A child draws with a crayon on a paper attached to a clipboard while she sits on a blue carpet with other children and her teacher

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

A diverse team reaches over a desk to share a high five

A team approach to research offers undergraduates opportunity to be co-authors on cannabis study paper

Cofrin Logan Center researchers published article in the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior on how responsibilities impact choices about marijuana consumption.
A pair of feet stand on pavement at crossroads marked by painted white arrows pointing in different directions

KU addiction center study explores how next-day responsibilities influence cannabis use

One sign of substance use disorder is continuing to use substances despite interference with responsibilities. However, previous research hadn’t examined why people may or may not reduce cannabis use before certain activities.
Handshake superimposed over illustration of state of Kansas map

KU researchers partner with state to build capacity to employ Kansans with disabilities

A project that is a partnership between the state of Kansas and researchers at the KU Life Span Institute, initiated one year ago, is exploring ways to increase the capacity in the state to employ people with disabilities in jobs that meet higher thresholds for wages and other factors, with potential to improve opportunities and quality of life.
Adult guiding child's hand on laptop keyboard.

Study: ChatGPT needs expert supervision to help parents with children’s healthcare information

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.
3/4 view Collage of the Dole Center

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

$41.4M
in research awards in FY23
435
investigators, staff and students
70
years of improving human health and development
researchers, teachers and administrators talking at a high school classroom table

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
Man using assistive communications device while seated in an electric wheelchair

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
A woman reading a book to a child who is looking up at her

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.

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.