Research cores at the University of South Carolina are shared research resources that provide access to equipment, instruments, technology and specialized expertise. These services and facilities are available to researchers from any part of the university or from other organizations. When researchers engage the services of one of our research core facilities, they don’t just get access to the equipment or consultant services they need to realize their scholarly vision, they gain a partner to support crucial steps in their research process.
USC’s research cores have traditionally been established in and managed by a wide range of academic units. Today, the university is working to streamline and enhance the efficiency of our shared research facilities by consolidating many USC cores into a centralized and integrated system. Centralization allows USC’s research cores to
- Offer a single user-friendly interface for essential functions like scheduling, billing and reporting.
- Evaluate new technologies based on user need and efficiently secure new instruments or upgrades without duplication or gaps.
- Receive centralized administrative support to ensure smooth operations, allowing core staff to focus on research support.
USC’s Research Cores
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Electron Microscopy Center
The Electron Microscopy Center works with researchers in biological and materials sciences fields to prepare specimens and examine them using advanced electron microscopy instruments.
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Elemental Mass Spectrometry Core
The Center for Elemental Mass Spectrometry provides plasma-source mass spectrometry analysis and support for investigators working in the fields of geochemistry, chemical oceanography and others.
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Functional Genomics Core
The Functional Genomics core offers resources, expertise and solutions for studying genomics. The Functional Genomics Core offers both microscopy and flow cytometry support.
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HESTIA Core
The Health Care Evaluation Systems and Technology Informatics Archive (HESTIA) is a centralized, secure repository of clinical data for use in research.
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Instrumentation Resource Facility
The Instrumentation Resource Facility offers use of more than 50 pieces of state-of-the-art biotechnological instrumentation to support diverse research interests.
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Mouse Experimentation and Germ-free Core
This core provides expert laboratory and care support for scholars using mouse models in their research.
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X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Core
The X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Core analyzes the change in surface chemistry of materials after they have been treated with chemicals or physical processes.
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Non-Centralized Research Cores
USC’s effort to centralize our research core facilities is ongoing, and many cores are still managed by academic units. We have cataloged information on the non-centralized cores to enhance accessibility for researchers.
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Core Equipment List
Check out a detailed listing of core equipment available for use through of USC's centralized and non-centralized research cores.
Office of Research Facilities and Infrastructure
The Office of the Vice President for Research is pleased to support the administrative needs of USC’s centralized research core facilities. Reach out to our Office of Research Facilities and Infrastructure when you need help with iLab management software processes or have a question about acquiring or upgrading core equipment.
Dr. Bob Price - Executive Director, Research Facilities and Infrastructure, bob.price@uscmed.sc.edu
Savannah Britz, CRA - Director of Finance & Business Operations, savannah.britz@sc.edu