sukhatme
February 1, 2024“Computer science at USC is special, indeed,” says the head of USC’s newest school.
USC launches School of Advanced Computing
February 1, 2024The new school, a key feature of USC President Carol Folt’s Frontiers of Computing “moonshot,” will act as a nexus for advanced computing research and education across the university.
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
February 2, 2024The 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)
February 2, 2024Support 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)
February 2, 2024Support 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
February 2, 2024Founded 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
February 2, 2024The 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
February 2, 2024The 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
February 2, 2024Learn how you can support the SCA Interactive Media & Games DivisionSupport this project
USC Spatial Sciences Institute
February 2, 2024The 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