Featured news at KU

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Man standing at left filming an interview between seated individuals as others watch

Filmmakers save stories of Topeka’s Bottoms neighborhood

A spokesperson presents evidence to reporters at a press conference. Stock image

Study examines effectiveness of politicians’ public denials amid corruption accusations

Farmer Joey Berntsen looks into the grain bin on KFRTI's Grain Bin Rescue trailer in Iola.

‘Buried up to his neck’: How a community saved a Kansas farmer’s life with KFRTI’s grain bin rescue training

In 2023, Allen County first responders trained with the Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute in grain engulfment rescue. On Aug. 7, 2025, those first responders saved Joey Berntsen's life.

Other featured news

Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington.

With history standards prone to politicization, ‘minimalism’ approach would benefit teachers, scholar argues

Stephen Jackson, education scholar at the University of Kansas, writes in a new article that history education standards are prone to politicization and only stoke the culture wars without improving what students learn. He instead proposes "standards minimalism” and points to Kansas and Maine as two states with exemplary standards.
Collage with photo of the sky, graphic elements, and photos of K. Christopher Beard, Jianming Qiu, and Michael S. Wolfe. Text reads: 2026 AAAS Fellows

Three KU professors in paleontology, medicinal chemistry and microbiology named AAAS fellows

Three University of Kansas professors — K. Christopher Beard, Jianming Qiu and Michael S. Wolfe — have been elected as 2025 American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) fellows, a distinct honor within the scientific community.
Man standing at left filming an interview between seated individuals as others watch

Filmmakers save stories of Topeka’s Bottoms neighborhood

A 30-minute version of the documentary “Reclaiming Home: Remembering the Topeka Bottoms” premieres at 6 p.m. March 27, closing out the related exhibition at the University of Kansas Department of Visual Art’s Off-Site Art Space downtown.
Three adults sit at a table and combine ingredients while cooking dinner in their home.

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.

Research

Three KU professors in paleontology, medicinal chemistry and microbiology named AAAS fellows

Three University of Kansas professors — K. Christopher Beard, Jianming Qiu and Michael S. Wolfe — have been elected as 2025 American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) fellows, a distinct honor within the scientific community.

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.
More Research
An illustration depicts a fetus in the womb comprised of state shapes.

States that imposed total abortion bans spend millions more in nutritional food programs, research finds

Lilly Springer, doctoral candidate in economics at the University of Kansas, found that states that implemented total abortion bans by the start of 2023 experienced a 1.6% increase in the overall birth rate. They also experience 4.3% and 2.1% increase in monthly postpartum women and formula-fed infant WIC participation, respectively, leading to an additional $6.9 million in food costs.
More Research

Kansas Communities

‘Buried up to his neck’: How a community saved a Kansas farmer’s life with KFRTI’s grain bin rescue training

In 2023, Allen County first responders trained with the Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute in grain engulfment rescue. On Aug. 7, 2025, those first responders saved Joey Berntsen's life.

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.”
More Kansas Communities
KU flag flying on rooftop with view of downtown, north Lawrence in distance.

KU Assessment & Technology Solutions partners with Lawrence Homeless Resource Center on community-centered supports

KU ATS partnered with Lawrence’s Homeless Resource Center to strengthen their technology and data systems. ATS supports infrastructure, data practices and decision-making while also providing donations for immediate needs.
More Kansas Communities

Economic Development

KU research growth boosts Kansas communities, fuels economy

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.

KU, FBI hosting Fourth Annual Cybersecurity Intelligence Conference March 31, April 1

Registration is now open for the annual gathering that brings together cybersecurity experts from industry and research to the University of Kansas campus in Lawrence. This collaborative event fosters critical dialogue on cybersecurity policy, education and strategy.
More Economic Development
Bronze Jayhawk statue

KU remains among top 40 public universities granted patents for inventions

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.
More Economic Development

Student experience and achievement

KU nominates 4 students for Truman scholarship

Four outstanding students have been selected as the University of Kansas nominees for Harry S. Truman Scholarships. The prestigious national awards, which provide up to $30,000 for graduate study, are given to college juniors for leadership in public service.

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.
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Illustration of a standing dancer with arms around her head surrounded by yellow paint strokes. Text reads: University Dance Company Spring Concert

University Dance Company Spring Concert to feature uplifting student performances

Three KU faculty choreographers and Kansas City's Sam McReynolds, a guest artist who was in residency at KU this spring, present work in modern/contemporary, jazz, hip-hop and disco styles for the University Dance Company Spring Concert. A work by Jayhawk Tap Company will also be featured.
More Student Experience and Achievement

Campus news

Office of Faculty Affairs to host third annual KU Faculty Development Academies Week

University of Kansas Lawrence and Edwards faculty are invited to participate in the third annual KU Faculty Development Academies Week, which takes place May 18-22.

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.
More Campus News
Dan Crabtree, Steve Leben and Diane Parrish

KU Law to honor distinguished alumni

The University of Kansas School of Law will recognize Judge Dan Crabtree, Steve Leben and Diane Parrish with its 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award. The award celebrates graduates for their professional achievements, contributions to the legal field and service to their community and the university.
More Campus News

Latest news

KU flag flying on rooftop with view of downtown, north Lawrence in distance.

KU Assessment & Technology Solutions partners with Lawrence Homeless Resource Center on community-centered supports

KU ATS partnered with Lawrence’s Homeless Resource Center to strengthen their technology and data systems. ATS supports infrastructure, data practices and decision-making while also providing donations for immediate needs.
Illustration of a standing dancer with arms around her head surrounded by yellow paint strokes. Text reads: University Dance Company Spring Concert

University Dance Company Spring Concert to feature uplifting student performances

Three KU faculty choreographers and Kansas City's Sam McReynolds, a guest artist who was in residency at KU this spring, present work in modern/contemporary, jazz, hip-hop and disco styles for the University Dance Company Spring Concert. A work by Jayhawk Tap Company will also be featured.
An illustration depicts a fetus in the womb comprised of state shapes.

States that imposed total abortion bans spend millions more in nutritional food programs, research finds

Lilly Springer, doctoral candidate in economics at the University of Kansas, found that states that implemented total abortion bans by the start of 2023 experienced a 1.6% increase in the overall birth rate. They also experience 4.3% and 2.1% increase in monthly postpartum women and formula-fed infant WIC participation, respectively, leading to an additional $6.9 million in food costs.
Images of Joshua Arpin and Karen Moeller, recipients of the 2026 Faculty Service Award

KU announces first recipients of Faculty Service Award

Joshua Arpin, assistant teaching professor in the School of Business, and Karen Moeller, clinical professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice, were recently awarded the 2026 Faculty Service Award at the University of Kansas.
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