Research Catalyst Program (RCP)
The USC Research Catalyst Program funds innovative, interdisciplinary faculty-led research projects across seven key scientific and scholarly areas to drive impactful scholarship and societal benefit.
Funder: University of Southern California
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Award size varies by topic area; prior cycles typically supported 1-year projects with budgets up to $100,000.
Summary: Supports USC faculty-led, interdisciplinary research projects with strong potential for impactful innovation and scholarship.
Key Information: Program is not currently accepting applications; next cycle is anticipated but not guaranteed.
Description
The USC Research Catalyst Program (RCP) is designed to support faculty-led research projects across a range of disciplines that demonstrate strong potential for return on investment in both research and scholarship. The program encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, offering funding across seven topic areas, including artificial intelligence, sustainability, instrumentation, and investigator-initiated projects. The RCP aims to expand the impact of USC-led research initiatives, drive innovation, inform policy, and create societal benefit.
