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Improving Lives Through Research

We are more than 130 investigators working on dozens of projects spanning education, neuroscience, behavior, health, and child development.

Scientific discoveries

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Child Development

Our research helps parents and practitioners assure children's biological, social, emotional, and educational needs so that they are placed on an optimal trajectory for their achievements and outcomes in adolescence and adulthood.
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Education Science

Our education science research includes work on instructional coaching, leadership development, and technical innovation that make educational achievement easier and more efficient. We aim to improve both student achievement and inclusive education.
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Behavioral & Mental Health

We explore a wide range of conditions and behaviors that bear on behavior and mental well-being, including work on addiction, eating disorders, anxiety, and depression. We seek to understand, prevent, and treat mental health related disorders, promote health and improved quality of life, and reduce stigma.
Intellectual and Developmental Disability

Intellectual & Developmental Disability

We seek to understand the origins of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder. Our scientists develop interventions designed to enhance the quality of life, self-determination, and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities and their families.

Across the life span

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Health and Disability Policy

We study how public policy, law and innovation affect the health and wellbeing of people with disabilities. We also explore how communities can better support the independence, education and careers of people with disabilities to assure quality of life.
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Inclusion and Belonging

Inclusion and belonging are the very foundation of the research conducted at the Life Span Institute. We study ways to foster justice and equity in schools, build healthy communities, and develop inclusive practices that help people with disabilities lead full lives.
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Community Health and Development

We seek to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve through collaborative and community-based participatory research, training, resources and services in areas as diverse as early childcare, juvenile justice, and community enrichment.
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Get Involved

We are thankful to the many infants, children, and adults who partner as research participants. If you are interested in joining our commitment to impacting the lives of people in Kansas and beyond, consider joining us.

Participate