Dear Colleagues,
At the close of the academic year, please accept my deepest gratitude for your extraordinary efforts, creativity, and resilience. From advancing groundbreaking research to driving the next generation of innovation, your contributions elevate our university’s impact.
To support you, your Office of Research and Innovation team has been advancing internal funding programs, strengthening resources for entrepreneurial ventures, assisting critical infrastructure and instrumentation improvements, and navigating new federal policy shifts to ensure USC remains at the forefront of discovery and innovation.
Another highlight includes the launch of innovation.usc.edu, USC’s new digital hub for innovation. The site outlines OORI’s innovation programs and services that are tailored to support Trojan entrepreneurs based on their specific stages, goals, and needs.
On June 5, the USC Techstars Demo Day will showcase exceptional founders and ventures. a major milestone for the inaugural USC Techstars Digital Economy Accelerator cohort. Demo Day offers additional proof of the growing momentum of USC’s innovation ecosystem and our commitment to fostering high-impact collaborations across academia, business, venture capital and industry.
I am especially grateful to you as you pursue ambitious research and innovation goals in the face of ongoing challenges. Your perseverance, ingenuity, and commitment are the driving force behind USC’s continued excellence.
With best wishes and gratitude,
Ishwar K. Puri, Senior Vice President, Research & Innovation and Professor
FACULTY ENGAGEMENT:
OORI Funding: Thank you for your proposals to the Zumberge and Ming Hsieh programs for which we received 42 and 16 proposals for applications, respectively. Proposals are currently under review.
Center for Excellence in Research: We’re looking for suggestions or volunteers to teach a one to two-hour workshop via Zoom this fall on topics such as research resources/methods, professional development, grant writing, etc. Do you have an idea for a workshop? Or do you want to help researchers learn new skills? Submit a proposal and we’ll get back to you soon. To be updated about upcoming workshops, please visit our website or join our mailing list.
RESEARCH STRATEGY AND DEVELOPMENT: We are thrilled to announce the launch of innovation.usc.edu – the new digital home for USC’s innovation, entrepreneurship, and startup activities. Facilitated by OORI, this site brings together the people, programs, and opportunities that power innovation across the university. Whether you’re a student with a bold idea, a faculty member translating research into real-world impact, or an industry partner looking to collaborate, you’ll find the tools and connections you need to turn ideas into action. This is your hub for all things innovation at USC. We invite you to visit, explore, and share innovation.usc.edu with others in your network.
OORI is hosting the inaugural USC & Techstars Digital Economy Accelerator Demo Day on Thursday, June 5. This live event will showcase the innovative ventures from the inaugural cohort of the USC & Techstars partnership. Demo Day marks a major milestone for these exceptional founders. The event will include live pitches from companies at the forefront of BioPharma, HealthTech, B2B SaaS, FinTech, and other rapidly evolving sectors. The presentations will be followed by an expo and reception, where you’ll have the opportunity to engage directly with the CEOs and explore their visions for the future. Please see registration details here – attendance is limited and will require approval. If attendance is approved, you will receive a confirmation email.
A friendly reminder that the USC and Techstars University Catalyst Program is still accepting applications! This part-time, primarily virtual pre-accelerator program runs this fall from September to November 2025. USC faculty, staff, students, and alumni founders will gain access to virtual masterclasses with a focus on business development, pitch coaching and pitch deck design, 1:1 mentoring through the USC and Techstars network, and founder collaboration opportunities. Learn More & Apply Today.
NIH Policy Changes: NIH has expired some Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) with activity codes impacted by the simplified review framework which were not reissued with the updated review criteria or expired prior to January 25, 2025. No applications for due dates on or after May 25, 2025, will be accepted for those NOFOs, and applications already submitted will be reviewed under the simplified review framework. See NOT-OD-25-113 and NOT-OD-25-116 for more information.
NSF Priority Changes: NSF has recently updated publicly available information regarding their shifting priority areas for interested applicants to review; this information can be found here.
Office staff remain available to review grant proposal text for “trigger words” that may indicate text that runs afoul of recent executive orders. For assistance, please contact robyngil@usc.edu
DEPARTMENT OF CONTRACTS & GRANTS: The Department of Contracts and Grants recently posted guidanceregarding the growing number of federal agencies attempting to cap indirect cost recovery. As a reminder, here is where things currently stand: At present, an injunction is in place against the NIH policy, though the Trump Administration is appealing the ruling. The Department of Energy’s policy was halted by a preliminary injunction. A lawsuit has been filed against the NSF, with a decision on a Temporary Restraining Order pending. Meanwhile, the Department of Defense is expected to face a legal challenge led by the Association of American Universities (AAU). DCG is actively monitoring these developments and will continue to provide updates as new information emerges.
In addition, DCG has introduced a new required compliance question in Cayuse SP for proposals involving Gain-of-Function (GoF) or Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC). This update aligns with federal expectations for heightened institutional oversight of research that may pose significant biosafety or biosecurity risks. Principal Investigators submitting proposals in these areas must now indicate whether their research includes elements of GoF or DURC as part of the Cayuse SP submission process. DCG encourages researchers to review the updated guidance to ensure compliance with these evolving requirements.
DCG has also launched MicroLearning Mondays, a monthly training initiative designed to deliver concise, focused sessions on core research administration topics. These bite-sized modules are open to all USC research staff and are intended to enhance accessibility, promote continuous learning, and support day-to-day operational excellence. Each session covers timely, practical content in under 10 minutes, making it easier for staff to stay informed and engaged without disrupting their workday.
HUMAN RESEARCH PROTECTION PROGRAM: We are happy to announce the hiring of Meg Rayner as our new Lead IRB Administrator for the Social-Behavioral review team. With over a decade of experience in research of which over seven have been directly in IRB administration, as well as a Master of Public Health and a Certified IRB Professional (CIP) certification, Meg brings a deep understanding of research regulations, ethical oversight, and process improvement. She is excited by the opportunity to contribute her expertise to USC’s Office of Research and Innovation and to support its mission of fostering impactful, ethically conducted research.
The Social-Behavioral team and the Reliance team are still operating with fewer IRB analysts than they should have, which can affect review speed. We are committed to maintaining our high standards for review and approval of research and ask for your patience as we diligently attend to the work as quickly as we can. As a reminder, to help expedite this process, investigators and faculty advisors should double check the application to confirm that all required documents have been attached and are consistent with each other and the iStar application.
STEVENS CENTER FOR INNOVATION: We’re excited to announce an upcoming improvement to how you interact with USC Stevens, particularly with respect to the submission of invention disclosures. We will be migrating from our current system, Wellspring’s Sophia, to a new, enhanced platform from Inteum. This transition represents a significant step forward in streamlining our processes and providing you with a more user-friendly and efficient experience. Inteum offers several key benefits, including an easier and faster inventors’ portal for submission of invention disclosures and improved tracking and reporting.
As the USC Stevens team transitions from Sophia to Inteum/Minuet for invention disclosure submissions, please note these important dates to better serve you:
- Blackout Period: June 17 – July 1 (no new disclosures accepted via Sophia/Minuet)
- Go-Live Date: July 1 (login with USC SSO to use Inteum)
- Weekly Zoom Office Hours (Effective July 2, every Wednesday at 10:00–11:00 am)
As we transition to Inteum, our office will be hosting weekly Zoom Office Hours where USC inventors can speak with a member of our Technology Commercialization team or our Database Analyst and get support. Please send an e-mail to licensing@stevens.usc.edu and request a Zoom meeting link.
We understand that transitioning to a new system may require some adjustment, and we are committed to making this process as seamless as possible for you. As with any rollout of a new system, there may be some kinks we need to iron out, and we kindly ask for your patience should any issues arise. We are confident that Inteum will provide a more efficient and positive experience for our inventor community. Learn more about the Invention Disclosure Process.
We’re thrilled to announce that USC has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with the Ellison Medical Institute (EMI) for the rights to develop and commercialize a novel therapeutic drug for the treatment of prostate cancer and related diseases. Chemistry Professor Charles McKenna, Co-Director of the USC Center for New Technologies in Drug Discovery and Development, and EMI Founding CEO and Keck School of Medicine Professor David Argus created a joint research project to discover small molecule androgen receptor modulators targeting advanced prostate cancer. Their efforts have resulted in the identification of several promising candidates for clinical translation while offering graduate students a unique opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary research early in their careers. Read more about this impactful USC-EMI collaboration.
DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL RESOURCES: Per Diem Reminder: all species per diem and service rates will be increasing on July 1st as advertised in the 5 Year Rate Schedule posted early 2024. The mouse per diem will be $1.42 and the rat per diem will be $2.42. Please see the link for all species and upcoming years.
The University’s hiring freeze has caused DAR to operate at a 24% staff deficit, the highest ever deficit reported for the current animal census. While we are in the process of backfilling, we will be implementing the following measures to preserve essential operations:
- Delaying certain animal purchase orders
- Suspension of autoclaving for racks
- Phasing out the use of shoe covers
- Performing facility cleaning tasks as needed: disinfection of walls, ceilings, mopping and buffing of floors
- Delay or limit Reserve Cage Card printing
- Direct service charges for Pink Sticker Euthanasia for labs requesting the DAR staff to euthanize animals- more information to come regarding this.
These are not cost-saving solutions, but rather short-term crisis adaptations to ensure all currently housed animals are still provided with the same adequate care as according to federal guidelines. We appreciate the research community’s patience as we operate below critical staffing levels. More information, including what you can do to help, can be found at dar.usc.edu.
Did You Know: DAR Animal Health Technicians (aka Vet Techs) manage the TAG center and mail in your samples for your genotyping needs every week? This is a recent (<10 years) added service that is included in your per diem rates.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY:
Heat Illness
As temperatures rise, it is important to stay vigilant about heat illness prevention. Even warm indoor environments, like laboratories or kitchens, can pose serious risks. Make sure to stay hydrated, take breaks, and recognize the signs of heat-related illness. For tips and resources, visit our Heat Illness Prevention webpage.
PPE Maintenance Webpage
Proper care and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for lab safety. As such, EH&S has launched a new webpage dedicated to guidance on cleaning, storing, and inspecting your PPE. PPE Maintenance Webpage
CSHEMA Award
We are also excited to share some great news: EH&S has won the CSHEMA Marketing Single Media Award! It is an honor to have our commitment to safety education recognized by our peers, and you can read more about it on the EH&S Announcement webpage.
Monthly updates are archived here.