Our Research Is Making a Real Difference
Our impact
Science for a better world
For more than 60 years, the Life Span Institute has facilitated research at the intersections of education, behavioral science and neuroscience to improved the well-being of individuals and communities in Kansas and across the world.
"The Life Span Institute is an organization where we are elite scientists, elite staff, and we have elite students here. ... We're devoted to conducting research that matters."
Supporting autistic students
While their non-autistic peers tend to struggle at decoding words, autistic students tend to struggle with understanding. Life Span Institute researcher Meghan Davis is working to help educators and parents better understanding autistic students and their challenges with reading.
Supporting our state
Our research began in the 1960s, fueled by a desire to better understand the needs and development of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Today, KU is ranked first in the world in developmental disability research.
In addition to advancing research that benefits Kansans across the life span, our institute and its centers generate an estimated $30 million in economic activity across the state each year, supporting jobs, local businesses, and state revenue.
Supporting Kansans across the lifespan
Our work has expanded from its initial focus to support individuals and communities in their efforts to live health, full lives across the lifespan. This includes efforts to address addiction and substance misuse, prenatal and infant nutrition, disability policy and support, evidence-based education tools, community infrastructure to address violence, and much more.
Stories of Our Impact
Read more about the impact of Life Span Institute research on individuals in Kansas and beyond.
Featured StoriesA close up look
Scientists at the KU Life Span Institute explain the their research and what motivates their work in this collection of videos.