Explore how our researchers are shaping a better future for Tampa Bay, the state of Florida and the nation. Discover groundbreaking innovations, transformative treatments and meet the dedicated individuals behind the science – working every day to improve lives and strengthen communities.
Student Success
The university received 71,737 applications — the most in its history — for summer and fall 2025. The academic profile of the fall class is record-setting for USF. This fall’s class of first-time-in-college students earned an average SAT score of 1321 with ACT scores also up from last year.
Athletics
USF Athletics interns helped capture one of the program’s biggest wins — the Bulls’ 18–16 upset over then-No. 13 Florida — through viral photos, videos and memes that spread nationwide. From an iconic celebration shot to unexpected Nintendo 3DS sideline footage, their work preserved the emotion of the moment while gaining invaluable hands-on experience.
Research
The University of South Florida has signed a five-year research contract worth up to $85 million with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory. The partnership strengthens USF’s defense research in cybersecurity, biotechnology and energy sciences while offering students valuable internship opportunities.
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.
