A landscape during sundown with starry graphic elements in the foreground.

Research that reaches to the stars

The University of Kansas stands among the nation’s leading research institutions. Our expert network connects brilliance across campuses and disciplines to transform collaborative research into advancements at the cellular level and across galaxies.

Get to know some of the Jayhawks behind discoveries with the power to improve lives in your community and around the world.

KU research sparks discoveries that improve our lives, starting at a microscopic level.

Creating new cancer therapies

Xiaoqing Wu leverages cutting-edge technology to study cancer cells and test thousands of potential drug compounds. Her discoveries led to three patents for new types of inhibitors that slow tumor growth.
Portrait of Xiaoqing Wu, a University of Kansas professor, in a white lab coat.

“Discoveries we make in the lab today translate into better treatment options for people’s lives tomorrow.”

Xiaoqing Wu
Associate Research Professor, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Steven F. Warren Research Achievement Award

Cancer Therapies

Wu pauses writing on a whiteboard while in discussion with a colleague.
In a laboratory, Wu and a colleague laugh while handling experiment materials.
In a laboratory, Xiaoqing Wu, a University of Kansas Professor, lifts a specimen to inspect it from a different angle.

Decoding DNA repair

Bret Freudenthal is an internationally recognized leader in the field of DNA repair whose work has significantly advanced our understanding of how DNA damage leads to disease. His research led to breakthrough discoveries about DNA repair mechanisms at the atomic level, providing insights for targeting cancer cells and developing more effective chemotherapies.
Portrait of Bret Freudenthal, University of Kansas professor

“I really believe that the information we find out now will lead to better treatments.”

Bret Freudenthal
Professor, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University Scholarly Achievement Award

Unlocking the mysteries of immunity

Anthony Fehr researches how coronaviruses cause disease. In fact, he was the first to establish a connection between a cellular modification and the anti-coronavirus response. With this discovery, his team developed novel inhibitors that support the immune system by blocking viral activity. Fehr’s research team also created tools to genetically alter coronaviruses, and these tools could be used to develop a vaccine that would result in lasting immunity.
Portrait of Anthony Fehr, University of Kansas professor.

“KU is really good at promoting creativity in research, and that’s what’s really key to making new discoveries and things that will change the world.”

Anthony Fehr
Associate Professor, Department of Molecular Biosciences, University Scholarly Achievement Award

Cracking the metabolic code

Joseph Donnelly is a nationally recognized authority on obesity and weight management. His research combines medical and behavioral perspectives to create state-of-the-art preventions and treatments for metabolic diseases.
Candid portrait of Joseph Donnelly.

“We have a variety of expertise, and I think our ability to get into community has … become a real strength.”

Joseph Donnelly
Professor, Department of Internal Medicine  Director, Division for Physical Activity & Weight Management, Chancellors Club Research Award

Developing life-saving treatments

X. Long Zheng researches vascular biology, thrombosis, and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) — a rare but life-threatening condition. Among the first to identify and clone an enzyme involved in blood clotting, Zheng also discovered the primary cause of TTP and identified the antibodies needed to improve diagnostic tools and treatment options.

Illuminating the intersection of health and policy

David Slusky is a health economist whose innovative research reveals the socioeconomic consequences of health policies in the United States. Analyzing issues such as access to reproductive health care and the Flint water crisis, Slusky’s research helps inform evidence-based policymaking in support of better health outcomes for all.
David Slusky, a University of Kansas professor, and two students listen as a third student speaks.

“The big goal is not just to advance human knowledge but specifically to help those who make our policies … have the best information possible.”

David Slusky
Professor, Department of Economics Chair, Department of Speech-Language-Hearing, University Scholarly Achievement Award

KU research strengthens communities.

Supporting students and educators

Kathleen Lynne Lane studies how to design, implement, and sustain school systems that support student success. Her contributions include developing tiered systems that more precisely identify and help students at risk, prevent academic and behavioral issues from escalating, and increase teacher well-being.
Lane smiles during a discussion with colleagues.

“What I love most is I get to ask the question, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if … ?’”

Kathleen Lynne Lane
Roy A. Roberts Distinguished Professor, Department of Special Education Director, Human Subjects Research, Irvin E. Youngberg Award in the Applied Sciences

Analyzing the relationships between Americans, power, and politics

David Farber’s work explores the historical and cultural influences that shape American democracy. A prolific writer, Farber has deepened our understanding of numerous significant episodes in American history, including the aftermath of the Pearl Harbor attack, the political complexity of the 1960s, the riots at the 1968 Democratic National Convention, the origins of the American conservative movement, the Iran hostage crisis, and the crack cocaine epidemic.
Decorative image blue circle pattern

“You gotta look at what’s in front of you. Let the evidence push you. Be willing to be surprised.”

David Farber
Roy A. Roberts Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Department of History, Balfour S. Jeffrey Award in the Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Reexamining health inequities in the LGBTQ+ community

By examining health, politics, and sexuality in the late 20th century in the United States, Katie Batza clarifies our understanding of health inequities experienced by the LGBTQ+ community. Capturing new perspectives and insights, her research challenges prevailing narratives of the medical and political responses to the AIDS crisis of the 1970s-1990s, providing keys to a healthier future for all.
Portrait of Katie Batza, University of Kansas professor.

“Excellent research is anything that helps people grow. … It’s about hope for a better future.”

Katie Batza
Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies, University Scholarly Achievement Award

University of Kansas research elevates knowledge all the way to the stars.

Uncovering the universe’s secrets

Bren Backhaus studies regions at the centers of galaxies where supermassive black holes are actively growing and pulling in surrounding material. Growing supermassive black holes are difficult to detect, but Backhaus created a way to identify and measure them, helping us understand how galaxies form and evolve, and how our universe came to be.
Decorative image blue circle pattern

“We’re seeing new things for the first time. We’re finding questions we didn’t even know we had.”

Bren Backhaus
Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Physics & Astronomy Research Postdoctoral Achievement Award

The University of Kansas’ research community creates connections beyond our campuses.

Nicola Minafra

Nicola Minafra designs highly sensitive equipment that helps scientists better understand how the universe works. He holds one of the most competitive and respected technical leadership roles at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN).

Nicola Minafra
Assistant Professor
University of Copenhagen
Research Staff Achievement Award

Ruth Welti

Ruth Welti’s research illuminates how plants respond to environmental changes, providing important insights on how to develop crops that are resistant to stress.

Ruth Welti
University Distinguished Professor, Department of Biology
Director, Core Facilities
Kansas State University
Olin K. Petefish Award in the Basic Sciences
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