University of Kansas Named Global Leader in Developmental Disability Research

The University of Kansas ranks first in the world in developmental disability research among all academic and non-academic institutions, according to the data analytics organization ScholarGPS.

ScholarGPS calculates the lifetime institutional ranking based on the quality and quantity of scholars and the volume of their scholarly publishing that has had a meaningful impact.

Research conducted by Life Span Institute’s more than 125 scientists is the foundation for the lifetime institutional ranking, said John Colombo, Life Span Institute director.

“This recognition is flattering, but it comes as no surprise to those of us who work with investigators at the Life Span Institute,” Colombo said. “We have long been the core of translational research conducted to ensure that individuals with disabilities are able to engage and realize their contribution to society.”

Fields, disciplines and specialties in which the University of Kansas is ranked in the top 10 by ScholarsGPS and that are related to the Life Span Institute’s research include: Learning Disabilities (No. 1), Early Childhood Interventions (No. 6), Physical Disability (No. 6), Disability (No. 8), and Intellectual disability (No. 8). 

Academic departments affiliated strongly with the Institute that are also globally ranked include Special Education (No. 2), Speech and Hearing (No. 7)  and Education (No. 10).