Featured news at KU


Our top featured stories

Cereals, crackers and other packaged goods are featured along a supermarket aisle.
A new study from the University of Kansas details how U.S. tobacco corporations expanded into global food markets from the mid-1980s to the mid-2000s, using strategies honed through cigarette sales to market ultra-processed foods, which are industrially processed and contain ingredients and additives that maximize their appeal.

Other featured news

Stock photo of supermarket aisle

US tobacco firms used cigarette-selling tactics to globally market ultra-processed foods

A new study from the University of Kansas details how U.S. tobacco corporations expanded into global food markets from the mid-1980s to the mid-2000s, using strategies honed through cigarette sales to market ultra-processed foods, which are industrially processed and contain ingredients and additives that maximize their appeal.
Two women comparing notes in a notebook and smiling.

Studies show that mentoring can also benefit the mentors decades after experiences

Mary Fry, professor of educational psychology at KU, has co-written two studies that examined mentoring programs. One found that the Strong Girls program benefited those providing the guidance to young girls 10 years after their experience, and another found “sideways mentoring” among peers helped scholars for as long as 20 years.
Photo of study co-author, Deepak Timalsina at work in lab.

Research could lead to cheaper, better testing for ‘forever chemicals’ in US drinking water

A new investigation from the University of Kansas improves detection of PFAS, a family of so-called “forever chemicals” in drinking water supplies. The method, which can measure such trace pollution levels of PFAS in water more quickly and inexpensively than current techniques, recently was published in the open-source journal PLOS Water.
Group of eight people travel along forest path. One person raises hand and shouts while others smile. The group leader, in the uniform of a forester, with polo shirt, hiking pants and cap, has turned to look toward the group.

Kansas science teachers to take part in immersive program at KU Field Station

Ten secondary school science teachers from Kansas will converge this week at the University of Kansas Field Station, just north of Lawrence. They’ll take part in the Ecosystems of Kansas Summer Institute, an annual immersive program that gives secondary educators the chance to work with KU scientists to explore resources and gain new ideas for their classrooms.

Research



Chris Depcik, University of Kansas professor of mechanical engineering, has created a solution to help distillers better predict how spirits mature inside a barrel.
Annalise Guthrie, a University of Kansas doctoral candidate in ecology & evolutionary biology, has been named a recipient of the Elouise Cobell Dissertation Writing-Year Fellowship. The award provides $30,000 in support over 12 months to American Indian and Alaska Native scholars who are completing their doctoral dissertations.
A group of hands create the outline of a lightbulb, signifying teamwork leading to creative ideas.
In a new book, Deborah Elizabeth Whaley, a professor of American Studies and English at the University of Kansas, introduces compelling creative techniques from multiple disciples that enhance learning and support professional development experiences for college students and faculty alike.

Kansas Communities



Students, faculty, and staff at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center gathered May 12 in Integrity Hall to honor fallen law enforcement officers who graduated from KLETC during a memorial service recognizing National Police Week.
University of Kansas researchers have launched the second phase of the Kansas Employment First project, expanding access to competitive integrated employment for Kansans with disabilities.
Group of eight people travel along forest path. One person raises hand and shouts while others smile. The group leader, in the uniform of a forester, with polo shirt, hiking pants and cap, has turned to look toward the group.
Ten secondary school science teachers from Kansas will converge this week at the University of Kansas Field Station, just north of Lawrence. They’ll take part in the Ecosystems of Kansas Summer Institute, an annual immersive program that gives secondary educators the chance to work with KU scientists to explore resources and gain new ideas for their classrooms.

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 has awarded 11 students with honors that recognize community engagement, leadership and academics. The University Awards, among the most prestigious awards presented at KU, were established to recognize students who embody service excellence, dedication or whose academic achievements are stellar.
A team from the University of Kansas School of Law extended KU Law’s winning streak this spring, earning top honors for the third consecutive year at the Wayne State Taft Transactional Law Invitational. Third-year law student Kaegan Cowan and second-year law student Emily Weiss brought home one of the competition’s top prizes — best draft.
Eleven KU Law students from the class of 2026
Eleven University of Kansas School of Law students received awards during the spring 2026 semester for distinguishing themselves in scholarship, leadership and service to the law school and the community.

Campus news



This spring, five faculty members from the University of Kansas Lawrence campus who exemplify innovation, expertise and leadership in the classroom were named recipients of the William T. Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence.
The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas announced today its summer programming lineup in honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence on July 4. All events are free and open to the public.
KU Marching Band near Campanile.
The first University of Kansas Homecoming parade in seven years will take place Oct. 23, part of the 2026 Homecoming events. The parade will be led by Student Affairs in partnership with KU Alumni, Kansas Athletics Inc. and Jayhawk Community Partners.

Latest news

Stock photo of supermarket aisle

US tobacco firms used cigarette-selling tactics to globally market ultra-processed foods

A new study from the University of Kansas details how U.S. tobacco corporations expanded into global food markets from the mid-1980s to the mid-2000s, using strategies honed through cigarette sales to market ultra-processed foods, which are industrially processed and contain ingredients and additives that maximize their appeal.
An ipad leaned up against a stack of newspapers displays a digitized Daily Kansan telling of the 1952 basketball national championship.

More than a century of KU student journalism now freely available online

KU Libraries have digitized more than 140 years of University of Kansas student newspapers, from the first campus publication in 1878 through 2017, making the collection freely available through Kenneth Spencer Research Library’s digital repository.
Two women comparing notes in a notebook and smiling.

Studies show that mentoring can also benefit the mentors decades after experiences

Mary Fry, professor of educational psychology at KU, has co-written two studies that examined mentoring programs. One found that the Strong Girls program benefited those providing the guidance to young girls 10 years after their experience, and another found “sideways mentoring” among peers helped scholars for as long as 20 years.
Photo of study co-author, Deepak Timalsina at work in lab.

Research could lead to cheaper, better testing for ‘forever chemicals’ in US drinking water

A new investigation from the University of Kansas improves detection of PFAS, a family of so-called “forever chemicals” in drinking water supplies. The method, which can measure such trace pollution levels of PFAS in water more quickly and inexpensively than current techniques, recently was published in the open-source journal PLOS Water.