Featured news at KU


Our top featured stories

Conceptual art shows a human head with different passageways and staircases, implying aspects of the material, soul and psychology.
John Symons, professor of philosophy at the University of Kansas, offers an in-depth look at materialism — the idea that all facts, events and objects are dependent on or reducible to physical processes. This multiauthor work features 31 chapters that explore its fascinating history, from the ancient world through the 21st century.

Other featured news

A woman holding a white cane stands alone in a spotlight while a team of doctors line up in the darkness behind her

Project to document medical ableism experienced by people with disabilities

A new project at the Institute for Health and Disability Policy Studies (IHDPS) at the KU Life Span Institute aims to examine how health care challenges rooted in prejudices, known as medical ableism, affect people with disabilities.
An image of the United States showing the school districts color coded to represent those which saw a more than 10 percent increase in students of color enrolled between 2000 and 2020. Tennessee, Alaska and Hawaii are not included, as they did not have data available.

Study finds suburban school districts diversified since 2000, but urban districts saw more racial isolation

A study compared school districts across the country in 2020 and 2000 using census and demographic data, as well as sophisticated geographical mapping. Suburban districts across the country saw more diversity, but urban districts saw more racial isolation.
Children surrounded by neon swirling illustrations.

KU researchers studying efficacy of automatic recording and AI analysis of children's language use and development

KU scientists are testing how artificial intelligence could be applied to measure verbal interactions unobtrusively and automatically in a variety of settings, including at area child care or early education programs. Earlier work took them to Science City in Union Station.
Nebula

New idea may crack enigma of the Crab Nebula’s ‘zebra’ pattern

A theoretical astrophysicist from the University of Kansas may have solved a nearly two-decade-old mystery over the origins of an unusual "zebra" pattern seen in high-frequency radio pulses from the Crab Nebula.

Research



A University of Kansas researcher and colleagues have written new work evaluating the creative potential of prompts and images in generative artificial intelligence for the new book “Design Computing and Cognition ’24.”
A University of Kansas researcher's new work provides guidance, examples and considerations of how best to conduct qualitative research with college students, especially those from historically marginalized populations.
The aurora borealis or the northern lights in Alaska.
A partnership with KU, WRITE tackles a widespread problem, not just in Alaska, but across the United States: Many high school teachers, especially those in career and technical education, lack the formal training to effectively teach argumentative writing.

Kansas Communities



The Kansas Energy Transition Atlas is a GIS-powered website that gathers wind energy regulations for all of the state's 105 counties and allows users to find information including laws guiding development and the number of turbines and transmission lines in a county. Users can print their own detailed maps.
A new research center in the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare will elevate health-related research, training and collaboration. The Center for the Advancement of Health Equity is committed to improving health, behavioral health and long-term care systems, as well as promoting health equity and access.
Students on steps of Lippincott Hall, talking.
A new website from the Center for Educational Opportunity Programs is designed to provide high school students, current college students and adult learners engaged in college access and success programs — including TRIO, GEAR UP and CAMP (College Assistance Migrant Program) — with a one-stop hub for information on scholarships, internships and more.

Economic Development



The woods can be a place of adventure and beauty, a peaceful escape for a walk. But among the leaves and grass, the threat of ticks can turn a hike into a health-altering encounter with Lyme disease. A recent $3 million Small Business Innovation Research award will fund the research and development of a vaccine to stop Lyme disease in its tracks.
Panasonic Energy and the University of Kansas today announced that they have signed an agreement aimed at promoting the development of next-generation technologies and the cultivation of specialist expertise in the field of lithium-ion batteries.
Photo of hands holding an Avium electrolyzer stack prototype
With $5 million in support from U.S. Department of Energy, the University of Kansas and Avium, a startup firm founded by researchers from KU’s School of Engineering, aim to make clean hydrogen more affordable.

Student experience and achievement



Both University of Kansas Army ROTC Ranger Challenge teams took first place at the 2024 Task Force Leavenworth Ranger Challenge competition at Fort Leavenworth, held Oct. 11-13.
"Good morning Indian Country," a Native student-led weekly news and information program in the William Allen White School of Journalism & Mass Communications, is one of 205 local news outlets awarded funding from Press Forward. The grant will help GMIC grow its team and provide additional training for students.
Sam Kirk
Each year on Veterans Day, ROTC students participate in an honor guard vigil on Memorial Drive, along with other remembrance activities, such as laying wreaths at each of the veterans memorials on campus. Meet some of the Jayhawks participating in this tradition.

Campus news



The University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University have renewed their long-standing memorandum of understanding on shared areas of interest.
Oscar-winning filmmaker Kevin Willmott has retired from active teaching after more than two decades on University of Kansas faculty. A film festival in February 2025 will screen some of his major works.
Top of Campanile in clouds.
With more than 1,700 international students from 116 countries currently enrolled and over 1,000 students participating in experiences abroad, the University of Kansas has much to celebrate during International Education Week.

Latest news

Conceptual art shows a human head with different passageways and staircases, implying aspects of the material, soul and psychology.

History and philosophy of materialism explored in new book

John Symons, professor of philosophy at the University of Kansas, offers an in-depth look at materialism — the idea that all facts, events and objects are dependent on or reducible to physical processes. This multiauthor work features 31 chapters that explore its fascinating history, from the ancient world through the 21st century.
Stella Markou leans forward with chin on hands, emulating pose in photo of Maria Callas on easel next to her.

KU opera director inhabited Maria Callas long before Netflix biopic

A University of Kansas voice professor’s expertise grew from identification with the late opera star Maria Callas. Stella Markou can discuss the upcoming Netflix biopic "Maria" with media.
Fall aerial view of campus.

University announces summer, fall 2024 Employees of the Month

The University of Kansas celebrates outstanding employees from the Lawrence and Edwards campuses.
A woman holding a white cane stands alone in a spotlight while a team of doctors line up in the darkness behind her

Project to document medical ableism experienced by people with disabilities

A new project at the Institute for Health and Disability Policy Studies (IHDPS) at the KU Life Span Institute aims to examine how health care challenges rooted in prejudices, known as medical ableism, affect people with disabilities.