Featured news at KU


Our top featured stories

Collage of people in the shape of a map of the United States
In recognition of the anniversary of the 1999 decision, which was celebrated June 20 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, University of Kansas researchers shared information about how federal funds are distributed to each state to help individuals, families and caretakers.

Other featured news

A group of young soccer players huddle on the field of play.

New work highlights physical, mental, social benefits of caring climate in sports

A KU researcher outlines the research-proven benefits of positive sporting environments in a chapter for new edition of a sports psychology book.
Collage of people in the shape of a map of the United States

KU researchers highlight how $80.6 billion in federal spending supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities nationwide

In recognition of the anniversary of the 1999 decision, which was celebrated June 20 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, University of Kansas researchers shared information about how federal funds are distributed to each state to help individuals, families and caretakers.
Stephen Leisring at center in March 2024 in Madrid, recording a fanfare for Spanish television Olympic coverage.

Globe-trotting trumpet professor featured in Spanish Olympics fanfare

Musical talent, hard work and networking take Stephen Leisring around the world — recently to Madrid, where he played first trumpet on a piece for Radio Television Española's upcoming coverage of the Paris Olympics.
Computer simulation of Mycoplasma containing proteins at physiological concentration (individual proteins shown by different colors).

Researchers in US, Ukraine simulate cell activity at ‘breathtaking’ timescales

A partnership between scientists at KU and collaborators in Europe, including war-torn Ukraine, will result in computer models of biological cells likely to hasten health breakthroughs by simulating molecular interactions inside cells with near experimental accuracy at vastly longer timescales than similar efforts.

Research



Raj Bhala's sixth edition of "International Trade Law: A Comprehensive E-Textbook" updates many topics ranging from Brexit to the U.S.-China trade war. This is the first version to be made freely available in an open access format.
Mike Wilkins, the Larry D. Horner and KPMG Professor of Accounting at KU, examines the effects of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board's decision to move to more random-based audit selection. The findings suggest there are more benefits than costs associated with auditors’ responses to a selection approach that is primarily risk-based.
A group of young soccer players huddle on the field of play.
A KU researcher outlines the research-proven benefits of positive sporting environments in a chapter for new edition of a sports psychology book.

Kansas Communities



A new grant from the National Institutes of Health will establish a multidisciplinary biomedical center at the University of Kansas to research big data’s potential to improve women’s health. It will fund KU’s fifth Center of Biomedical Research Excellence.
The Achievement & Assessment Institute has announced the opening of Well-Fit | Center for Youth Wellness and Fitness. The center is based on the principle that youths should be provided knowledge and skills through STEM learning and in-person programming to improve physical wellness and fitness.
A student signing in for an event. A flier that says First-gen? I am too!
TRIO Educational Opportunity Centers at KU offer free assistance to help individuals, particularly first-generation students and those facing financial challenges, navigate the FAFSA financial aid application process. The program, housed under the Achievement & Assessment Institute’s Center for Educational Opportunity Programs, is accessible to the public in Douglas, Shawnee, Wyandotte, Leavenworth and Franklin counties.

Economic Development



Research expenditures spanning all KU campuses increased to $368.6 million in 2023, capping nearly a decade of steady expansion. Last year alone, externally funded research at KU supported the salaries of 4,372 people, and the university spent $78.9 million in 97 Kansas counties on research-related goods and services, according to a report from the Institute for Research on Innovation & Science.
An upcoming cybersecurity conference will bring together experts in the field from industry, workforce and research to KU. FBI Director Christopher Wray will be the first keynote speaker at 8:35 a.m.
light bulb drawing over KU Medical Center and Lawrence campus landscapes
For the second year in a row, the University of Kansas has landed a spot on the National Academy of Inventors' top 100 U.S. Universities Granted Utility Patents list. The 2023 list showcases universities that play a pivotal role in advancing the innovation ecosystem within and beyond the United States.

Student experience and achievement



This summer, ten University of Kansas students received an Undergraduate Research Award (UGRA). UGRA recipients are awarded a $1,000 scholarship for their work on mentored research and creative projects.
The University of Kansas Alpha chapter of Phi Beta Kappa academic honor society initiated new members at a May 12 ceremony. Election to Phi Beta Kappa recognizes a student’s high academic achievement while pursuing a broad and substantive liberal arts curriculum.
Bronze Jayhawk statue
Audrey Rips-Goodwin, an Overland Park senior in chemistry and mathematics, is the University of Kansas’ 2024 Astronaut Scholar — an award of up to $15,000. Rips-Goodwin was also named an Astronaut Scholar in 2023.

Campus news



Two KU faculty members have received the designation of University Distinguished Professor, effective at the start of the fall 2024 semester. They are Heather Desaire in the Department of Chemistry and Erik Perrins in the Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science.
The public is invited to the summer semiannual tour of the KU Native Medicinal Plant Research Garden at 7 p.m. June 21, one day after the summer solstice. The garden, situated just east of the Lawrence Municipal Airport, includes research plantings, a large native plant demonstration garden and the KU Community Garden.
Students walk outside the west side of Capitol Federal Hall with the sun shown above the building.
A gift from KU alumna Rebecca Lyons will provide scholarships for current School of Business students who have participated in its Summer Venture in Business program.

Latest news

Spencer Research Library

Nicodemus descendent, historian to speak at KU Libraries on July 10

A descendant of the original settlers of the town of Nicodemus, Angela Bates has worked for over 30 years to honor the community’s legacy, establishing regional and national partnerships including collaboration with KU Libraries and the Kansas Collection.
Two actors on dramatically lit stage performing "Turn of the Screw"

KU opera professor named finalist for the 2024 American Prize

Stella Markou, soprano, opera director and KU Voice area coordinator for the School of Music, has been selected as a finalist for The American Prize in Directing- The Charles Nelson Reilly Prize (college/university opera division).
Jayhawk statue set to streaky pink sky

Five faculty members awarded Research-Intensive Course Grants for fall 2024

In an effort to provide research opportunities to more students, five faculty members will be working with the Center for Undergraduate Research this fall to redesign portions of their courses to include a larger research or creative component.
Tracy and Vic Harrison at table holding signs

Audio-Reader programs recognized by International Association of Audio Information Services

Audio-Reader Network, based at the University of Kansas, has been recognized for programming excellence by the International Association of Audio Information Services at its annual conference, hosted virtually June 12-14.