UK Research

How do communities remember the Underground Railroad? @ukcod researcher Daniel Vivian, studies how stories of slavery, freedom seeking and anti-slavery activism are preserved and shared across generations. Click to watch now... research.uky.edu/news/uk-resear…

As the United States pushes to accelerate innovation, researchers from the University of Kentucky will play a leading role in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (@ENERGY @ScienceUnderSec) Genesis Mission. 🔍 Principal investigators: · Sean Bailey, Ph.D., (@ukyengineering), “A Physically Informed Neural Network for Power-Grid Resilience to Extreme Wind Events” · Chad Risko, Ph.D., (@ukarts_sciences), “From Edisonian Optimization to Predictive Molecular Design: AI-Driven Discovery and Engineering of Advanced Semiconductor Interfaces” “By harnessing these new, powerful tools, we are advancing the boundaries of science and ensuring that Kentucky remains at the forefront of what might be the most rapid period of innovation in human history” said UK President Eli Capilouto. 📰 Read more about the 6 UK researchers selected for historic DOE ‘Genesis Mission’: bit.ly/4b9dLXH #UKy #UniversityofKentucky

James Donovan of the @ukcollegeoflaw has been named a 2026-27 University Research Professor. Donovan’s research explores how legal systems, information institutions and human rights shape people’s lives. research.uky.edu/news/james-don…

Can a robot help grow healthier tomatoes? 🍅🤖 @ukyengineering researcher Biyun Xie is developing an autonomous system that uses robotics and AI to detect plant stress early, helping growers improve crop health and productivity. Learn more: research.uky.edu/news/uk-resear…

For the first time in @universityofky history, research awards have surpassed $500 million. In FY26, investigators received $502.5M in grants and contracts, marking five consecutive years of growth and supporting discoveries that advance Kentucky. research.uky.edu/news/research-…

@UKAgriculture has received a $1.7M ARC grant to support seed-based entrepreneurship, strengthen local food systems and preserve culturally significant Appalachian seed varieties across Eastern Kentucky. Learn more: research.uky.edu/news/uk-launch…

Mary Kay Rayens, professor and biostatistician with @UKNursing, has been named a 2026-27 University Research Professor. Her research has helped shape tobacco policy, advance smoke-free laws and improve public health outcomes across Kentucky. research.uky.edu/news/mary-kay-…

A decades-old black hole mystery may finally have an answer. @universityofky astronomer Gary Ferland contributed to research using @NASAWebb data that reveals how supermassive black holes continue to grow despite releasing enormous amounts of energy. research.uky.edu/news/uk-resear…

Joseph Young, director of @UK_Patterson, has been named a 2026-27 University Research Professor. Our Q&A explains how his research examines political violence and explores ways AI can improve conflict data to support better research and policymaking.research.uky.edu/news/joseph-yo…

A new tool from @KGSNews and the @KY_NSF_EPSCoR CLIMBS project is helping forecast landslides. The Slope Hydrologic Monitoring Network uses 24 monitoring stations across Eastern Kentucky to track slope conditions and improve early warning capabilities. research.uky.edu/news/climbs-la…

Congratulations to Linda Van Eldik,, director of @UKSBCoA, on receiving the Khalid Iqbal Lifetime Achievement Award in Alzheimer’s Disease Research. Her work has advanced understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and shaped the next generation of researchers. research.uky.edu/news/sanders-b…

A new public dashboard developed by the UK Rapid Actionable Data for Response (RADOR) team is helping Kentuckians track how opioid settlement funds are being invested in prevention, treatment, recovery and innovation efforts across the Commonwealth. research.uky.edu/news/uk-rador-…

Congratulations to Doug Boyd, director of the UK Libraries Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, on being named a University Research Professor. Boyd's work in oral history, digital archives and ethical AI is expanding access to stories that matter. research.uky.edu/news/doug-boyd…

How does losing a home, landmark or community space affect identity after a disaster? Kopana Terry is documenting survivors' experiences through oral histories and photography, preserving Appalachian stories of resilience and recovery. Watch now: research.uky.edu/news/documenti…

Registration is open for Enviropods, a free summer camp for Kentucky students entering grades 7-8. Campers will fly drones, map landslides, track floods and explore climate resilience through hands-on STEM activities. Registration is limited. research.uky.edu/news/registrat…

UK's Nathaniel Stapleton has been named a 2026-27 University Research Professor. The honor recognizes his groundbreaking research in algebraic topology and his contributions to teaching, mentorship and mathematical discovery. research.uky.edu/news/nathaniel…

@UK_COP researcher Lindsay Czuba is studying potential health risks facing the East Palestine, Ohio, community following the 2023 train derailment. Her work with @ukcares1 aims to identify early warning signs of liver disease and improve patient care. research.uky.edu/news/uk-resear…

Congratulations to Danelle Stevens-Watkins, on being named a 2026-27 University Research Professor. Her research addresses health disparities, opioid use disorder and maternal-child health, helping improve health outcomes throughout Kentucky and beyond. education.uky.edu/communications…

Researchers at @UKSBCoA have uncovered evidence that a single genetic variant may influence the risk of two of the diseases people fear most — dementia and cancer — but in opposite ways. research.uky.edu/news/1-gene-2-…

Wayne T. Sanderson, a professor with @UKAgriculture, has been named a 2026-27 University Research Professor. His research advances occupational and environmental health, while his leadership supports research and student training across the region. research.uky.edu/news/wayne-t-s…