News
Study examines effectiveness of politicians’ public denials amid corruption accusations
In a new article, Sofia Vera, an assistant professor of political science at the University of Kansas, investigates how public denials by politicians accused of corruption influence electoral accountability and why positive and negative partisanship shapes voter reactions.
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Wed, 03/25/2026
KU physics & astronomy postdoc wins highly competitive NASA Hubble Prize Fellowship
Hayley Beltz, a postdoctoral researcher in physics & astronomy, won a highly competitive NASA Hubble Prize Fellowship, making her the first KU scientist to receive the prestigious award in its 36-year history. The fellowship will enable her to use data collected from the Hubble Space Telescope to analyze magnetic fields on planets outside our solar system — known as exoplanets.
Wed, 03/25/2026
KU School of Engineering to host 76th annual Environmental Engineering Conference
On April 15, 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 conference exploring the latest developments.
Wed, 03/25/2026
Study examines effectiveness of politicians’ public denials amid corruption accusations
In a new article, Sofia Vera, an assistant professor of political science at the University of Kansas, investigates how public denials by politicians accused of corruption influence electoral accountability and why positive and negative partisanship shapes voter reactions.
Mon, 03/23/2026
Final School of Education & Human Sciences dean candidate to present March 23
Joshua Newman, associate dean for research and faculty member at Florida State University, will be the fourth and final dean candidate for the University of Kansas School of Education & Human Sciences. His public presentation will take place March 23.
Mon, 03/23/2026
KU study tracks 43 years of intellectual and developmental disability funding trends
The latest available data shows a vital shift toward community-based care for nearly 1 million Americans, but University of Kansas researchers warn that Medicaid uncertainty could force a return to institutions.
Fri, 03/20/2026
KLETC sends 354th Basic Training Class into law enforcement careers
Twenty cadets graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center on March 20. They completed 14 weeks of training and will return to their communities to serve as law enforcement officers.
Wed, 03/18/2026
Dole Institute receives $5.2 million in federal funding to support the Dole Archives
The funding supports the preservation of former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole’s career collections, which includes digitization of audiovisual collections as well as bolstering the technology and physical infrastructure that promotes the perpetual care and engagement with the historical materials.
Wed, 03/18/2026
Finding Easter eggs in entertainment boosts enjoyment, fan behavior, study finds
Research from the University of Kansas has shown that when people found “Easter eggs” — hidden objects, characters or references to another story in their entertainment — they reported enjoying the movie or entertainment more and that they were more likely to engage in fan behavior, like posting about it online.
Wed, 03/18/2026
Staff Fellows seek staff members for focus groups
The 2026 cohort of KU Staff Fellows is seeking participants for focus groups this spring to evaluate perceptions of staff appreciation and recognition opportunities on the Lawrence campus.
Tue, 03/17/2026
KU Libraries launch inaugural David M. Bergeron and Geraldo Sousa Exhibit highlighting partnerships, showcasing collections
In a new exhibition in Kenneth Spencer Research Library at the University of Kansas, historical texts and contemporary artwork sit side by side, inviting intergenerational exploration and new ideas about the universal experience of growing older. An opening reception for “Aging, Art, and Activism: Reimagining Our Aging Futures through Creative Representations and Personal Narratives” will take place March 31.
Tue, 03/17/2026
Music theorist finds chord’s ‘third nature’ in composition suppressed during Soviet era
Music theorists have previously described how certain chords contain the possibility of flowing smoothly into other similar-sounding chords, which they refer to as the chord’s “second nature.” Now a University of Kansas professor of music theory has published a paper that sets out the “third nature” of a chord.
Fri, 03/13/2026
Strategies for fixing out-of-control tipping practices revealed in new article
In a new article, Rob Waiser, assistant professor of marketing, examines how tipping — a social process once confined to hospitality — is now appearing in unexpected places and becoming more expensive. But when designed thoughtfully, it can reinforce customer centricity rather than undermine it.
Fri, 03/13/2026
KU grant program works to cut textbook costs and boost retention
A recent $225,000 investment from the Office of the Provost into the Deans’ Open Educational Resources (OER) Grant Initiative aims to reduce textbook-related costs for students and support retention by encouraging adoption of free and public educational materials in high-enrollment courses over the next few years.
Thu, 03/12/2026
Submissions now being accepted for 2026-27 KU Libraries LibArt showcase
KU Libraries is now accepting submissions for its annual LibArt student art exhibition, marking its 16th year. Students have the opportunity for their work to be showcased year-round in the libraries’ public spaces and win cash prizes totaling $5,000.
Thu, 03/12/2026
KU Engineering alumnus receives school’s highest honor
Bob Peebler will be honored with the KU Engineering Distinguished Engineering Service Award on April 16.
Wed, 03/11/2026
To attempt world record, researchers will use their finding that prep phase is most vital to accurate three-point shooting
Researchers at the University of Kansas found three-point shooters with greater flexion in their hips, knees and ankles during the prep phase of shooting were the most accurate. They are using these findings to help a former college player prepare to set a world record for most consecutive made three-point shots.
Wed, 03/11/2026
Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian Rick Atkinson announced as 2026 Dole Lecture guest
In honor of America at 250, Atkinson will discuss his career and work process, the legacy of World War II and the historian’s craft in the 21st century, and his new book, “The Fate of the Day,” the second of The Revolution Trilogy.
Wed, 03/11/2026
From rivalry to results: KU, K-State research partnerships deliver big wins for Kansas
“We love a good Sunflower Showdown,” said Shelley Hooks, vice chancellor for research at KU. “But outside of stadiums and arenas, KU and K‑State have been on the same side for years — collaborating on research that protects Kansans’ health, strengthens our infrastructure, supports our farmers and so much more.”
Tue, 03/10/2026
Third School of Education & Human Sciences dean candidate to present March 12
LAWRENCE — Cory T. Forbes, associate dean for research and doctoral studies and director of the STEM Education Research Collaboratorium and Resource Center at the University of Texas at Arlington’s College of Education, is the third finalist for the University of Kansas School of Education and Human Sciences dean position. ...
Tue, 03/10/2026
Two KU researchers named 2026 senior members by National Academy of Inventors
The senior member program recognizes active faculty, scientists and administrators at NAI member institutions who have produced, patented and commercialized technologies that brought — or aspire to bring — real impact on the welfare of society and economic progress.
Mon, 03/09/2026
America’s Cold War strategy examined in new handbook of military history
In a new book chapter, Adrian Lewis, the David Pittaway Professor in Military History at the University of Kansas, focuses on the evolution of American strategy, both of containing communism and managing conflict, during the Cold War.
Mon, 03/09/2026
Students with lower self-control tend to procrastinate with short-form video; sleep suffers, but not grades, study finds
Research from the University of Kansas has found that college students with lower self-control and who use short-form video to escape tend to procrastinate more with apps like TikTok, Instagram reels and YouTube shorts. And while students had lower-quality sleep if they procrastinated with short-form video, it did not show to negatively affect their academics.
Mon, 03/09/2026
Authors scrutinize Korean perceptions of ‘short tongue’ phenomenon
While its linguistic features differ from the Valley Girl accent or uptalk in American English, Koreans have some similarly gendered perceptions of their own phenomenon known as “short-tongue.” A University of Kansas linguist explores the topic in a new article for the journal Language and Speech.
Fri, 03/06/2026
KU Kudos March 2026: Celebrating Jayhawk achievements
It’s time to celebrate Jayhawk colleagues’ achievements: KU News Service accepted submissions and combed websites, social media and newsletters for recent external honors and awards for current faculty and staff at the Lawrence, Edwards and Medical Center campuses and affiliates.
Fri, 03/06/2026
Second School of Education & Human Sciences dean finalist to present March 9
Heather Greenhalgh-Spencer, professor of curriculum and instruction and associate dean in the Texas Tech University Graduate School, will be the second dean candidate to give a public presentation on her strategies for the future of the University of Kansas School of Education and Human Sciences.
Fri, 03/06/2026
KU World Percussion Ensembles celebrating 10 years with free concert
The University of Kansas School of Music invites the community to experience an electrifying evening of rhythm, culture and collaboration at Azad’s 10th Annual KU World Percussion Ensembles Concert, taking place at 7 p.m. April 13 at the Lawrence Arts Center.
Fri, 03/06/2026
Students to present at Undergraduate Research Colloquium
The University of Kansas community is invited to attend the Undergraduate Research Colloquium, which will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. March 10 at the Hall Center for the Humanities Conference Hall.
Thu, 03/05/2026
KU awarded $2.2 million NIH research career training grant renewal
For almost 30 years, the Office for Advancing Success in Science at KU has provided opportunities for undergraduates to engage in research through grant support from the National Institutes of Health. KU has recently been awarded a $2.2 million Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) grant from the NIH that will carry on this tradition for another five years.
Thu, 03/05/2026
KU Business announces 2026 Sutton Lecture with VML innovation leader Brian Yamada
The University of Kansas School of Business will host Brian Yamada, global chief innovation officer at VML, for the Walter S. Sutton Lecture at 5 p.m. April 8. His talk, “From Madison Avenue to Machine Learning: Business Ethics at the Speed of AI,” will explore the ethical questions emerging as artificial intelligence transforms marketing, technology and business.
Thu, 03/05/2026
KU receives positive rating for Stop Campus Hazing Act Compliance
A national hazing prevention organization has recognized the University of Kansas for its compliance with the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act. The law went into effect in January 2025.