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Photo collage of Timothy Jackson, Ward Thompson, Jon Tunge and Michael Branicky
“These four researchers have demonstrated excellence in their fields and have done so in a way that reflects well on our entire university. As one of the nation’s leading research institutions, KU strives to make discoveries that change the world — and these four scholars are helping us fulfill that mission every day," said Chancellor Douglas A. Girod.

Other featured news

Photo collage of Timothy Jackson, Ward Thompson, Jon Tunge, and Michael Branicky

Four KU professors in chemistry and engineering named AAAS fellows

“These four researchers have demonstrated excellence in their fields and have done so in a way that reflects well on our entire university. As one of the nation’s leading research institutions, KU strives to make discoveries that change the world — and these four scholars are helping us fulfill that mission every day," said Chancellor Douglas A. Girod.
An aearial photo of KU's Lawrence campus showing Strong Hall, Jayhawk Boulevard and the Campanile.

Study finds universities rarely keep contact with retirees, but benefits exist for schools, former employees when they do

KU researchers conducted a study in which they surveyed American institutions of higher education to find out whether they keep in touch with retirees. The vast majority do not, but a case study of KU, which does keep contact, found multiple potential benefits for both retirees and potential service and goodwill for the university.
An artist's rendering of solar arrays placed over a water canal in California.

KU environmental law expert part of research team working to place solar arrays over thousands of miles of California canals

Robin Kundis Craig of KU Law is part of the California Solar Canal Initiative, which is working to place solar arrays over thousands of miles of water canals in California. The project aims to produce clean energy, reduce water loss and land waste, all while creating local jobs and reducing pollution.
Keyboard player with other musicians on nightclub stage

KC musician Eddie Moore makes ‘a happier album’

On “What Makes Us,” pianist Eddie Moore reaches out to the new generation of jazz musicians. The University of Kansas School of Music lecturer launches his latest album March 25.

Research



A study of feminist protesters who took part in the 2019 Algerian “Hirak“ protests found they experienced dismissal and violence from people on social media, even when they shared goals of reforming their government. The findings indicate the power of social media to unite people around a common cause can be limited when all are not viewed as equals.
The annual awards recognize outstanding unclassified academic staff, unclassified professional staff and postdoctoral fellows whose research significantly influenced their fields and expanded intellectual or societal insights.
Artist's rendering of solar arrays placed over a water canal in California.
Robin Kundis Craig of KU Law is part of the California Solar Canal Initiative, which is working to place solar arrays over thousands of miles of water canals in California. The project aims to produce clean energy, reduce water loss and land waste, all while creating local jobs and reducing pollution.

Kansas Communities



Researchers at the University of Kansas, along with the University of Florida and the University of North Texas, will partner with regional high schools to engage about 500 students and 25 teachers in real-world projects to build interest in artificial intelligence technology as a career path.
The University of Kansas School of Music has planned an outreach tour featuring the KU Wind Ensemble under the direction of Matt Smith. The band will embark on a two-day tour across central and western Kansas, performing five concerts for students and the public.
Sunflower with solar flare
Kristi Northcutt will direct the center that provides professional education and leadership development programs and events for public service professionals across Kansas and beyond.

Economic Development



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.
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.
Collage of images showing a researcher in a biomedical sciences laboratory, researchers in an engineering lab space, and K-12 students in a classroom. Kansas prairie grasses create a background for the images.
Research and development expenditures spanning all University of Kansas campuses increased to $546.1 million in fiscal year 2024, surpassing the half-billion-dollar mark for the first time in university history. The reverberations of that growth extend far beyond KU to benefit people throughout the Sunflower State and beyond.

Student experience and achievement



The University of Kansas debate team of Ethan Harris and Jacob Wilkus, both alumni of Free State High School in Lawrence, have qualified for the National Debate Tournament set for April 4-7 in Spokane, Washington.
Undergraduate researchers from the University of Kansas Lawrence and Medical Center campuses will present their research projects Feb. 26 as part of Kansas Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol.
KU Law students Alex Nelson and Ashley MacDonald pose with their awards for winning the 2025 National Native American Law Student Association Moot Court Competition.
For the fifth consecutive year, a University of Kansas School of Law team won first place at the National Native American Law Student Association (NNALSA) Moot Court Competition, which took place Feb. 14-15 in Las Vegas.

Campus news



KU alumni Tom and Jan Hardy have provided a $2 million gift to the University of Kansas Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum to fuel preservation efforts for the historic exhibit at the heart of the museum, the Panorama. The 132-year-old exhibit showcases a variety of preserved animal specimens in their habitats, with North American mammals at its center.
Stephen T. Johnson, lecturer in the School of Architecture and Design, carries on his family’s artistic legacy in a new “three-generation” show opening Feb. 28 at the Cider Gallery in Lawrence.
Aerial view of earthwork of Bob Dole adjacent to Dole Institute of Politics, pool of water
The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas will welcome a slate of national leaders and feature student-led issue programs, an original exhibition and the family-favorite annual Easter Egg Roll.

Latest news

Photo collage of Timothy Jackson, Ward Thompson, Jon Tunge, and Michael Branicky

Four KU professors in chemistry and engineering named AAAS fellows

“These four researchers have demonstrated excellence in their fields and have done so in a way that reflects well on our entire university. As one of the nation’s leading research institutions, KU strives to make discoveries that change the world — and these four scholars are helping us fulfill that mission every day," said Chancellor Douglas A. Girod.
Aerial view of earthwork of Bob Dole adjacent to Dole Institute of Politics, pool of water

Dole Institute late spring programming to feature former Dole staff leaders, former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates

The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas will welcome a slate of national leaders and feature student-led issue programs, an original exhibition and the family-favorite annual Easter Egg Roll.
KU professor Angela Gist-Mackey stands holding her arms up while being recognized at center court in Allen Fieldhouse while Jie Zhang, associate dean in KU's College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, looks on.

Faculty recognized for research excellence at 2024-25 KU Athletics events

For the second year, a group of University of Kansas faculty touted for their excellence in research, scholarship and creative activity were honored at KU Athletics events. Each enjoyed a VIP experience at a KU volleyball, football or basketball game, where they were introduced on the court or field during a timeout.
The Earth in space

KU Engineering department to host 75th Annual Environmental Engineering Conference

On April 16, the Department of Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering within the University of Kansas School of Engineering will host experts in the field of environmental engineering for a one-day conference exploring the latest developments.