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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KU expanding job opportunities for disabled Kansans through state investment

University of Kansas researchers have launched the second phase of the Kansas Employment First project, expanding access to competitive integrated employment for Kansans with disabilities.

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Wyandotte County Kicks Off Youth Violence Prevention Week with celebration that highlights achievements

Community and local leaders turn out to support the KU-based initiative, which has contributed to a 38% drop in youth homicides since it began.

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How Early Feedback Loops Drive Your Child’s Language

Unlock the secret to early language. KU research reveals how infants use "feedback loops" to learn to speak. Learn the three key signs of early communication and how you can help your child move from babbles to first words.

Study shows cigarette smoking almost twice as likely for people living with chronic pain

Researchers have analyzed responses from more than 195,600 Americans surveyed over 10 years. The key finding: Chronic pain is tied to smoking and vaping at higher rates.

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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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