SOCIAL WELFARE RESEARCH & SERVICE
KU School of Social Welfare researchers advance the science of social work through practice-based interventions that better serve vulnerable individuals, families, and communities.
Overview
The University of Kansas School of Social Welfare's community-engaged research and service contributes millions of dollars of sponsored research funding to Kansas partners each year.
KU Social Welfare research drives discoveries that transform lives, with projects creating solutions to complex problems in areas including healthcare access, child welfare, and behavioral health.
Research Projects
Through active projects, researchers in the KU School of Social Welfare partner with communities in Kansas and beyond to improve outcomes in child welfare, healthcare, and access to social services.
Publications and Presentations
KU scholars share their work through academic articles and conference presentations. Stay up-to-date on the latest publications in areas such as child and family well-being, health access, and mental health.
Students in Research
KU social work students participate in national research conferences, work with professional researchers, and conduct original research. Learn more about how to get involved in research as a social work student.Research Centers
Center for the Advancement of Healthcare for Everyone
The Center for the Advancement of Healthcare for Everyone (CAHE) is a valued resource for community and academic partners interested in health equity research, training, and collaboration.
Center for LGBTQ Research and Advocacy
The Center for LGBTQ+ Research & Advocacy (CLRA) puts Kansas on the map as a hub for research, advocacy, community engagement, education, and scholarship focused on the experiences of sexually and gender diverse populations.
Center for Research to Transform Systems
The Center for Research to Transform Systems for Family Community & Social Justice (CRTS) engages in projects, initiatives and research, including implementing and evaluating innovative approaches to serving children, families, and their communities.
Center for Community Engagement & Collaboration
The Center for Community Engagement & Collaboration (CCEC) adds capacity to the School of Social Welfare's community engagement. CCEC advances our values and vision in community-university initiatives at KU.
Research Stories
KU researchers enhance training for the Kansas health care workforce to prevent substance use disorders
Researchers in the KU School of Social Welfare have updated training materials that prepare health care providers to prevent, identify and treat substance use disorders across Kansas. SBIRT — Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment — is an evidence-based approach to talking with people about their substance use.
Research finds efforts to end child marriage in Malawi leave out local knowledge, culture
University of Kansas researchers propose viewing the problem through an African feminist lens that would engage culture, local customs and knowledge to address an issue that has persisted despite legal reforms.
Social Welfare assistant professor Claire Willey-Sthapit to receive International Research Award, deliver talk
Claire Willey-Sthapit, assistant professor in KU's School of Social Welfare, will receive the KU International Affairs Advisory Board International Research Award and speak April 29. Her research examines domestic violence policy across the U.S. and Nepal, highlighting community-based responses and challenging global assumptions about prevention and intervention.
KU among top-ranked public institutions for research expenditures in social work
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.
Research Newsletter
Updates about KU Social Welfare research and service
Read the latest research newsletter for research projects, faculty spotlights, awards and accomplishments, and upcoming events.
Upcoming Research Events
