News
KU Alumni to celebrate 2026 Fred Ellsworth Medallion, Homecoming Award honorees
The University of Kansas will announce the recipients of the 2026 Fred Ellsworth Medallion and the 2026 Homecoming Awards at the Oct. 24 football game. The honorees include alumni, volunteers, students and faculty recognized for their leadership, service and commitment to KU.
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Mon, 11/17/2025
Evolutionary biologist and poet Brandon Kilbourne to visit KU
Brandon Kilbourne, a research biologist at the Berlin Museum of Natural History, is the author of “Natural History” (Graywolf, 2025) and the winner of the 2025 Cave Canem Prize. He will visit KU Nov. 17-18 and participate in two public events.
Fri, 11/14/2025
KU celebrates global connections Nov. 17-21 during International Education Week
The University of Kansas will celebrate International Education Week through various campus events, talks, food tastings and gatherings.
Wed, 11/12/2025
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.
Wed, 11/12/2025
‘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.
Wed, 11/12/2025
‘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.
Tue, 11/11/2025
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.
Tue, 11/11/2025
Conference to explore strengthening institutions for tribes
American Indian law scholars and advocates will gather at the University of Kansas this month to discuss “Strengthening Institutions for Tribes during Trump 2.0” during the 2025 Tribal Law & Government Conference.
Tue, 11/11/2025
University Dance Company Fall Concert builds to an out-of-this-world finale
Dozens of students and faculty members have been rehearsing for the last 12 weeks to perfect six choreographic works featured in the University Dance Company Fall Concert, which will take place Nov. 14-16. Tap, ballet, modern/contemporary and flamenco will be performed.
Mon, 11/10/2025
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.
Mon, 11/10/2025
Veterans Day reminds KU ROTC students why they chose a military career
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.
Mon, 11/10/2025
Study finds Kansas City fare-free bus policy attracted new riders, increased overall use
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.
Fri, 11/07/2025
Kansas Geological Survey expands research, laboratory space for rock core, critical materials analysis
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.
Fri, 11/07/2025
Parking and shuttle information for KU Conference Center ribbon-cutting Nov. 12
KU is providing parking and shuttle options for community members attending the Nov. 12 ribbon-cutting for the new KU Conference Center.
Fri, 11/07/2025
Kansas honors outstanding direct support workers with 2025 DSW Awards
The Kansas Direct Support Workforce Initiative has announced the recipients of the 2025 Direct Support Worker (DSW) Awards, recognizing exceptional Kansans who provide critical, person-centered care and support to individuals with disabilities across the state.
Thu, 11/06/2025
Hall Center invites community to celebrate 20 years in historic KU home
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.
Thu, 11/06/2025
Attitudes toward immigration become more polarized during electoral periods, study finds
In a new study, Sofia Vera, assistant professor of political science at the University of Kansas, examines how the issue of immigration affects voters, finding that a strong partisan polarization occurs close to an election, but once it is over, both sides begin to converge in the middle.
Thu, 11/06/2025
KU ATLAS awarded $3M contract to enhance math instruction in rural Alaska
Accessible Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Systems (ATLAS) at the University of Kansas has received a five-year, $3 million contract to make math instruction more meaningful by connecting classroom learning to students’ lives and local traditions.
Thu, 11/06/2025
KU Alumni honors Jayhawks with 2025 Homecoming awards
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.
Wed, 11/05/2025
University of Kansas signs historic strategic partnership with University of Regensburg, marking KU’s first comprehensive international alliance
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.
Wed, 11/05/2025
Class of 2026 honors Christopher Depcik with HOPE Award
Christopher Depcik, professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, was presented with the HOPE Award — Honor for the Outstanding Progressive Educator — Nov. 1 during halftime of the Homecoming football game between KU and Oklahoma State.
Tue, 11/04/2025
KU Debate excels at 3 tournaments in 1 weekend
KU Debate had an outstanding weekend Oct. 31-Nov. 3 as University of Kansas debaters excelled at three different competitions across the country hosted by Gonzaga University, the University of Oklahoma and the University of Alaska.
Mon, 11/03/2025
KU researcher’s new work focuses on Indigenous fire sovereignty
University of Kansas scholar Melinda Adams has found evidence from far-flung global regions about benefits of Indigenous fire sovereignty, ranging from Arizona to Australia. She is the co-author of new work published in PNAS, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.
Mon, 11/03/2025
KU expanding program to bring students with disabilities to college, including to Wichita, Atchison
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.
Mon, 11/03/2025
Student artists honored among another record LibArt turnout
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.
Fri, 10/31/2025
Detailed map of US air-conditioning usage shows who can beat the heat — and who can’t
A researcher at the University of Kansas has produced the most comprehensive and detailed map of air-conditioning usage in the United States. The data could inform energy efficiency decisions and help policymakers identify regions that lack adequate cooling.
Thu, 10/30/2025
Advisory: Media invited to Watney CORELAB extension ribbon-cutting ceremony Nov. 6
The event is closed to the public, but members of the media are invited to attend the official ceremony. The event is 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the KGS, 1930 Constant Ave. Girod and KGS director Jay Kalbas are scheduled to make presentations, as are Karen and Chris Watney — family members of the building’s namesake — and KGS associate director Nikki Potter.
Thu, 10/30/2025
New study explores ‘legacy effects’ of soil microbes on plants across Kansas
Findings from the University of Kansas could offer important context for farmers who want to use beneficial microbes to improve yields. Today, microbial commercialization in agriculture represents an expanding multibillion dollar sector.
Thu, 10/30/2025
KU Design students, faculty and alumni win AIGA Kansas City awards
KU students took home a total of 13 awards in the student category, including the Best in Class Award for Brand and Identity. Matthew Cook, KU assistant professor in the animation and illustration programs, won two awards in the professional category.
Thu, 10/30/2025
Sen. Jerry Moran among honorees as KU celebrates first-generation Jayhawks, advocates
The Center for Educational Opportunity Programs (CEOP) will celebrate first-generation Jayhawks and their advocates during the seventh annual “I Am First Too” poster unveiling ceremony at the Kansas Union Ballroom from 3-4 p.m. Nov. 3.
Wed, 10/29/2025
Chancellor Girod begins term as board chair of Association of American Universities
The member presidents and chancellors of the Association of American Universities have elected University of Kansas Chancellor Douglas Girod as chair of the AAU Board of Directors.