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Research that improves lives

The KU Life Span Institute discovers, develops and delivers approaches to improve the health and development of people in Kansas, throughout the region, and beyond. We are a network of more than 350 KU scientists, staff and students who work toward a world where everyone thrives.

Featured News

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KU Center for Community Health & Development chosen to partner with Kauffman Foundation to improve economic mobility

The Life Span Institute's center will serve as third-party evaluator to support the Kauffman Foundation's Collective Impact Initiative and will provide a wide variety of educational and action support for staff and coalition partners.
woman holding a baby

Disparities in Black maternal health fuel KU research project to find better ways to identify eating disorders in pregnant and postpartum individuals

In an effort to improve healthcare disparities among Black and pregnant or postpartum individuals, Mari Thomeczek, a KU graduate student at the Center for the Advancement of Research on Eating Behaviors (CARE) recently finished an important phase of work to improve eating disorder screening questions.
A Latino man with a prosthetic hand is seated in the cab of a large truck facing the camera.

National KU-based survey asks adults with disabilities to share their experiences to guide future research and policy

The 2025 National Survey on Health and Disability (NSHD) collects information that informs and shapes policy. The survey is based at the University of Kansas.
A woman packs a bag with emergency itesm

Disaster Strikes Fast — Here’s How People with Disabilities Can Stay Safe

People with disabilities face unique challenges during natural disasters like tornadoes, yet emergency planning often overlooks their needs. These essential preparedness tips, including how to build an emergency kit and ensure accessibility in shelters, can help you stay safe and ready when disaster strikes.
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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. 1

Research at a Glance

$46M
in funding in FY24
350
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 400 investigators, staff and students are part of the KU Life Span Institute. Find individual staff and connect with our research centers.
Directory

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.
News

Research Support

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