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Life Span Institute

We are a network of more than 400 KU scientists, students and staff who strive to improve the health of individuals and communities through research, service and outreach.

Featured News

Life Span Institute research explores impact of adaptive exercise for people with disabilities

KU Life Span Institute researcher Lyndsie Koon is leading three pilot projects assessing the effectiveness of HIFT to improve various health outcomes, including fall risk, metabolic health, strength, flexibility, quality of life, psychosocial health and more.

Life Span Institute researcher responds to NIH changes designation changes for people with disabilities

The National Institutes of Health has announced changes that will now designate people with disabilities as a population with health disparities.

KU alumnus publishes research on cannabis use and driving with support from Guthrie award

Will Davis, a KU alumnus mentored by Michael Amlung of the Cofrin Logan Center for Addiction Research and Treatment, recently published research on cannabis use with the help of the Patrick Guthrie Hawks for Hope Award. 

John Colombo one of four Higuchi Award Winners

LAWRENCE — Four faculty members at two Kansas universities were named recipients of the Higuchi-KU Endowment Research Achievement Awards, the state higher education system’s most prestigious recognition for scholarly excellence. 

Research at a Glance

$41.4M
in research awards in FY23
435
investigators, staff and students
70
years of improving human health and development
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Our Commitment

Explore how our researchers, staff and students come together to solve problems affecting the health of children, families and communities.

Helping People Thrive
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Our Work

Learn about the research of more than 130 investigators working on dozens of projects spanning education, self-determination, disability policy, neuroscience, behavior, language, child development and more.

Explore research projects
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Research Rising

Research Rising will address the complex genetic, biological, and environmental factors that cause intellectual and developmental disabilities, and how best to develop interventions to support individuals with IDD so that they can live their best lives.

Research Rising

Explore the Life Span Institute

People

More than 300 investigators, staff and students are part of the KU Life Span Institute. Find individual staff and connect with our research centers.

Research Impact

View stories about the impact of our research, grant news, and discoveries from the fields of education, addiction, autism spectrum disorder, community health and more.

Research Support

Connect with services that support researchers including study design, grant development, award support, and video and web production.