Aiken, South Carolina, October 17, 2025
News Summary
The University of South Carolina Aiken has secured $8.2 million in state funding to enhance the infrastructure of its Science and Engineering Building. Planned upgrades include expanding wet-lab capabilities and developing three new labs in materials science, advanced instrumentation, and environmental management. These improvements will facilitate collaboration with local industries and research mentorship from Savannah River Nuclear Laboratory affiliates. Additionally, the Aiken City Council plans significant utility and infrastructure improvements, further establishing the area as an innovation hub.
Aiken, South Carolina — The University of South Carolina Aiken (USC Aiken) has received $8.2 million in state funding to improve the infrastructure of its Science and Engineering Building, following approval from the South Carolina General Assembly. These upgrades are expected to enhance hands-on learning opportunities and foster collaboration with regional partners.
The upcoming enhancements include the expansion of wet-lab capabilities, leading to the development of three new labs focused on materials science and engineering, advanced instrumentation, and environmental management. These new facilities aim to support local industries’ environmental management efforts while aligning with the missions of the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative.
The improvements funded by the state will increase the Science and Engineering Building’s working space by nearly 5,000 square feet. Additionally, USC Aiken is set to benefit from collaborations with former and retired Savannah River Nuclear Laboratory scientists and engineers, who will act as research affiliates and mentor students in the new labs.
In conjunction with these developments at USC Aiken, the local public health department has reported the 16th case of measles, marking the 12th case identified since September 25, due to an ongoing outbreak in the area.
Moreover, the Aiken City Council has announced plans for utility and infrastructure improvements, funded by unexpected revenue exceeding $50.9 million from the Capital Project Sales Tax IV. A total of $52.1 million has been collected thus far, paving the way for further allocations towards water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure projects.
Among the funded projects, work is ongoing for a new $50 million Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative facility at USC Aiken. The groundbreaking for a $31.8 million Cyber Integration Center on campus, aimed at enhancing cybersecurity training and collaboration, is set for May 27. Additionally, a $20 million mixed-use building intended for the Savannah River National Laboratory is planned for downtown Aiken, which will accommodate 100 professionals and foster partnerships with USC Aiken.
Aiken County Public Schools are also making strides with plans to construct a $56 million Career & Technology Center on the Aiken Technical College campus, scheduled for completion in fall 2026. Efforts are being made to boost synergy between educational institutions and local businesses to develop a skilled workforce suitable for the demands of modern industries.
Furthermore, USC Aiken’s engineering department is set to unveil an electrical engineering degree program within the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative, further solidifying the institution’s commitment to fostering an innovative educational environment.
The ongoing construction projects in Aiken are part of a broader initiative to establish the region as a hub for innovation, marked by state-of-the-art facilities designed to enhance educational and business collaborations.
FAQ
What funding did USC Aiken receive for upgrades?
USC Aiken has received $8.2 million in state funding to improve the infrastructure of its Science and Engineering Building.
What enhancements are planned for the USC Aiken’s Science and Engineering Building?
The enhancements are expected to increase hands-on learning opportunities and promote collaboration with regional partners, including expansion of wet-lab capabilities.
How much additional space will be added to the Science and Engineering Building?
The funding will increase the working space in the Science and Engineering Building by nearly 5,000 square feet.
What new labs will be developed at USC Aiken?
Three new labs will focus on materials science and engineering, advanced instrumentation, and environmental management.
What community health concern is Aiken currently facing?
The South Carolina Department of Public Health has confirmed the 16th case of measles, the 12th case since September 25, related to a local outbreak.
What infrastructure projects are planned for the city of Aiken?
The Aiken City Council announced plans for utility and infrastructure improvements funded by unexpected revenue, exceeding $50.9 million.
What is the budget for the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative facility at USC Aiken?
The ongoing construction of a new $50 million Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative facility at USC Aiken is underway.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Funding Received | $8.2 million |
| Enhanced Facilities | Expansion of wet-lab capabilities, 3 new labs |
| New Lab Focus Areas | Materials Science and Engineering, Advanced Instrumentation, Environmental Management |
| Increasing Space | Nearly 5,000 square feet |
| Ongoing Construction Projects | $50 million Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative facility, $31.8 million Cyber Integration Center |
| Community Health Concern | 16th case of measles reported |
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: USC Aiken Funding
- Wikipedia: University of South Carolina Aiken
- Post and Courier: Aiken Sales Tax Improvements
- Google Search: Aiken South Carolina infrastructure improvements
- Post and Courier: Aiken Mixed-Use Building
- Google Scholar: Aiken advanced manufacturing
- WCIA: Michael Aiken Passes Away
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Michael Aiken
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
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