Featured news at KU


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Woman with six arms juggling icons including coffee cup, phone, text bubble, clock. Digital illustration.
A new study from University of Kansas researcher Jeffrey Hall finds young adults vacillate between feelings of loneliness and connection as they establish themselves. The researcher also found evidence to push back on depressing narratives.

Other featured news

Woman multitasking

Young adults say they’re happy with their friendships. So why do so many still feel disconnected?

A new study from University of Kansas researcher Jeffrey Hall finds young adults vacillate between feelings of loneliness and connection as they establish themselves. The researcher also found evidence to push back on depressing narratives.
A neon sign of a speech bubble being written with a pen.

‘Like I said’: Written feedback using metadiscourse language proves complicated

In a new study, University of Kansas researchers find an untapped area within the study of metadiscourse, aka “words used to organize a text.” The KU scholars reveal several problematic issues when implementing the two influential models of metadiscourse into the genre of written feedback. The findings were published in Research Methods in Applied Linguistics.
Bronze Jayhawk statue

Research shows human gene PARP14 could be novel target for viral diseases or immune-mediated disorders

Researchers at the University of Kansas have discovered a human gene, the protein PARP14, plays a role in regulating interferon, part of the body’s innate immune system. Their study, appearing in journal mBio, could guide development of antiviral therapies for several groups of viral infection.
University of Kansas researcher Nancy Brady stands in front of her office door.

Researcher seeks to understand delays in language development

A research tool measuring how infants build communication skills into spoken language has been used for first time to study children with neurodivergent conditions. The new work by University of Kansas researcher Nancy Brady has been published in the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research.

Research



Researchers at the University of Kansas have discovered a human gene, the protein PARP14, plays a role in regulating interferon, part of the body’s innate immune system. Their study, appearing in journal mBio, could guide development of antiviral therapies for several groups of viral infection.
A University of Kansas study found that following Kansas City's policy implementation of fare-free bus service, new riders were attracted to the service and overall usage increased, among other changes. Traditionally marginalized communities were especially affected by the change, showing that such a policy has equity benefits, the study author said.
A neon sign of a speech bubble being written with a pen.
In a new study, University of Kansas researchers find an untapped area within the study of metadiscourse, aka “words used to organize a text.” The KU scholars reveal several problematic issues when implementing the two influential models of metadiscourse into the genre of written feedback. The findings were published in Research Methods in Applied Linguistics.

Kansas Communities



Researchers at KU have secured a grant to expand the Transition to Postsecondary Education program. The program helps bring students with disabilities to higher education, work toward career goals and meet in-demand jobs in their communities. The work will expand outreach to educators and families across Kansas and establish similar programs at WSU Tech and Benedictine College.
Researchers at the University of Kansas have published a study based on the Kansas Energy Transition Atlas. The site documents wind energy regulations across all 105 of the state's counties, and findings from the study document which regions of the state tend to have enabling or blocking restrictions, how agriculture influences policy, whether voting habits play a part and more.
Ribbon cutting
Industry executives, state policymakers and University of Kansas leadership joined the Kansas Geological Survey Nov. 6 for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting of the newly renovated Watney CORELAB, which includes a 5,500-square-foot expansion of the existing laboratory space.

Economic Development



The University of Kansas is a powerful engine of economic growth and job creation for the state of Kansas, according to a new study detailing the university’s impact.
The University of Kansas School of Business received a $10 million gift commitment from an anonymous donor that ensures the construction of a new entrepreneurship hub building that benefits the greater KU community by teaching students to solve problems in meaningful ways. The new gift supplements the donor's lead gift of $50 million in 2023.
Kalin Baca shown working in a KU lab in 2023 with professional portrait superimposed over main image.
A recent report from the Institute for Research on Innovation & Science shows more than 7,000 KU research-funded employees leveraged their experience to build careers in all 50 states and the District of Columbia from 2011 to 2023 — and nearly 40% found employment in Kansas.

Student experience and achievement



Eight Jayhawks were honored with 2025 Homecoming Awards at the KU football game Nov. 1. Each award shines a spotlight on the alumni, students and faculty who embody the very best of Jayhawk pride and tradition.
KU Libraries’ LibArt program, a year-round, juried exhibition of student art in library spaces, celebrated its largest-ever display of student artwork and named award recipients at a reception Oct. 28 at Watson Library.
KU student Nate Lundren stands in front of the Victory Eagle memorial on the Lawrence campus.
On Veterans Day, KU ROTC students honor veterans and reflect on their own service as they look forward to careers in the U.S. military.

Campus news



KU has signed its first comprehensive international partnership with Germany's University of Regensburg, building on 20 years in chemistry and American studies to expand into business, law, engineering, immunology and cancer research. It enables student/faculty exchanges, joint research and virtual global learning, advancing KU's internationalization and interdisciplinary innovation.
In honor of Veterans Day, the University of Kansas campus in Lawrence will host/participate in a variety of events Nov. 8-12. Events are open to the public, unless otherwise noted.
Exterior of the Hall Center, showing its nine limestone arches and red bricks under a blue sky.
The Hall Center for the Humanities at the University of Kansas will celebrate 20 years in its historic home at 900 Sunnyside Ave. with an open house from 3 to 6 p.m. Nov. 13. The Hall Center’s current location has a robust history that stretches back to the beginnings of KU.

Latest news

Woman multitasking

Young adults say they’re happy with their friendships. So why do so many still feel disconnected?

A new study from University of Kansas researcher Jeffrey Hall finds young adults vacillate between feelings of loneliness and connection as they establish themselves. The researcher also found evidence to push back on depressing narratives.
A brilliant orange sunset appears between a cloudy blue sky and tall green grass with white flowers

‘Prairie Prophecy’ documentary shares life, vision of KU alumnus Wes Jackson

A free screening of the documentary “Prairie Prophecy” on Nov. 21 will share the work of innovative scientist, farmer and co-founder of The Land Institute Wes Jackson. A panel discussion with University of Kansas scholars will follow the screening.
A neon sign of a speech bubble being written with a pen.

‘Like I said’: Written feedback using metadiscourse language proves complicated

In a new study, University of Kansas researchers find an untapped area within the study of metadiscourse, aka “words used to organize a text.” The KU scholars reveal several problematic issues when implementing the two influential models of metadiscourse into the genre of written feedback. The findings were published in Research Methods in Applied Linguistics.
Bronze Jayhawk statue

Research shows human gene PARP14 could be novel target for viral diseases or immune-mediated disorders

Researchers at the University of Kansas have discovered a human gene, the protein PARP14, plays a role in regulating interferon, part of the body’s innate immune system. Their study, appearing in journal mBio, could guide development of antiviral therapies for several groups of viral infection.