Colleagues,
Welcome to "3, 2, One KU," a weekly memo in which I'll share updates and thoughts for the week ahead. The title of the memo is derived from the format: each edition will include three things to know, two things to share, and one reflection on how our "One KU" initiative is enhancing collaboration across our campuses. I hope you find this weekly communication informative.
Respectfully,
Doug
Three things to know
New digital mental health program reaching out to rural Kansas
With mental health professionals in short supply across Kansas, a new KU program is expanding access to depression treatment through online care while studying its effectiveness. The Program in Digital Mental Health is a joint effort between the KU School of Medicine-Wichita Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and the KU Center for Telemedicine & Telehealth in Kansas City. The program is headed by Matt Byerly – professor, department chair and associate dean for research – who has secured a five-year, $28 million federal grant for the initiative.
Faculty, staff invited to help welcome incoming students
The first few weeks of the fall semester are crucial in setting the tone for incoming students' experience at KU. With this in mind, we invite you to volunteer during KU Move-in and Hawk Week to help welcome these new Jayhawks and engage with their families. As someone who volunteers each year, I can promise you that welcoming these newest Jayhawks and their families is one of those truly joyful experiences that fills your cup and reminds you why higher education matters. Visit our dedicated webpage to explore volunteer opportunities and sign up.
Groups outside higher education sound alarm on OMB’s proposed changes
In recent weeks, you've heard from me and other KU leaders about the Office of Management and Budget’s proposed revisions to the Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance, commonly known as the “Uniform Guidance.” During the public comment period, OMB received nearly half a million comments on the proposed changes to how federal agencies administer financial assistance, including research grants. Organizations representing a vast range of interests and constituencies – including many outside higher education – warned that the proposal would destabilize the federal grantmaking process and significantly increase administrative burdens for applicants. The AAU has published a helpful summary of these concerns.
Two things to share
KU team receives $1.2M to pursue new theory of Alzheimer’s disease
What if our current understanding of Alzheimer’s disease is incomplete? A research team led by a KU School of Pharmacy professor is exploring that question with a $1.2 million grant from the W.M. Keck Foundation. The team’s novel hypothesis could explain why existing treatments only modestly slow cognitive decline and, ultimately, lead to more effective therapies. Learn more about the research team and their work.
School of Medicine welcomes first-year students at White Coat Ceremony
Last week, 211 new students at the KU School of Medicine took an important step on their academic journey. Donning their white coats for the first time, the School of Medicine’s Class of 2030 took the profession’s Oath of Commitment at the annual White Coat Ceremony. Read more about the event and check out our Facebook photo gallery.
"One KU"
Strengthening research technology, data science and AI for One KU
Researchers increasingly rely on artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, secure data environments, high-performance computing and digital platforms to accelerate discovery. As these capabilities become more central to research, KU has an opportunity to strengthen infrastructure, expertise and support for researchers across our campuses.
To advance this work, last week we recently announced the expansion of Jeff Thompson's role to senior associate vice chancellor for research technology & AI. In this One KU position, Jeff will provide strategic leadership for research technology, AI-enabled research, advanced computing, research data strategy and digital research infrastructure. Reporting to Chief Research Officer Matthias Salathe, he will work closely with both Matthias and Vice Chancellor for Research Shelley Hooks, as well as partners across KU and The University of Kansas Health System, to ensure these capabilities continue to grow in ways that support the research community.