Central District of the Integrated Science Building

KU Chemistry

KU Chemistry provides cutting-edge education and research opportunities. Diversity in our research and a strong culture of collegial interaction among the faculty, staff and students has always set us apart. We put a strong premium on interdisciplinary research and the vast majority of our faculty have research collaborations that involve other departments at KU, around the country and abroad.

Integrated Science Building opened in 2018

By the numbers

Top 50
Ranking in US Graduate Programs for Public Schools
14
NSF Career Awards among active Chemistry Faculty
$160,000
in annual student scholarships
A collage of 13 of our 2021 graduates.

What's next for our 2021 Graduates?

We congratulate all of the 34 undergraduate and graduate students who graduated from our Department this semester and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.

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Three students working in the laboratory.

Support KU Chemistry

The rich research experiences for our students that set KU Chemistry apart from other programs, would not be possible without the generosity of our donors.

Your giving provides opportunities for our talented graduate and undergraduate student and our dedicated faculty to excel in the research lab, classroom, and beyond.

Give to KU Chemistry
Vials in the laboratory

Research Areas

The Department's research programs and faculty place KU Chemistry at the leading edge of scientific research in a broad range of areas, including bioanalytical chemistry, nanoscience, spectroscopy, and more.

Research Areas
Faculty Member Steven Soper gives a presentation to a group of alumni.

Award-Winning Faculty

Our highly recognized faculty consists of 29 active faculty, including five distinguished professors. Our faculty members' research is concentrated in a broad range of areas, from bioanalytical chemistry to computational chemistry.

Faculty
The Integrated Science Building from the South side.

Degrees Offered

The Department of Chemistry offers two curriculum degree plans, an American Chemical Society certified BS and also a BA. Ranked in the Top 50 U.S. Graduate Programs for Public Schools, our graduate program offers a Chemistry Ph.D. and MS.

Explore Degrees

KU Chemistry Events

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News from the Department

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Claire Dopp, Emma Cosner among students receiving Undergraduate Research Awards (UGRAs)

Two chemistry majors, Emma Cosner and Claire Dopp, have each received Undergraduate Research Awards (UGRAs) for Summer 2021. As part of the award, they each receive $1,000 scholarships to work on research projects in chemistry under the mentorship of associate professor James Blakemore.
Kristin Bowman-James works with an undergraduate student in a KU chemistry lab.

In the Midst of an Award-Winning Year, KU Chemist Reflects on Her Life's Work

LAWRENCE — For Kristin Bowman-James, the answer to what inspires her continued inquiry is simple: She loves chemistry. So deep is her adoration that she has devoted nearly half a century to research, teaching, mentoring and service in the field.
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Chemistry Department Awards and Scholarships for Spring and Summer 2021

LAWRENCE — The Department of Chemistry at the University of Kansas recently recognized the academic and research achievements of its students by awarding over $160,000 in awards and scholarships.  
Daryle Busch

Daryle Busch (1928-2021)

It is with great sadness that the Department of Chemistry reports the passing of Emeritus Distinguished Professor Daryle H.
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Welcome to KU

Listen to Topher Enneking, a spoken word poet and former KU football player, as he weaves the experience of KU and its traditions through this storytelling and wordplay performance.

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