Life Span Institute
We are a network of more than 300 KU scientists, students and staff who strive to improve the health of individuals and communities through research, service and outreach.
Featured News
Grant to Support Project's Goal to Make Disability Data Accessible and Inclusive
With the support of new $2.25 million federal grant the State of the States in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities project is poised to build on its more than 40 years of financial information translation and dissemination to bring those data stories to new audiences.
Accessible Home for the Holidays
If you're hosting friends or family who have a physical disability, you may worry about how to accommodate their needs. The good news is that, with helpful tips from the free “Making Homes Visitable” booklet, you can host loved ones for the holidays.
Conference for people with intellectual, developmental disabilities will focus on leadership, advocacy
The SOAR Conference will be led by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and will bring together self-advocates from across the country to learn and grow.
National study led by Life Span Institute researchers asks people with disabilities to share their experiences
People with disabilities are invited to participate in a national study based at the University of Kansas that aims to document their experiences with a variety of issues to understand the needs of underrepresented communities.
Research at a Glance
$41.4M
in research awards in FY23
435
investigators, staff and students
69
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 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.