Explore updates from USF's President, university news and upcoming events.
From the President
I am thrilled to share that USF set another record for research funding in fiscal year 2025. The $750 million we received was an $11.6 million increase over the previous year and a 37% jump since 2022, bringing us closer to our goal of $1 billion in funding by 2030. That total included an all-time high of $284 million from more than 700 private and industry partners, a 17% increase over last year. State and local government funding also increased, and federal agencies continue to invest in USF research. Together with our partners in the private and public sectors, our world-class researchers are forging a future where USF stands at the forefront of discovery and innovation.
Updates
• Speaking of USF’s robust research enterprise, a new edition of our LinkedIn newsletter, “Bold Research. Real Impact” is now available. It features the veterans helping lead USF’s landmark hyperbaric oxygen therapy research, USF-born technology that offers hope to pet owners, and the important efforts in the USF Center for Microbiome Research related to diabetes, dementia, cardiovascular disease, cancer and unhealthy aging. If you aren’t already one of our approximately 60,000 subscribers, I encourage you to sign up and be the first to receive these terrific stories.
• Research was also in focus last week as I joined our partners at Tampa General Hospital and faculty, staff and students from the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine at TGH Day at the Capitol. We were proud to highlight our critical role as the region’s leading academic medical center and USF’s position as the No. 1 medical school in Florida. While meeting with legislators, we also advocated for continued support of our university’s priorities, including additional funding for the USF Health Translational Research Institute, a facility that will allow us to make an even greater impact.
• With last week’s approval by the Florida Board of Governors, we are pleased to move forward with our plans for the Fletcher District, which will be a vibrant hub for students, other members of the USF community and the surrounding area. We also released four new renderings of the mixed-use destination that features housing, restaurants, a hotel and conference center an academic research facility and green space. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2026 and open by fall 2028.
• We were excited for USF to be prominently featured in the national spotlight last Thursday. First, an incredible opportunity for ESPN’s “SportsCenter” to broadcast live from outside the Marshall Student Center, showcasing Bull spirit and our beautiful campus. Then, Coach Alex Golesh and the football team scored an impressive victory over UTSA, also on ESPN, to remain in contention for a conference title and spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP). We’ll be back on national TV this weekend against Navy and our Bulls, who earned their first-ever CFP ranking at No. 24, return home on Nov. 29 to play Rice.
• Congratulations to USF professors Michael Francis, Sumita Mitra and Subhra Mohapatra, who were among the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame class of 2025. I was delighted to speak at the recent induction ceremony, which celebrated innovators who have created real-world solutions to challenges facing our state and nation. The three USF faculty members were honored for their advancements in health care, dental technology and cancer treatment.
• I am looking forward to joining our faculty, staff and other members of the university community this Saturday morning at Raymond James Stadium for the Tampa Bay Heart Walk. As co-chair of this year’s event alongside Frank Morsani, I have been inspired by the strong support of the American Heart Association’s mission to save lives through research and education. You can go herefor details on ways to get involved and support this important effort.
The new Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing's emphasis on preparing students for the workforce was featured in a story on Fox13.
Reader's Digest interviewed professor Jill Roberts for a story on the best ways to store leftover food.
Through a new partnership, The Florida Orchestra’s resident conductor and music director will serve as artists-in-residence at USF and lead the USF Symphony Orchestra in a series of free performances beginning Nov. 20.
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