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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

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To guide future research and policy, KU survey asks adults with disabilities to share their experiences

NSHD responses help shape resources, policies and practice recommendations aimed at improving the health, employment and overall well-being of people with disabilities in the United States.
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Study finds teachers continue using effective behavior support program CW-FIT years after training ends

Teachers in one study spent more than 7 hours a month of classroom time each month managing student behavior challenges in one study out of Maine. Managing student behavior costs that state between $6,674 and $15,366 per educator each year, depending on the professional role.
A photo of a man in a wheelchair lifting a dumbbell with his right arm in a fitness center.

Researchers land grant to test effectiveness, sustainability of fitness program for individuals with disabilities

Researchers in the Life Span Institute at the University of Kansas will evaluate a community fitness program that has been adapted for individuals with mobility disabilities. The program will set up a randomized control trial to see if Functional Fitness is more effective at long-term use, improving mobility, strength and other factors.
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El Centro and KU partner on data-driven statewide effort to build a fuller picture of Latino communities in Kansas

El Centro, a Latino-led, Latino-serving nonprofit organization based in Kansas City, Kansas, is leading an initiative to create a comprehensive, community-led portrait of the Latino experience in Kansas with the KU Center for Community 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.

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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
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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
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Stories of Our Impact

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

Featured Stories

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

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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