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.

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 Resources

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.

Research Projects

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.

Research Publications & Presentations

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.

Students in Research

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.

Learn more about CAHE

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.

Learn more about CLRA

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.

Learn more about CRTS

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.

Learn more about CCEC

Research Stories

Photos of DSW speakers for the upcoming spotlight series

Fall DSW Spotlight Series will highlight experiences from Capstone Projects

The four-part online event series features leaders and alumni from the online KU DSW program. These practitioner-scholars will share experiences from developing their DSW Capstone Projects in crucial practice areas including healthcare, child and family services, and mental and behavioral health.

A young person holds a basket full of vegetables including cabbage and cucumbers.

Study finds sustainable farming program helps refugees, immigrants boost health while launching agribusinesses

New Roots is a Kansas City-area program that works with resettled refugees, immigrants and English language learners to learn sustainable practices to start agribusinesses. Research from the University of Kansas found the program boosts the mental and physical health of participants while they connect with community, benefiting both the farmers and the areas they serve.

Graphic showing Cheryl Holmes and Dr. Brennan Miller

Cheryl Holmes and Brennan Miller receive Statland Award for Research Leadership

The Statland award recognizes two researchers for their commitment to community-engaged, partnership-driven projects that improve outcomes for communities across Kansas.

A panel of a comic version of a research paper analyzing academic conference travel. The lead text box reads "Rather than accepting what has been normalized, we can come together and imagine alternatives." A character asks "What are alternatives to academic conferences?" Other parts of the illustration offer text reading "Shifting completely to online conferences or even holding in-person meetings every other year," "Choosing locations that minimize air travel. Research shows choosing a central city like Chicago instead of coastal cities could cut emissions by 12%" and "Smaller regional hub in person meeting that is also connected online."

Study analyzes environmental impacts of academic conference travel, encourages rethinking alternatives

A study led by a University of Kansas researcher has analyzed the environmental effects of air travel to academic conferences. The study does not call for an end to academic travel but rather to rethink how such gatherings are arranged and held, especially in fields like social welfare, that are dedicated to environmental justice.