The Center for Urban Science and Progress (CUSP) is NYU’s urban data and research hub in Brooklyn, New York, focused on the use of data science, computing and applied research to study cities. Based at New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering, CUSP works at the intersection of urban systems, technology and public policy, with an emphasis on improving how cities function and how public services are delivered.
Founded in 2012 and opened to students in 2013, CUSP was created to advance research on urban life through partnerships with government, industry and community actors. Its work is closely tied to New York City, where it serves as a bridge between academic research and practical city operations. At the same time, its partnerships and collaborations extend beyond the city, giving it a broader international reach.
CUSP’s core activities include graduate education, applied research, and data-driven projects with public and private partners. The centre offers the M.S. in Urban Data Science, a programme designed to train students in analytics for urban problem-solving. Its research agenda covers topics such as mobility, resilience, sustainability, public health, infrastructure, and equitable access to services. CUSP also hosts data dives and collaborative projects that bring students and researchers together with external organisations to work on real-world urban challenges.
Among its better-known activities are studies and pilot projects involving New York City agencies and international collaborators, often using large urban datasets to inform decision-making. CUSP’s profile is that of a specialised university centre rather than a standalone institute: small in structure, but with a clear mission and a strong city-facing mandate.