The University of Southern California (USC) has announced a major universitywide artificial intelligence initiative aimed at expanding research and innovation across multiple disciplines, including health sciences, security, business, and the arts.
The program is supported by a $200 million donation from venture capitalist and USC Trustee Mark Stevens and his wife, Mary Stevens. The funding will be used to recruit AI researchers, develop new technologies, and support interdisciplinary projects focused on scientific discovery, healthcare advancement, business applications, and creative industries.
As part of the initiative, USC’s School of Advanced Computing within the Viterbi School of Engineering will be renamed the USC Mark and Mary Stevens School of Computing and Artificial Intelligence.
USC President Beong-Soo Kim said the initiative aims to strengthen the university’s role in advancing artificial intelligence research while supporting education and real-world applications. He noted that AI development presents opportunities across multiple sectors, including medicine, technology, and the creative industries.
Mark Stevens said the investment reflects confidence in universities that prioritize computing and artificial intelligence research, emphasizing the importance of developing leadership in emerging technologies.
USC already ranks among the top U.S. institutions for federally funded research in computer science-related fields and offers more than 30 programs focused on AI and computing. The university also plans to introduce a new Bachelor of Science degree in Artificial Intelligence.
The initiative builds on USC’s existing work in areas such as data science, machine learning, and interdisciplinary computing. The university produces a large number of graduates in computer and information sciences, many of whom go on to work in technology hubs such as Silicon Valley.
Researchers at USC are currently applying AI in various fields, including medical research on conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, mental health support initiatives, and the development of virtual environments used in film, television, and gaming.
The newly renamed school will serve as a central hub for AI-related research and education. According to Gaurav Sukhatme, who leads the school, the investment is expected to expand research capacity and strengthen USC’s role in global AI development.
The funding will also support several existing USC programs, including neuroimaging research that uses AI to analyze brain scans for early disease detection, as well as technology-focused initiatives linked to defense and training simulations.
USC officials said the initiative will further connect academic disciplines such as engineering, ethics, business, and creative arts. The university also operates research centers focused on the ethical use of artificial intelligence and the application of AI in social programs.
Faculty leaders at USC’s engineering school said the investment is expected to accelerate innovation and support long-term research efforts across multiple fields as artificial intelligence continues to expand its role in education, industry, and society.
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