About the Office of Research


Aerial view at sunrise of University of Kansas campus in Lawrence

KU research addresses problems of worldwide significance, delivers solutions that make a difference to Kansas and the region, and promotes an inclusive community of responsible inquiry and innovation for students and scholars.

The Office of Research facilitates that mission by advocating for research, scholarship and creative activity, implementing research integrity requirements, and, through the KU Center for Research (KUCR), managing the administration of research grants and contracts. KU Research also has oversight of activities related to technology commercialization and business and industry outreach.

Diversity, equity, inclusion + belonging in research

The Office of Research is committed to understanding and bettering our efforts to deal with the legacy of systemic racism on our campus, and to create a welcoming, inclusive and equitable environment for women, LGBTQ+ individuals and other marginalized groups. We're working to coordinate and promote DEIB efforts across all units in the research organization, including the University Research Centers. 

 

Our services

The Office of Research provides services in the areas of research administration, research finance, and research integrity to University of Kansas campus partners and others. Learn more about the services we offer.


What is KUCR?

The KU Center for Research Inc. (KUCR) is a not-for-profit research foundation that operates for the benefit of the university under the administrative jurisdiction of the KU Office of Research.

About the KU Center for Research (KUCR)

KUCR was incorporated in 1962 to develop and administer sponsored programs in engineering and related interdisciplinary areas at KU. Effective July 1, 1997, KUCR's services expanded to encompass all sponsored programs conducted throughout the Lawrence campus.

Office of Research staff members help KU investigators by negotiating contracts, providing proposal and post-award services, administering compliance oversight, managing and constructing research facilities, and handling financial services, including investment of corporation resources.

KUCR is governed by a board of trustees that includes KU administrators. The Vice Chancellor for Research serves as the president and chief operating officer of KUCR. An Executive Committee meets quarterly and, in the absence of the trustees, has oversight of the budget and general operation of the corporation. A Finance & Audit Committee meets quarterly to review the investments and operations of the corporation and reports to the Executive Committee.

Current board of trustees

  • Chancellor: Douglas A. Girod
  • Provost: Barbara Bichelmeyer
  • Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice Chancellor for Finance: Jeff DeWitt
  • Vice Chancellor for Research: Simon Atkinson
  • Vice Provost for Finance: Jason Hornberger

Current officers

  • Chancellor: Douglas A. Girod, chair
  • Vice Chancellor for Research: Simon Atkinson, president and vice chair
  • KUCR Chief Financial Officer: Gina Cregg, secretary/treasurer (not a trustee)

KUCR annual reports

All linked files are PDF documents listed by fiscal year. Some require a KU login to access. Annual reports and audited financial statements not posted here are available upon request for fiscal years 2013-2020.

Facade of Youngberg Hall showing sign with name of building and the words "University of Kansas Center for Research, Inc."