Research Catalyst Program (RCP)
The Research Catalyst Program at USC funds interdisciplinary faculty research with strong potential for scholarly and societal impact across seven topic areas.
Funder: University of Southern California
Due Dates (Anticipated): November 2026 | February 2027
Funding Amounts: Budget caps and award sizes vary by topic area; program supports multiple projects per cycle.
Summary: Supports USC faculty-led interdisciplinary research projects with strong potential for scholarly and societal impact.
Key Information: Only USC faculty are eligible; program is currently paused but anticipated to reopen on an annual cycle.
Description
The Research Catalyst Program (RCP) at the University of Southern California (USC) is designed to support faculty-led projects that demonstrate significant potential for return on investment in both research and scholarship. The program, administered by USC’s Office of Research and Innovation, funds projects across seven topic areas, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative approaches across diverse academic disciplines. RCP aims to catalyze research that informs policy, drives innovation, and generates societal impact, thus expanding the reach and influence of USC-led initiatives.
