University of SC hits research record in 2011-12

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The University of South Carolina has hit a new record in research funding by topping $238 million in the last school year.

USC’s vice president for research said Friday the federal and private awards received in 2011-12 increased 5 percent from the previous school year.

Prakash Nagarkatti says the increase is remarkable considering that federal support for research has remained flat or declined in recent years.

Research projects awarded in the past year include $4.5 million to study recovery from strokes and $3.7 million for sleep research on elderly adults. Another $2 million went toward studying how compounds which give vegetables their color and protection from viruses can suppress multiple sclerosis.

USC is one of only 63 public universities nationwide listed in the Carnegie Foundation’s highest tier of research institutions.