Featured news at KU


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Two women comparing notes in a notebook and smiling.
Mary Fry, professor of educational psychology at KU, has co-written two studies that examined mentoring programs. One found that the Strong Girls program benefited those providing the guidance to young girls 10 years after their experience, and another found “sideways mentoring” among peers helped scholars for as long as 20 years.

Other featured news

Science officers with NASA monitor data from the Artemis II mission.

KU researcher’s work contributes to data transmission link from Artemis II mission

Research from Erik Perrins, University Distinguished Professor of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, enabled observers on Earth during the April mission to receive high-bandwidth transmissions from the Orion capsule, such as video and audio feeds, without being corrupted by errors.
Two people holding hands while a bright sun shines in the background, creating a glow on the image.

Research examines how asexual, aromantic individuals view intimacy to improve education, counseling

Research from KU is examining how aromantic and asexual individuals view intimacy to better understand how they view relationships, to better understand themselves and to improve everything from relationship education, sexual assault prevention and counseling for all people. The improvement could also help address the mental health crisis among young people.
Cereals, crackers and other packaged goods are featured along a supermarket aisle.

US tobacco firms used cigarette-selling tactics to globally market ultraprocessed foods

A new study from the University of Kansas details how U.S. tobacco corporations expanded into global food markets from the mid-1980s to the mid-2000s, using strategies honed through cigarette sales to market ultraprocessed foods, which are industrially processed and contain ingredients and additives that maximize their appeal.
Two women comparing notes in a notebook and smiling.

Studies show that mentoring can also benefit the mentors decades after experiences

Mary Fry, professor of educational psychology at KU, has co-written two studies that examined mentoring programs. One found that the Strong Girls program benefited those providing the guidance to young girls 10 years after their experience, and another found “sideways mentoring” among peers helped scholars for as long as 20 years.

Research



In a new book, Deborah Elizabeth Whaley, a professor of American Studies and English at the University of Kansas, introduces compelling creative techniques from multiple disciples that enhance learning and support professional development experiences for college students and faculty alike.
Chris Depcik, University of Kansas professor of mechanical engineering, has created a solution to help distillers better predict how spirits mature inside a barrel.
Two people holding hands while a bright sun shines in the background, creating a glow on the image.
Research from KU is examining how aromantic and asexual individuals view intimacy to better understand how they view relationships, to better understand themselves and to improve everything from relationship education, sexual assault prevention and counseling for all people. The improvement could also help address the mental health crisis among young people.

Kansas Communities



KU researchers are working to address declining literacy rates in Kansas schools, where just 1 out of 3 students are reaching grade-level proficiency. The goal through the state's Blueprint for Literacy initiative is to reach 90% proficiency for students across Kansas.
Ten secondary school science teachers from Kansas will converge this week at the University of Kansas Field Station, just north of Lawrence. They’ll take part in the Ecosystems of Kansas Summer Institute, an annual immersive program that gives secondary educators the chance to work with KU scientists to explore resources and gain new ideas for their classrooms.
The American flag and KU flag atop Fraser Hall wave in the wind as the sun rises in the background.
The Veterans Legal Support Clinic at the University of Kansas School of Law will host a free “Lunch and Learn” program focused on suicide prevention, de-escalation techniques and personal wellness planning for veterans and their family members, law enforcement officers and first responders on June 16, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Eastern Kansas Health Care System, Veterans Treatment Courts, Kansas Justice League and Robert Irvine Foundation.

Economic Development



The National Academy of Inventors ranks the University of Kansas 39th among public universities for the number of utility patents granted in 2025, marking the fourth consecutive year the University of Kansas is listed among the United States’ top 100 institutions receiving patents.
Research and development expenditures spanning all University of Kansas campuses climbed to $610.6 million in fiscal year 2025, surpassing the previous record of $546.1 million by 12% and marking a full decade of sustained research growth.
Attendees chat in audience at professional development workshop.
The Center for Workplace Excellence supports career development in the Greater Kansas City area, helping businesses and nonprofit organizations strengthen workforce skills, improve organizational effectiveness and navigate today’s rapidly changing workplace environment.

Student experience and achievement



University of Kansas School of Law students provided more than 2,300 hours of free legal services during the 2025-2026 academic year, with 48 earning a spot on KU Law’s Pro Bono Honor Roll.
Eleven University of Kansas School of Law students received awards during the spring 2026 semester for distinguishing themselves in scholarship, leadership and service to the law school and the community.
Big Jay
Levi O’Connor, a senior in psychology from Louisburg, has been selected to receive the Beinecke Scholarship Program award for the 2026-2027 academic year. Each year, 20 students from across the nation receive $30,000 to be used for graduate study and $5,000 in their senior year. O’Connor is the first Jayhawk to receive the scholarship.

Campus news



The first University of Kansas Homecoming parade in seven years will take place Oct. 23, part of the 2026 Homecoming events. The parade will be led by Student Affairs in partnership with KU Alumni, Kansas Athletics Inc. and Jayhawk Community Partners.
This spring, five faculty members from the University of Kansas Lawrence campus who exemplify innovation, expertise and leadership in the classroom were named recipients of the William T. Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence.
Two Echinacea purpurea flowers at the native plants garden, with a crowd of visitors in the background.
The public is invited to the summer semiannual tour of the University of Kansas Native Medicinal Plant Garden at 7 p.m. June 21, the day of the summer solstice. The garden is situated just east of the Lawrence Municipal Airport, next to Prairie Moon Waldorf School at 1865 East 1600 Road in Douglas County.

Latest news

Logan Brtek and Alex Nelson

KU Law graduates named Academic All-American Advocates by the National Association of Legal Advocacy Educators

Logan Brtek and Alex Nelson, both KU School of Law graduates, have been honored by the National Association of Legal Advocacy Educators, becoming the first KU Law students to receive the national honors. The awards recognize excellence in competition performance, academic achievement, leadership and service.
Two Echinacea purpurea flowers at the native plants garden, with a crowd of visitors in the background.

Annual summer solstice tour of KU native plants garden will take place June 21

The public is invited to the summer semiannual tour of the University of Kansas Native Medicinal Plant Garden at 7 p.m. June 21, the day of the summer solstice. The garden is situated just east of the Lawrence Municipal Airport, next to Prairie Moon Waldorf School at 1865 East 1600 Road in Douglas County.
Big Jay

KU announces first Beinecke Scholar

Levi O’Connor, a senior in psychology from Louisburg, has been selected to receive the Beinecke Scholarship Program award for the 2026-2027 academic year. Each year, 20 students from across the nation receive $30,000 to be used for graduate study and $5,000 in their senior year. O’Connor is the first Jayhawk to receive the scholarship.
Snow Hall

KU Department of Mathematics announces 2026 spring awards

The KU Department of Mathematics recently recognized its undergraduate and graduate students and faculty for outstanding academic and teaching achievements. Graduate summer scholarships and research assistantships were awarded to 25 graduate students. Academic year 2026-27 scholarships were awarded to 77 undergraduates.