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
KU addiction center study explores how next-day responsibilities influence cannabis use
One sign of substance use disorder is continuing to use substances despite interference with responsibilities. However, previous research hadn’t examined why people may or may not reduce cannabis use before certain activities.
KU researchers partner with state to build capacity to employ Kansans with disabilities
A project that is a partnership between the state of Kansas and researchers at the KU Life Span Institute, initiated one year ago, is exploring ways to increase the capacity in the state to employ people with disabilities in jobs that meet higher thresholds for wages and other factors, with potential to improve opportunities and quality of life.
Study: ChatGPT needs expert supervision to help parents with children’s healthcare information
New research from the University of Kansas Life Span Institute highlights a key vulnerability to misinformation generated by artificial intelligence and a potential model to combat it.
Tera Fazzino among KU scholars named Faculty of the Year by Kansas Board of Regents
The Kansas Board of Regents awarded three current KU scholars and one former KU professor as Faculty of the Year for 2024. This program recognizes the outstanding contributions of faculty at state universities to teaching, student success, research and Kansas communities.
Ranked #1 Worldwide
Life Span Institute science and scholarship fuels the university's new #1 ranking worldwide in developmental disability research.
Scholar GPS Ranks KU No. 1Research at a Glance
$41.4M
in research awards in FY23
435
investigators, staff and students
70
years of improving human health and development
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
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
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.Explore the Life Span Institute
People
More than 400 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.