News
Pandemic, election crises mark ‘critical events’ in declining democratic accountability standards, governance scholar writes
Christopher Koliba, University of Kansas public affairs and administration researcher, has published a new study examining how the COVID-19 pandemic response and perpetuation of false claims about the 2020 presidential election were critical events in declining democratic accountability standards. Scholars and others have important work to do in documenting such cases to learn the effects of democratic backsliding, according to Koliba.
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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.
Wed, 10/29/2025
Hall Center for the Humanities 2025 Mini Wheat State Tour spotlights Atchison, Kansas
LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas Hall Center for the Humanities is once again hitting the road for its Mini Wheat State Tour, a program that introduces KU faculty and staff to the state’s history, culture and communities. ...
Wed, 10/29/2025
Veterans Day 2025: KU Lawrence campus events to honor military service
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.
Wed, 10/29/2025
KU Libraries call for applications for 2026 travel grants enabling hands-on access to primary source materials
Researchers from across the United States and abroad are invited to apply for a 2026 Spencer Research Library travel grant, designed to support in-depth research using the library’s collections and facilitate direct access to curator and librarian expertise.
Tue, 10/28/2025
Wagstaff & Cartmell funds million-dollar scholarship at the University of Kansas School of Law
The Kansas City–based law firm Wagstaff & Cartmell made a $1 million gift to its existing Wagstaff & Cartmell Scholarship Fund. The additional funding will continue to support outstanding law students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential and a commitment to advancing the practice of law.
Mon, 10/27/2025
KU chemistry professor who worked with recent Nobel Prize winner chosen for exclusive physics society fellowship
Brian Laird, professor of chemistry at the University of Kansas, was named to the prestigious American Physical Society Fellowship Program shortly after learning a researcher he previously worked with won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
Mon, 10/27/2025
New Audio-Reader grant aims to expand regional arts accessibility
The Arts Accessibility Forum, funded through a grant from the Kansas Arts Commission, aims to bring together arts professionals with members of the disability community to discuss methods of increasing the number and quality of accessible arts experiences across Kansas and beyond.
Mon, 10/27/2025
Study documents wind regulations across all Kansas counties, can help guide energy policies nationwide
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.
Mon, 10/27/2025
Week of activities for KU Homecoming begins Oct. 27
The University of Kansas will host its 113th Homecoming, sponsored by Central Bank, Oct. 27-Nov. 2. The week culminates with the KU football game against Oklahoma. KU Alumni has announced finalists for major student and faculty awards to be presented during the Homecoming game.
Fri, 10/24/2025
KU Bookstore offering in-house printing, new ‘KU Bookstore Originals’ Line
The KU Bookstore at the University of Kansas has launched new in-house apparel printing services, making it easier than ever for university departments and student organizations to create custom apparel.
Fri, 10/24/2025
Haunting Humanities returns with a wicked lineup of attractions
The Hall Center for the Humanities at the University of Kansas will bring the mysterious, the magical and the macabre to downtown Lawrence Oct. 29 with Haunting Humanities, the all-ages “science fair for the humanities” with a Halloween twist.
Fri, 10/24/2025
Research reveals people desire social distance from spouses of those with mental illness
In a new book chapter, Elizabeth Felix, assistant professor of sociology at the University of Kansas, employs a vignette survey experiment to investigate the extent to which the public wants social distance from people with certain mental illnesses, as well as their romantic partners.
Thu, 10/23/2025
Haskell/KU Joint Committee launches to strengthen collaboration, support for faculty and staff
Aligned with the longstanding Haskell Indian Nations University/University of Kansas memorandum of understanding, a joint committee will meet each semester to identify opportunities for partnership, streamline existing collaborative efforts, and foster a supportive environment that promotes shared goals and success.
Thu, 10/23/2025
KU scholars, communications professionals invited to Science Communication Workshop
The Center for Digital Inclusion and KU partners are co-hosting a science communication workshop designed to strengthen how researchers share their work with the public. The event will take place from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Nov. 14. Registration is now open.
Thu, 10/23/2025
Dole Institute late fall 2025 programming features Croatian ambassador to the US, Cook Political Report editor, Wichita mayor
The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas has announced its late fall 2025 programming, featuring conversations on foreign service and diplomacy, public service and domestic politics.
Thu, 10/23/2025
Job applicants suspicious of AI, so less said the better, research shows
A University of Kansas-led survey of job applicants shows they don’t believe artificial intelligence can account for human uniqueness. Thus, employers who use AI to screen candidates are best off not to mention it, according to the researchers.
Wed, 10/22/2025
KU School of Music to expand Vespers performances
The University of Kansas School of Music has announced details for the 101st annual Vespers concert, a cherished holiday tradition. This year’s celebration expands to new audiences with two special performances: a Thursday performance at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Lied Center of Kansas in Lawrence and a Friday performance Dec. 5 at Yardley Hall in Overland Park.
Tue, 10/21/2025
KU Libraries honor professors with Shulenburger Award for open-access scholarship
Jeffrey Girard and Rami Zeedan, two University of Kansas faculty members who championed open-access scholarship — one by creating widely used open-source software and tools, and the other by launching an open journal and textbook — have been named recipients of the 2025 Shulenburger Award for Innovation and Advocacy in Scholarly Communication by KU Libraries.
Tue, 10/21/2025
Professional stock recommendations on social media prove a surprisingly valuable source, according to new study
In a new article, Eric Weisbrod, associate professor of accounting at the University of Kansas, examines sell-side analysts’ stock recommendation revisions on Twitter, observing increased levels of price discovery during intraday windows with more revision-related tweets. This was especially notable for tweets with more user engagement and those posted by more influential authors.
Mon, 10/20/2025
University to host ribbon-cutting Nov. 12 for KU Conference Center
The event will be hosted by Chancellor Douglas A. Girod, with featured guests including Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, Kansas legislators, city of Lawrence officials and regional business leaders.
Mon, 10/20/2025
Study uses GPS technology to find football practices can be up to 40% more demanding than games
Quincy Johnson, a researcher at the University of Kansas, led a study that used GPS technology to track how far and fast football players run and which positions had the most high-intensity work. They compared the workloads of practices to games, and the findings can help coaches, trainers and athletes find the best balance to properly prepare for a demanding game.
Mon, 10/20/2025
KU Law ranks No. 5 in nation for best value law schools
National Jurist magazine has ranked KU Law No. 5 in the nation on its 2025 list of Best Value Law Schools, earning an A+ grade for its combination of affordability, strong employment outcomes and high bar passage rates.
Mon, 10/20/2025
Internationally recognized geotechnical engineer to deliver KU School of Engineering Glenn Lange Lecture
Edward Kavazanjian is a Regents Professor at Arizona State University’s School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment and a member of the National Academy of Engineering — one of the highest professional distinctions in the field. He will give a talk at KU on Oct. 27.
Fri, 10/17/2025
Classical music gets creepy with KPR’s Live Day
Broadcasting over seven hours of music live from the Kansas Public Radio station and the Lawrence Public Library, KPR Live Day on Oct. 24 will conclude with a special Halloween-themed concert.
Fri, 10/17/2025
KU Law to host lecture on public trust doctrine and environmental rights
The University of Kansas School of Law will host environmental law scholar Erin Ryan from Florida State University for a public lecture Oct. 30 as part of the Big 12 Law Schools Signature Lecture Series.