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
Study finds parents relying on ChatGPT for health guidance about children
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.
Life Span Institute investigator Alison Gabriele among recipients of KU teaching awards
The University of Kansas is proud to announce 16 faculty members from the Lawrence and KU Medical Center campuses as recipients of KU’s annual teaching awards.
AI Project for Early Childhood Language Assessment Aims to Speed Up Intervention for Children with Developmental Delays
Researchers at Juniper Gardens Children's Project are piloting an innovative approach using artificial intelligence (AI) to speed up the analysis of Early Communication Indicator (ECI) assessments, which evaluate language development in young children.
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 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 projectsResearch 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.