Featured news at KU


Our top featured stories

potato chips spilling from bag
University of Kansas researcher Tera Fazzino is investigating whether “hyperpalatable” foods marketed to Americans — foods formulated with artificially high amounts of fat, salt and carbohydrates — have traits commonly associated with addictive substances. She recently earned a $2.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to test the idea using experimental practices standard in the field of regulatory research.

Other featured news

potato chips spilling from bag

Using FDA addiction science, researcher asks: Do salty, high-fat foods act like drugs?

University of Kansas researcher Tera Fazzino is investigating whether “hyperpalatable” foods marketed to Americans — foods formulated with artificially high amounts of fat, salt and carbohydrates — have traits commonly associated with addictive substances. She recently earned a $2.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to test the idea using experimental practices standard in the field of regulatory research.
Jennifer Lohoefener

NSF awards $2 million grant to KU-led project supporting future AI and computing leaders

A University of Kansas-led initiative has received a $2 million award from the National Science Foundation’s Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (S-STEM) program to expand educational opportunities for low-income students pursuing careers in computing, engineering and emerging technology fields.
A young person holds a basket full of vegetables including cabbage and cucumbers.

Study finds sustainable farming program helps refugees, immigrants boost health while launching agribusinesses

New Roots is a Kansas City-area program that works with resettled refugees, immigrants and English language learners to learn sustainable practices to start agribusinesses. Research from the University of Kansas found the program boosts the mental and physical health of participants while they connect with community, benefiting both the farmers and the areas they serve.
Student works keyboard in production TV studio.

KU lands grant funding to boost Indigenous representation in news media using character-based approach

Melissa Green-Blye of KU is principal investigator of two grant projects that will train students to boost Indigenous representation in news media. They will work to build partnerships with students at Haskell Indian Nations university to build journalism networks that move beyond "problem of the day" coverage of topics like mental health for young people.

Research



A University of Kansas physicist played a leading role in a CERN study showing that two rival explanations for how gluons behave inside atomic nuclei can now be experimentally distinguished.
In a new novel, Laura Moriarty, a professor of English at the University of Kansas, crafts a coming-of-age tale set in 1950s Florida. It has been selected as a featured book for “The Today Show.” Moriarty will give talks at several events across Kansas this month.
Ilya Vakser portrait along with red and blue illustration of KU seal
University of Kansas researcher Ilya Vakser and colleagues at Stony Brook University and the Stowers Institute for Medical Research will use a three-year grant from the National Science Foundation to expand knowledge of macromolecular systems using artificial intelligence.

Kansas Communities



Eleven officers from across Kansas graduated Aug. 21 from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center. They are now ready to serve Kansas agencies and communities they represent.
U.S. Rep. Ron Estes addressed the graduates of the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center on July 31 as they completed their 14-week basic training course.
Cattle facing camera behind fence in a field, bright sunlight behind. Image copyright Sarah Holt, all rights reserved.
The 2025 Kansas Statistical Abstract will be available online Sept. 1. This data compendium is published annually by the Institute for Policy & Social Research at the University of Kansas and includes information on a wide range of topics about Kansas.

Economic Development



The National Academy of Inventors ranks the University of Kansas 39th among public universities for the number of utility patents granted in 2025, marking the fourth consecutive year the University of Kansas is listed among the United States’ top 100 institutions receiving patents.
Research and development expenditures spanning all University of Kansas campuses climbed to $610.6 million in fiscal year 2025, surpassing the previous record of $546.1 million by 12% and marking a full decade of sustained research growth.
Attendees chat in audience at professional development workshop.
The Center for Workplace Excellence supports career development in the Greater Kansas City area, helping businesses and nonprofit organizations strengthen workforce skills, improve organizational effectiveness and navigate today’s rapidly changing workplace environment.

Student experience and achievement



The University of Kansas Center for Service Learning has received external funding to support the continuation of the CSL’s Trailblazers Mini-Grant and Cohort Program. The 2025-2026 cohort included more than 25 student Trailblazers across 16 projects focused on sustainability, youth development, health and more.
The names of more than 6,800 graduates at the University of Kansas for summer and fall 2025 and spring 2026 have been announced by the University Registrar. Many graduates and candidates for degree celebrated by participating in KU Commencement, which took place May 17.
Student and donor both smile as a donor hands him a scholarship. People in the background also appear happy
Fifty-two University of Kansas Theatre & Dance students, including 34 Kansans, were honored for academic merit and potential for the 2026-27 academic year. Jayhawks were awarded approximately $210,00 in scholarships.

Campus news



“Ad Astra: A Kansas Story Written in the Stars” is now open in Watson Library’s Haricombe Gallery, tracing Kansas’ deep roots in human spaceflight. The public is invited to a reception Sept. 10 featuring a keynote with KU alumnus and astronaut Steve Hawley, who will also sign copies of his new memoir.
A new exhibition at the Spencer Museum of Art, "Looking After: Art and Care in Education Across Kansas," features more than 80 artworks from its collection that are used in education initiatives to inspire creativity while supporting the academic standards of Kansas. Visitors are invited to explore the many ways that art can facilitate and enrich learning.
Lisa Didion and Jennifer Kurth cheer on the court of Allen Fieldhouse
The University of Kansas has announced the 12 faculty members selected for its 2026-27 Spotlight on Faculty Excellence program, which recognizes outstanding achievements in research, scholarship and creative activity across KU’s Lawrence, Edwards and Medical Center campuses.

Latest news

potato chips spilling from bag

Using FDA addiction science, researcher asks: Do salty, high-fat foods act like drugs?

University of Kansas researcher Tera Fazzino is investigating whether “hyperpalatable” foods marketed to Americans — foods formulated with artificially high amounts of fat, salt and carbohydrates — have traits commonly associated with addictive substances. She recently earned a $2.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to test the idea using experimental practices standard in the field of regulatory research.
Lisa Didion and Jennifer Kurth cheer on the court of Allen Fieldhouse

KU Spotlight on Faculty Excellence honorees announced for the 2026-27 year

The University of Kansas has announced the 12 faculty members selected for its 2026-27 Spotlight on Faculty Excellence program, which recognizes outstanding achievements in research, scholarship and creative activity across KU’s Lawrence, Edwards and Medical Center campuses.
Jennifer Lohoefener

NSF awards $2 million grant to KU-led project supporting future AI and computing leaders

A University of Kansas-led initiative has received a $2 million award from the National Science Foundation’s Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (S-STEM) program to expand educational opportunities for low-income students pursuing careers in computing, engineering and emerging technology fields.
Ilya Vakser

$1.5 million NSF grant will support KU research modeling molecular systems using AI

University of Kansas researcher Ilya Vakser and colleagues at Stony Brook University and the Stowers Institute for Medical Research will use a three-year grant from the National Science Foundation to expand knowledge of macromolecular systems using artificial intelligence.