About Research

About

Research at USF St. Petersburg campus

The USF curriculum on the St. Petersburg campus is tightly focused on arts and sciences, business and education within a close-knit, student-centered learning community.

USF faculty on the St. Petersburg campus conduct wide-ranging, collaborative research to meet society’s needs and engage in service projects and partnerships that enhance the university and the community’s social, economic and intellectual life.

USF research culture is built on a solid foundation supported by USF’s mission, values and vision. Faculty members are the driving force, but students and faculty have a vested interest in sharing the research experience. This approach is essential to the continued development, growth and cultivation of a vibrant USF research culture.

At USF, research is a creative and ongoing collaboration between faculty and students, administrators, business and academic partners and our local community. Together we are an even stronger global research university that explores uncharted terrain, generates knowledge, unleashes innovation and changes lives.

RESEARCH IS FACULTY DRIVEN

USF faculty’s dedication to the wider community is a strong component of the research mission.

The vision is to enhance opportunities for community-based research, service, and learning; while promoting, strengthening, and supporting research as a pathway to knowledge, discovery, problem solving, and contributing to the public good.

Faculty members produce an impressive body of scholarly work, creative activities and community service projects with a strong research component.

OFFICE OF RESEARCH

The USF St. Petersburg Office of Research supports the research activities and helping faculty apply for external funding at USF St. Petersburg campus.  

Visit USF Research & Innovation for additional details regarding research on all USF campuses.

research highlights 

  • USF Joins AAU as its 5th youngest university
  • Carnegie Classification as a doctoral university with very high research activity and community engagement
  • #14 in Patents among public research universities
  • $6.02 Billion USF’s economic impact in FY 19-20
  • $461 Million in total research expenditures in FY 22-23
  • Research Park Recognition Named 2022 Outstanding Research Park by AURP

In 2023, USF became the first public university in Florida in nearly 40 years to be invited to join the Association of American Universities (AAU), a prestigious group of the leading universities in the United States and Canada.

usf joins prestigious aau

Image of graduate in university cap and gown next to the words "University of South Florida Joins the AAU, Association of American Universities"

USF’s historic invitation to join the Association of American Universities has taken what many in Tampa Bay have once considered a “best-kept secret” to an unprecedented new level. Being an AAU member is a tremendous milestone for USF as it formalizes USF's position as a leading research university.

USF is the first public university in Florida to be invited to join the AAU in nearly 40 years and is now one of only two institutions from the State University System of Florida to serve as an AAU member.