MONTHLY NEWSLETTER – APRIL 2026
Dear Colleagues,
This is a consequential time for research universities. As federal priorities evolve, compliance obligations grow more exacting, and competition for support remains intense, our responsibility is not only to sustain excellence in discovery, but to do so with clarity of purpose, disciplined stewardship, and an unwavering focus on impact.
At USC, we are meeting this moment by aligning ambition with careful judgment. We are strengthening the foundations that support research, investing selectively in areas of greatest promise, and ensuring that our resources are deployed thoughtfully and efficiently in ways that best serve our faculty, students, and broader mission.
This month’s newsletter reflects that approach. It includes updates on the changing federal landscape, new opportunities through our partnership with Techstars, careful stewardship of costs, and recent milestones that demonstrate the reach and vitality of USC’s research and innovation enterprise.
Thank you for your continued leadership, creativity, and partnership in advancing work of lasting significance. Ishwar K. Puri
Senior Vice President, Research & Innovation and Professor
RESEARCH AND INNOVATION STRATEGY (RIS):
FEDERAL FUNDING UPDATES
White House Executive Order – DEI Compliance in Federal Awards: The White House issued the Executive Order, Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors, introducing new compliance requirements for federal contractors and grant recipients. As agencies begin implementation, we are seeing an increase in requests to modify or remove certain DEI-related language in proposals and supporting documents. OORI has developed a tool to scan proposal materials for potentially flagged terms—please contact locy@usc.edu for assistance.
DOD SBIR/STTR: The Department of Defense has begun rolling out FY26 SBIR/STTR solicitations following program reauthorization, with initial topics entering pre-release in April 2026 and opening in May. These announcements continue to emphasize dual-use technologies, rapid prototyping, and transition to operational capability.
NIH Updating Required Data Management & Sharing Plan Format: NIH released a new, abbreviated Data Management and Sharing Plan format (NOT-OD-26-046) that will be required for all applications with due dates on or after May 25, 2026. The update only affects the format of the plan; all underlying data sharing expectations remain the same.
NSF Launches New Data Management Plan Webform: NSF has also updated its data management requirements. NSF has replaced the traditional Data Management Plan PDF with a structured web form integrated directly into esearch.gov, as outlined in NSF PAPPG 24-1, Supplement 2. Faculty should familiarize themselves with the new Research.gov submission interface before their next NSF proposal deadline.
USC TECHSTARS PARTNERSHIP
USC & Techstars Accelerator Demo Day – Now Open for Registration: We are pleased to announce that Demo Day for the USC & Techstars Accelerator— a cornerstone of USC’s strategic partnership with Techstars—is now open for registration. Scheduled for June 9th, this highly anticipated event marks the culmination of an intensive program in which a select cohort of USC-affiliated founders has advanced venture-ready technologies through world-class mentorship, investor engagement, and rigorous market validation. Demo Day offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with emerging startups at the forefront of innovation and to connect with a curated audience of investors, industry leaders, and members of the USC innovation ecosystem.
USC & Techstars University Catalyst Program: Is your early-stage startup ready to gain market traction? Join the USC and Techstars University Catalyst pre-accelerator! This primarily virtual pre-accelerator program is specifically designed to help USC Trojans gain traction and clarity. In 10 weeks, you’ll:
- Refine your startup strategy through expert-led virtual masterclasses on business development and customer acquisition.
- Master your founder pitch with personalized pitch coaching and deck design to achieve revenue-generating readiness.
- Learn from industry mentors from the USC and Techstars network.
This opportunity is perfectly suited for startups with 1+ founder(s) affiliated with USC, raised <$1M, and are located in the Greater LA area. If you’re an enthusiastic Trojan founder, learn more & apply before July 8th!
SCIENCE COMMUNICATIONS
From Lab to Launch: OORI Support Drives SBIR/STTR Success for USC Startup AO
Tech:AO Tech’s progression from academic research to SBIR/STTR success reflects the strength of USC’s integrated innovation ecosystem, where coordinated OORI support helps translate promising technologies into commercially viable ventures.
USC OORI-Organized Venture & Innovation Summit Showcases a Thriving Innovation Ecosystem:The inaugural Venture & Innovation Summit convened university leaders, investors, and industry partners for a dynamic exchange on emerging technologies, investment trends, and the expanding role of USC within the broader innovation landscape.
Stay updated on the Office of Research & Innovation’s latest news stories by visiting the USC Innovation Ecosystem news page.
DEPARTMENT OF CONTRACTS & GRANTS (DCG): A new federal Executive Order
(issued March 26, 2026) introduces additional compliance requirements for institutions holding or pursuing federal contracts. The order signals increased scrutiny of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, particularly where activities may be interpreted as discriminatory under federal standards. As a result, federal agencies are expected to implement new contractual certification requirements, expand audit authority, and enforce enhanced reporting obligations. Noncompliance may carry significant risks, including contract termination, debarment, and potential exposure under the False Claims Act. Researchers and administrators should anticipate updated agency guidance, a greater emphasis on documentation, and closer review of federally funded activities. Please stay tuned for further updates and guidance as more information becomes available.
STEVENS CENTER FOR INNOVATION: We are excited to share that Stylebot, a USC Annenberg–affiliated startup, has been acquired by Indiegraf. Born at USC Annenberg and supported through USC’s innovation ecosystem, including licensing at USC Stevens, Stylebot has helped newsrooms nationwide strengthen editorial consistency and trust. Through this acquisition, its technology will become part of Indiegraf’s platform, supporting hundreds of independent, community-focused news organizations. Congratulations to founder Laura E. Davis and the entire Stylebot team! Read more here.
This month, our Technology Licensing Manager, Larry Gonzaga Cabral, was honored to judge this year’s Mark & Semira Moshayedi Innovation Award. Hosted by the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, this prestigious annual award recognizes graduate students developing innovative solutions that improve health, function, and quality of life. The competition highlights ideas with real-world impact, clinical relevance, and strong potential for broader adoption or commercialization. It was wonderful to see so much innovation from occupational science and occupational therapy entrepreneurs at USC.
DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL RESOURCES (DAR): Each fiscal year, per diem and service rates are carefully reviewed to support both research excellence and the needs of investigators. Following a comprehensive cost analysis and financial modeling of operational expenses, current rates have been determined to be appropriately aligned with existing cost structures.
There will be no increase to per diem or service rates effective July 1.
This approach reflects our continued commitment to maintaining the highest standards of animal care while supporting a collaborative research environment and providing investigators with greater predictability for planning and budgeting.
HUMAN RESEARCH PROTECTIONS AND RESEARCH TECHNOLOGY: To support the responsible use of emerging technologies, studies involving Artificial Intelligence (AI) that analyze or collect personal or confidential information require an ITS/Cybersecurity assessment prior to IRB submission. This step helps ensure compliance with USC policy on generative AI and protects sensitive data. Requests can be easily submitted through ITS ServiceNow, and IRB approval is contingent on completing this review.
We also want to provide transparency on current review timelines. Social-behavioral studies are currently averaging approximately seven weeks before initial IRB review begins. We recognize the impact this may have on research timelines and are actively working to improve turnaround times through process enhancements, staffing assessments, and prioritization of time-sensitive submissions, including student research.
Researchers can help expedite approvals by submitting high-quality, complete applications. To support you, we offer a range of resources, including online guidance materials, faculty mentorship for student investigators, and weekly “Ask an Analyst” sessions to assist with protocol preparation and submission.
We appreciate your partnership as we continue working to enhance service, protect research participants, and support the success of your work.
INSTITUTIONAL ANIMAL CARE & USE COMMITTEE (IACUC): The IACUC team is committed to supporting your research by providing timely review, clear guidance, and responsive service—while upholding the highest standards of animal care and compliance.
To help ensure an efficient review process:
- Plan ahead for protocol submissions, amendments, and renewals
- Submit complete and well-detailed applications to minimize delays
- Engage early with the IACUC team for complex or time-sensitive studies
We are available for consultation at every stage and are here to help you navigate requirements effectively. Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to excellence in animal research.
Reminder: Use of Drugs/Agents in Animals – Expiration Dates: Please ensure that all drugs and agents administered to animals are within their expiration dates prior to use. Maintaining proper oversight of these materials is essential for both compliance and animal welfare.
Recommended best practices include:
- Assigning a primary individual (and backup) to conduct regular inventory checks
- Maintaining a centralized storage location for drugs and related materials
- Clearly segregating and labeling expired items until proper disposal to prevent inadvertent use
Implementing these practices helps safeguard research integrity and supports a compliant and well-managed laboratory environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY (EH&S):
Biomedical Waste Management Walkthroughs – May 2026
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) will be visiting USC sometime in June to conduct their annual biomedical waste management inspection. To prepare, EH&S teams will conduct lab walkthroughs during the month of May. These walkthroughs are intended to proactively identify and address common findings to comply with the California Medical Waste Management Act (MWMA). These walkthroughs also provide opportunity for researchers to ask questions and clarify best practices related to biohazardous waste segregation, labeling, storage, and disposal. Please keep an eye out for an EH&S memo summarizing common findings and practical steps labs can take to continuously strengthen waste management practices.
USC to Host the 2026 Science Olympiad National Tournament
USC is proud to host the 2026 Science Olympiad National Tournament, welcoming middle and high school students from across the country to campus for the nation’s highest level of science competition. Taking place May 22-23, 2026, the national finals will bring together the brights young minds to compete, collaborate, and showcase their skills. This year’s theme,
Collaboration, reflects the culture of innovation and creativity at USC and beyond.
Emergency Notification and Incident Reporting
Staying prepared and knowing what to do in an emergency can make all the difference. If a situation poses immediate danger to life or property, contact the Department of Public Safety (DPS) right away, then notify EH&S and your supervisor. For non-emergency injuries and illnesses, your role (including supervisory duties) determines your course of action to ensure that you get the care you need and that we comply with USC policies and reporting regulations. Visit the EH&S website to learn more and stay prepared!