Institute for Policy & Social Research

IPSR is a faculty-driven research center supporting social scientists who focus on social problems and policy-relevant questions. IPSR fosters independent researchers and collaborative teams within our network of faculty affiliates and interdisciplinary research centers.

Research Spotlight: The Cost of Not Expanding Medicaid

Kansans are spending more state resources on Medicaid, health care spending is increasing at a faster rate, and employee premiums for health care are increasing faster in Kansas than in states that expanded Medicaid. This research was sponsored by REACH Health Foundation.
Kansas in stone with moss
Solar farms and direct normal solar resources in Kansas

Visit the IPSR Data Library

Visit the IPSR Data Library for resources like the Kansas Statistical Abstract, the Kansas Regional Data Portal, the Kansas Economic Policy Conference, and more.

IPSR Data Library

Funding Opportunity: STARTUP Central

STARTUP Central is an NIH-funded program offering funding opportunities for proof-of-concept projects for translational biomedical research. Our aim is to help researchers learn how to turn cutting-edge research into a viable product or solution that will make a significant impact. Participants in this program will receive a POC grant ($15,000-30,000) and complete an online entrepreneurial education program called InspireU2 iTi.  The platform is designed to help inspire, train, and support translational endeavors.

Send questions to info@continuummedtech.com.

Register for Cohort 2. 

Review the full solicitation and program flier. 

IPSR News

Wind farm in rural Kansas, clear sky

KU researchers build interactive atlas that gathers Kansas wind energy regulations, information for all 105 counties

The Kansas Energy Transition Atlas is a GIS-powered website that gathers wind energy regulations for all of the state's 105 counties and allows users to find information including laws guiding development and the number of turbines and transmission lines in a county. Users can print their own detailed maps.
Duncan speaking from lectern

EPSCoR-Funded Consortium Deciphers Apprenticeship Data, Strengthening Kansas Workforce Strategy

In a project commissioned by the Department of Commerce, William Duncan, assistant research professor of data science at KU, and several students launched research last year to assess the economic impact of high quality, earn-and-learn registered apprenticeships in Kansas.
See all news
wind turbine in field

Kansas Economic Policy Conference to address the future of energy in Kansas

On Oct. 24, the Institute for Policy & Social Research will convene the 2024 Kansas Economic Policy Conference: Powering the Future of Kansas. Every year, the conference brings together community and industry leaders, policymakers, and scholars to discuss an issue of urgent importance to the state.
See all news

Events

Blake Hall close-up, Fraser reflected in windows

Getting Started with IPSR

If you're thinking about developing your research agenda, seeking support for a current project, or interested in getting involved, contact us at IPSR@ku.edu.

Write to us