Featured news at KU


Our top featured stories

A cross section of a corn root from the KU study.
Findings from the University of Kansas could offer important context for farmers who want to use beneficial microbes to improve yields. Today, microbial commercialization in agriculture represents an expanding multibillion dollar sector.

Other featured news

Photo illustration of air conditioning window unit on yellow background

Detailed map of US air-conditioning usage shows who can beat the heat — and who can’t

A researcher at the University of Kansas has produced the most comprehensive and detailed map of air-conditioning usage in the United States. The data could inform energy efficiency decisions and help policymakers identify regions that lack adequate cooling.
A cross section of a corn root from the KU study.

New study explores ‘legacy effects’ of soil microbes on plants across Kansas

Findings from the University of Kansas could offer important context for farmers who want to use beneficial microbes to improve yields. Today, microbial commercialization in agriculture represents an expanding multibillion dollar sector.
Sillhouettes show a dejected couple being ostracized by another couple.

Research reveals people desire social distance from spouses of those with mental illness

In a new book chapter, Elizabeth Felix, assistant professor of sociology at the University of Kansas, employs a vignette survey experiment to investigate the extent to which the public wants social distance from people with certain mental illnesses, as well as their romantic partners.
Computer screen displaying QR code and the words "apply now."

Job applicants suspicious of AI, so less said the better, research shows

A University of Kansas-led survey of job applicants shows they don’t believe artificial intelligence can account for human uniqueness. Thus, employers who use AI to screen candidates are best off not to mention it, according to the researchers.

Research



Eric Rath, professor of history at the University of Kansas, explores the evolution of Japanese sake from homebrew to flavored varieties, while tracing its cultural significance and global rise, in his new book, “Kanpai: The History of Sake.”
A new deal negotiated by KU Libraries with information services provider ProQuest has expanded digital offerings exponentially, providing instant access to immense opportunities for research, learning and discovery.
An investor checks stock prices on a smart phone.
In a new article, Eric Weisbrod, associate professor of accounting at the University of Kansas, examines sell-side analysts’ stock recommendation revisions on Twitter, observing increased levels of price discovery during intraday windows with more revision-related tweets. This was especially notable for tweets with more user engagement and those posted by more influential authors.

Kansas Communities



The Integrated Health Scholars Program (IHSP) at the KU School of Social Welfare recently received a $2.4 million award through the Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program, funded by the Health Resources & Services Administration.
Researchers in KU's School of Education & Human Sciences have received grant funding to help create the Midwest STEM Alliance, which will partner with teachers across the state to “educate the educators” in using local climate data relevant to students' lives in work to improve science and literacy simultaneously.
A photo of wind energy turbines on Kansas prairie with a small pond in the foreground and a city's water tower in the background.
Researchers at the University of Kansas have published a study based on the Kansas Energy Transition Atlas. The site documents wind energy regulations across all 105 of the state's counties, and findings from the study document which regions of the state tend to have enabling or blocking restrictions, how agriculture influences policy, whether voting habits play a part and more.

Economic Development



The University of Kansas is a powerful engine of economic growth and job creation for the state of Kansas, according to a new study detailing the university’s impact.
The University of Kansas School of Business received a $10 million gift commitment from an anonymous donor that ensures the construction of a new entrepreneurship hub building that benefits the greater KU community by teaching students to solve problems in meaningful ways. The new gift supplements the donor's lead gift of $50 million in 2023.
Kalin Baca shown working in a KU lab in 2023 with professional portrait superimposed over main image.
A recent report from the Institute for Research on Innovation & Science shows more than 7,000 KU research-funded employees leveraged their experience to build careers in all 50 states and the District of Columbia from 2011 to 2023 — and nearly 40% found employment in Kansas.

Student experience and achievement



The University of Kansas’ William Inge Memorial Theatre will be transformed into a space for nervous, sweaty and sometimes ornery junior high spelling bee contestants in the University Theatre’s production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” The production runs Oct. 24 to Nov. 2.
Three KU alumnae and one senior have been endorsed for prestigious fellowships for study in the United Kingdom with the support of the university’s Center for Undergraduate Research & Fellowships.
Marvin Hall in fall at the University of Kansas.
KU students took home a total of 13 awards in the student category, including the Best in Class Award for Brand and Identity. Matthew Cook, KU assistant professor in the animation and illustration programs, won two awards in the professional category.

Campus news



The University of Kansas will host its 113th Homecoming, sponsored by Central Bank, Oct. 27-Nov. 2. The week culminates with the KU football game against Oklahoma. KU Alumni has announced finalists for major student and faculty awards to be presented during the Homecoming game.
The Hall Center for the Humanities at the University of Kansas will bring the mysterious, the magical and the macabre to downtown Lawrence Oct. 29 with Haunting Humanities, the all-ages “science fair for the humanities” with a Halloween twist.
Service member in foreground saluting as serve members carry flags
In honor of Veterans Day, the University of Kansas campus in Lawrence will host/participate in a variety of events Nov. 8-12. Events are open to the public, unless otherwise noted.

Latest news

Photo illustration of air conditioning window unit on yellow background

Detailed map of US air-conditioning usage shows who can beat the heat — and who can’t

A researcher at the University of Kansas has produced the most comprehensive and detailed map of air-conditioning usage in the United States. The data could inform energy efficiency decisions and help policymakers identify regions that lack adequate cooling.

Advisory: Media invited to Watney CORELAB extension ribbon-cutting ceremony Nov. 6

The event is closed to the public, but members of the media are invited to attend the official ceremony. The event is 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the KGS, 1930 Constant Ave. Girod and KGS director Jay Kalbas are scheduled to make presentations, as are Karen and Chris Watney — family members of the building’s namesake — and KGS associate director Nikki Potter.
A cross section of a corn root from the KU study.

New study explores ‘legacy effects’ of soil microbes on plants across Kansas

Findings from the University of Kansas could offer important context for farmers who want to use beneficial microbes to improve yields. Today, microbial commercialization in agriculture represents an expanding multibillion dollar sector.
Marvin Hall in fall at the University of Kansas.

KU Design students, faculty and alumni win AIGA Kansas City awards

KU students took home a total of 13 awards in the student category, including the Best in Class Award for Brand and Identity. Matthew Cook, KU assistant professor in the animation and illustration programs, won two awards in the professional category.