Research that improves lives

The KU Life Span Institute is a network of more than 450 KU scientists, staff and students. Our discoveries help improve the health and development of people in Kansas, across the nation, and around the world.

Featured News

The staff, students and faculty of CARE stand for a group photo

KU eating disorders research center to welcome the public with open house and resource fair

The Center for the Advancement of Research on Eating Behaviors at the Life Span Institute recently moved to Youngberg Hall on the University of Kansas campus in Lawrence.

A woman with short, white hair wearing glasses smiles as she uses a tablet while sitting on the couch.

Research team survey to amplify technology-related programs for older adults and people with disabilities

This project will create the first comprehensive national dataset on technology access, barriers, and innovations for older adults and people with disabilities, helping states make data-informed policy, funding, and service decisions.

stack of diplomas with graduates in the background

KU researchers detail successes, challenges of practices to help autistic students transition out of high school

Researchers at the Kansas University Center on Disabilities and special education colleagues are publishing a series of studies in a special journal issue detailing the successes and challenges of two evidence-based practices to help autistic students make the transition from high school.

Big Jay, Baby Jay embrace in front of Kansas lettering.

KU to host series of informational meetings for students with intellectual disabilities, parents and educators

The University of Kansas Transition to Postsecondary Education program (KU TPE) is hosting a series of informational meetings in several Kansas cities in October and November. KU TPE is a two-year, fully inclusive undergraduate certificate program at the Lawrence campus.

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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

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 areas

Our Economic Impact

An economic analysis indicates the KU Life Span Institute had an estimated $30 million impact on the Kansas economy

A look at the numbers

Research at a Glance

$46M

external funding in FY25

489

investigators, staff and students

70+

years of improving human health and development

Ranked #1 Worldwide

Life Span Institute science and scholarship fuels the university's No. 1 rank worldwide in Developmental Disability research over the prior five years.

ScholarGPS Ranks KU No. 1

Stories of Our Impact

Read about the impact of Life Span Institute research on individuals and communities in Kansas and beyond.

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.

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.

News

For researchers

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

Services

Support the Life Span Institute

We invite you to help drive our mission to discover, develop and deliver approaches to improve the health and development of people in Kansas, throughout the region and beyond.

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Research Opportunities

Our investigators pursue science that has the potential to change people’s lives. They often depend on volunteers to partner as participants in research. We are thankful to the many infants, children, and adults who support our commitment to impact the lives of people in Kansas and beyond.

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