The SmartState Center for Advanced Tissue Biofabrication is a collaborative research center led by R. Clinton Webb at the University of South Carolina, bringing together researchers from USC, Clemson University and the Medical University of South Carolina to advance biofabrication, 3D bioprinting and regenerative medicine.

As a South Carolina SmartState Center, ACORN advances chronic care science through research, development and real-world application, with a vision of optimizing quality of life for people affected by chronic conditions. The center, led at USC by Lovoria Williams, conducts innovative, multidisciplinary research to improve health outcomes and quality of life.

The McCausland Center for Brain Imaging, led by the endowed chair Christopher Rorden, provides advanced imaging technology and research resources to support high-resolution brain imaging studies. The center advances neuroscience research, expands understanding of brain injury and recovery and provides opportunities for scientific discovery, student research and workforce development in neuroimaging.

The South Carolina Cancer Disparities Research Center (SC CADRE) is a collaborative research center between MUSC Hollings Cancer Center and South Carolina State University focused on reducing cancer disparities and improving cancer health outcomes for South Carolinians. Through community-engaged research and education, the center develops the next generation of cancer researchers and strengthens pathways for students from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in cancer research.

The Center for Cancer Drug Discovery, led by endowed chair Mitzi Nagarkatti, advances cancer drug discovery through target identification and the development of lead compounds. In collaboration with MUSC, the center bridges academic research and the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries to accelerate the development of new cancer therapies. 

The SmartState Center for Catalysis for Renewable Fuels, led by Endowed Chair John Regalbuto, develops and studies advanced solid catalysts for renewable fuels and sustainable energy applications. Research focuses on catalyst synthesis, structure and performance, including methods for creating highly dispersed metal catalysts and optimizing their properties for improved efficiency.

The SmartState Center for Childhood Neurotherapeutics, led at USC by Jeffrey Twiss, SmartState Chair in Childhood Neurotherapeutics, is a collaborative center with MUSC focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of nervous system diseases. Its research aims to develop new strategies to treat neurological disorders and promote neural repair.

The SmartState Center for Data Analysis, Simulation, Imaging and Visualization (DASIV) bridges mathematical modeling and data-driven methods to advance interdisciplinary research and scientific discovery. The center develops theoretical and computational approaches that combine classical model-based techniques with machine learning, compressive sensing and statistical estimation, with applications across fields including materials science.

The SmartState Center for Effectiveness Research in Orthopaedics (CERortho), led by SmartState Endowed Chair John Brooks, conducts research to evaluate and improve the value and effectiveness of orthopaedic care. The center uses innovative research methods to compare treatments and inform better approaches to orthopaedic health outcomes.

 The SmartState Center for Environmental Nanoscience and Risk (CENR) studies how natural and manufactured nanoparticles affect environmental and human health. The center also develops low-hazard, low-risk nanotechnologies designed to benefit human and environmental health.

The SmartState Center for Experimental Nanoscale Physics, led by Endowed Chair Dr. Rongying Jin, hosts a state-of-the-art shared facility for the design, fabrication and characterization of nanoscale materials.

The General Atomics Center for the Development of Transformational Nuclear Technology, led by Endowed Chair Theodore Besmann, advances innovative research in nuclear fuels, reactor safety, modeling and nuclear waste storage to support future energy needs.

The South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality, led by Chair Xiaoming Li, advances healthcare and population health through innovative research, education, community engagement and policy advocacy, with a focus on improving health outcomes in South Carolina and beyond.

The SmartState Center for Innovation + Commercialization, led by Endowed Chair Laura B. Cardinal, advances innovation and strategy to create economic opportunities for South Carolina. The center bridges academic research and strategic innovation through initiatives, programs, outreach and industry connections.

The SmartState Center for Medication Safety and Efficacy, in collaboration with MUSC, studies the effects of prescription and over-the-counter medications to improve drug safety and effectiveness. Through educational outreach to healthcare professionals, the center promotes safer medication use through the Doris Levkoff Meddin Medication Safety Education Program.

The SmartState Center for Multifunctional Materials and Structures (MFMS), located at USC’s McNAIR Center and directed by Paul Ziehl, focuses on the design, manufacturing and assembly of hybrid composite structures. The center develops advanced materials and manufacturing technologies for industrial applications while supporting innovation and economic development.

The Neurotherapeutics and Chemical Biology center is led by the SmartState Endowed Chair in Neurotherapeutics, Dr. Qun Lu, based in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, alongside initiatives like the Center for Childhood Neurotherapeutics.

The SmartState Center for Nuclear Science and Energy, led by Endowed Chair Dan Cacuci, advances nuclear science and energy research and education while collaborating with industry, universities, government research organizations and small businesses to drive innovation nationally and internationally.

Led at USC by Martin Morad, SmartState Endowed Chair for Regenerative Medicine, this is a collaborative center with MUSC and Clemson.

The SeniorSMART™ Center, includes the SmartHOME Center led by Sue Levkoff and the SmartBRAIN Center led by Julius Fridriksson. This collaborative center with Clemson University focused on fostering independence among older adults by supporting intellectual activity and mobility at home and in the community.

The SmartState Center for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, led by Endowed Chair Kevin Huang, advances fundamental and applied research in energy materials, components and devices to enable advanced clean energy systems and support a sustainable energy future.

The SmartState Center for Strategic Approaches to the Generation of Electricity (SAGE), led by Endowed Chair Jochen Lauterbach, develops innovative technologies to improve the environmental performance of electricity production. The center focuses on sustainable energy solutions and high-throughput approaches for discovering and optimizing energy nanomaterials.

Led at USC by Souvik Sen, SmartState Endowed Chair for Clinical Stroke Research, this is a collaborative center with MUSC.

The Technology Center to Promote Healthy Lifestyles (TecHealth), led at USC by Delia West, SmartState Endowed Chair for Technology Enhancing Healthful Lifestyles, is a collaborative center with MUSC focused on developing and evaluating technology-based health promotion programs that encourage healthy lifestyles and reduce disease risk.

The Richardson Family SmartState Center of Economic Excellence in Tourism and Economic Development, led by Endowed Chair Lori Pennington-Gray, generates data-driven insights to inform and support the growth of tourism economies, with a focus on research that advances tourism in South Carolina.

The SmartState Center for Translational Cancer Therapeutics, led at USC by Igor Roninson, is a collaborative center with MUSC focused on discovering new drug targets and developing novel drugs and approaches for cancer treatment.