About the Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics

Measurably improving value in health through evidence-based policy solutions, research excellence, and private and public-sector engagement. 

The Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics, established in 2009 at the University of Southern California through a generous gift from Leonard and Pamela Schaeffer, reflects Mr. Schaeffer’s lifelong commitment to solving healthcare issues and transforming the healthcare system.

A Collaboration between the USC School of Pharmacy and the USC Price School of Public Policy, our vision is to be a premier research institution recognized for innovative, independent research that makes significant contributions to policy and health improvement. With an extraordinary breadth and depth of expertise, the Schaeffer Center has a vital impact on the positive transformation of healthcare.

At the Schaeffer Center, we offer the human and technical capacity necessary to conduct breakthrough interdisciplinary research, exceptional policy analysis and leading-edge training, with more than 50 distinguished scholars investigating a wide array of topics. Our work is augmented by a visiting scholars program and partnerships with other universities that allow outside researchers to benefit from our unparalleled infrastructure and data collections. The Schaeffer Center actively engages in developing excellent research skills in new investigators who can become innovators of the future. At the same time, we support the next generation of healthcare leaders in creating strong management, team-building and communication skills.

Sign Up for Email Updates

Our Experts

The Schaeffer Center brings together health policy experts, a seasoned pharmacoeconomics team, faculty from across USC — including the Keck School of Medicine, the Dworak Peck School of Social Work and the Viterbi School of Engineering — and a number of affiliated researchers from other leading universities to solve the pressing challenges in healthcare.

Our Priority Areas

The Schaeffer Center identifies opportunities to improve the performance of healthcare markets; increase value in healthcare delivery; improve health outcomes and reduce disparities; and foster better pharmaceutical policy and regulation through data-driven, interdisciplinary research.

Our Research

Our experts focus on work that informs lawmakers, media and private-sector leaders on pressing healthcare challenges and, most importantly, research that makes a vital impact on the lives of individuals everywhere. Research topics include healthcare reform, drug pricing, population health and disparities. The USC Schaeffer Center is proud to house nationally recognized Initiatives and Centers that leverage collaborations, interdisciplinary research and expertise to advance important and timely research.

Our Federally Funded Centers 

Since its establishment in 2009, the Schaeffer Center has been awarded more than $65 million in grants to support work that aims to measurably improve value in health nationwide and around the world. Four NIH-funded centers are housed at the Schaeffer Center.

Our Partner Schools

The USC Schaeffer Center was created as a partnership between the USC School of Pharmacy and the USC Price School of Public Policy, whose pharmacoeconomics and health policy experts remain at the center of our efforts.

Our Annual Reports

Every year the USC Schaeffer Center produces an annual report which highlights our work in our priority areas, faculty research, and offers an opportunity to thank our supporters.

Academic Freedom Statement

Freedom to inquire, research and explore ideas are principles at the heart of all universities and upheld by the Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics and the University of Southern California.

Conflict of Interest Statement

Schaeffer Center funding comes from a range of sources, including government entities, foundations, corporations, individuals and endowment. A complete list of supporters of the Schaeffer Center can be found in the Center’s annual reports (available here). At all times, the independence and integrity of the research is paramount.