Mentored Research & Inquiry experiences have been a unique feature and academic requirement at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) since 1990. The GSSM Research & Inquiry experience is one of the distinctive learning opportunities that sets this educational journey apart from other schools across South Carolina and the country. This experience provides GSSM students with the unique opportunity of exploration, discovery, and individual growth. GSSM students become familiar with the methods of discovery, apply critical thinking skills, learn to overcome challenges with rigor and creativity and challenge their ability to communicate complex concepts.

GSSM’s goal is to prepare each student to seek out and thrive in opportunities at each stage of their journey after graduation. GSSM works individually with students and families to identify Research & Inquiry experiences with consideration of each student’s goals, interests, educational objectives, and situation.

GSSM partners with institutions across South Carolina, the country, the world, and with our own outstanding faculty to provide experiences across a variety of fields and institutions. While the most common fields reflect traditional areas of excellence for South Carolina – agricultural science, biology, chemistry, engineering, environmental science, and materials science, students have recently worked in diverse fields from archaeology to robotics to economics and beyond. Students may also have the opportunity to conduct research during the school year through one of our Research & Inquiry courses.

Mentor & Partner Site Resources

Class of 2026

Class of 2025

Class of 2025 Research & Inquiry Experience on Canvas (Student Access Only)

Information for Prospective Students

Annual Research Colloquium

GSSM Faculty Resources

ORI Media

Hydroponic Research Lab Presentation at NCSSS 2023 Professional Conference