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

Three adults sit at a table and combine ingredients while cooking dinner in their home.

43-year KU project provides analysis of investments and trends in support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Latest available data shows a vital shift toward community-based care for nearly 1 million Americans, but KU researchers warn that Medicaid uncertainty could force a return to institutions.

A student works on a laptop with icons illustrating her effort working with an AI feedback tool

Students, educators see a path to better writing though KU-developed AI feedback tool

Project AI SCORE, developed at the KU Life Span Institute, uses artificial intelligence to deliver instant, targeted feedback on student writing. The tool that helps educators save time and supports students across ability levels is expanding to schools nationwide.

A group of KUCD employees pose for a photo with filmmakers of "The Ride Ahead" during a screening of the show

KU disability research center nationally recognized for community partnership

The Kansas University Center on Disabilities (KUCD) is among five national recipients of the 2026 Excellence in Community-Engaged Partnerships Award. The distinction from Campus Compact honors higher education programs and initiatives that make a meaningful impact by partnering with communities to address complex social issues.

A young child wanders a crowded outdoor space alone

Safety on the Spectrum: 5 Essential Steps for Managing Wandering and Police Interactions

Autism and law enforcement share 5 key ways families can help improve safety, communication, and support for autistic individuals during the Kansas Family Education Series from Kansas LEND.

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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.

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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

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

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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