A collage of research, campus events, and scenery at KU, including photos of the skyline of KU's Lawrence campus lit by a sunrise, a uniformed military officer standing stoically during a ceremony, a child development specialist playing with a toddler, and a researcher collecting data in a laboratory.

KU CREATES A BETTER WORLD.

The University of Kansas makes all of our lives better by focusing the mighty power of our world-renowned research, academics, and faculty to solve problems, create talented professionals, and generate new jobs.

KU takes on the world’s challenges and delivers life-changing results. Keep reading to see how.

KU Statistics

Top 1%
University of Kansas Cancer Center nationwide ranking
40+
Core research labs
#1
Developmental disability research worldwide ranking
A collage showcasing KU’s research pursuits, including photos of a scientist collecting data in a laboratory, a cybersecurity professional reviewing information on a desktop computer, and a group of researchers leading an outdoor information session.

One of the nation’s leading research universities

Jayhawks use their ingenuity and spirit to develop new ways to treat cancer, create thousands of jobs every year, and forge actionable paths toward a sustainable future. KU’s 38 research centers and institutes and over 40 research labs help protect natural resources, assure cybersecurity, and improve agricultural practices.

SEE HOW KU CREATIVITY SOLVES WORLDWIDE ISSUES
A collage highlighting the breadth of KU's health research and innovations, featuring photos of a child development professional engaging with children, a researcher working in a lab, and a rendering of the new University of Kansas Cancer Center facilities currently in development.

KU health innovations improve lives.

The University of Kansas Cancer Center is a designated National Cancer Institute, which translates to more cutting-edge treatments and higher global cancer survival rates. KU, a leading research university, is also home to world-class research around Alzheimer’s disease, developmental disabilities, child development, and more.

LEARN HOW KU EXPERTISE DELIVERS RESULTS

KU Statistics

38
Research centers and institutes
48
Academic programs in the top 50 among public universities —U.S. News and World Report
400+
Degree and certificate programs
A collage of images that features a gloved hand placing a test tube in a rack and three people in hard hats looking at building materials.

Turning determination into discovery

Research that changes lives is possible only through the work of exceptional scholars and faculty eager to tackle big challenges in new ways. Researchers at the University of Kansas advance treatments for serious diseases, engineer safer buildings, fortify the nation’s cybersecurity, and strengthen communities. Nine scholars were recently recognized for their innovative research achievements.

Read how KU researchers create a better future
A collage of KU engineering, featuring a photo of an instructor and students in the KU School of Engineering examining a 3D molecular model made up of small red points connected by barely visible rods and a photo of a presenter standing at a podium during a presentation.

Engineering sustainable solutions

The National Science Foundation has awarded KU $26 million to establish a new Gen-4 Engineering Research Center called the Environmentally Applied Refrigerant Technology Hub, or EARTH for short. KU researchers will work with industry partners to create a sustainable and circular refrigerant economy, producing tremendous economic and societal benefits for the nation.

LEARN HOW KU IMPROVES THE FUTURE
A map of the United States shows the number of KU alumni who reside in each state.

Jayhawks get the job done.

Every year, thousands of KU alumni enter the workforce, thriving in some of the most in-demand occupations across the country. They also create new employment opportunities like the 56 active startup companies made possible by KU research.

SEE HOW KU ALUMNI BETTER THE WORLD
A collage of Monarch Watch photos, including a butterfly held between the fingers of a participant, a group holding butterfly nets to assist in tagging monarchs, and an outdoor education session.

KU helps conservation take flight.

Monarch Watch, an international program at the University of Kansas that studies monarch butterflies, has been educating the public about these vital pollinators for over 30 years. Recently featured on “60 Minutes,” Monarch Watch was celebrated for tagging over 20 million butterflies and protecting this beautiful species that sustains our food supply and supports ecosystem health.

WATCH KU INGENUITY IN ACTION