University of Kentucky Research

Miriam Kienle, associate professor of art history in the UK College of Fine Arts, has been named a 2026–27 University Research Professor.

Kienle’s research examines how artists build networks of exchange, particularly through the international mail art movement, to challenge traditional institutions, amplify underrepresented perspectives and foster meaningful dialogue across borders. Her work not only advances scholarship in art history and digital humanities, but also strengthens connections within Kentucky through exhibitions, collaborations and public engagement.

Learn more about her research and this recognition: https://research.uky.edu/news/miriam-kienle-2026-27-university-research-professor-qa

Launch Blue and the Bluegrass AgTech Development Corp have announced the participants in the Summer 2026 UAccel: AgTech I-Corps program.

This six-week program supports innovators developing agriculture-related solutions by providing mentorship, customer discovery training and commercialization guidance.

The cohort reflects a strong and growing innovation ecosystem working to advance agriculture, sustainability and economic development across Kentucky

Learn more about the program and participants: https://research.uky.edu/news/launch-blue-badc-announce-members-summer-2026-i-corps-cohort

Ian A. Boggero, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry, has been named a 2026–27 University Research Professor.

Boggero’s work focuses on developing psychological interventions to help patients manage chronic orofacial pain. Through multidisciplinary collaboration and expanded telehealth services, his research is improving access to care for patients across Kentucky and beyond.

Read more about his work and impact: https://research.uky.edu/news/ian-boggero-2026-27-university-research-professor-qa

University of Kentucky researchers are uncovering new insights into the history of modern dance—through photography.

Rachel Hooper and Jill Schinberg have collaborated on an innovative research project examining the overlooked role of photographer Doris Ulmann in documenting early modern dance. Their work challenges traditional narratives and highlights how artistic staging influenced both dance and visual culture.

Their findings are now showcased in the UK Art Museum exhibition “Daring Collaborations: Doris Ulmann and the Making of Modern Dance,” on view through Aug. 8.

Learn more: https://research.uky.edu/news/uk-researchers-find-untold-history-modern-dance-through-photography

New research from the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is shedding light on how plants respond to stress and disease.

Scientists have discovered that excess nitric oxide can block critical immune signaling pathways in plants, limiting their ability to defend against threats. This finding offers important insight into plant biology and could help guide future efforts to strengthen crop resilience.

Learn more: https://research.uky.edu/news/uk-researchers-find-excess-nitric-oxide-blocks-plant-immune-signals

Researchers from the UK College of Arts and Sciences are part of an international team awarded the 2026 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics—one of the highest honors in science.

The recognition celebrates major advances in understanding some of the most fundamental questions in physics and reflects the importance of global collaboration in scientific discovery. UK’s contribution demonstrates its continued leadership in advancing research at the highest level.

Learn more: https://research.uky.edu/news/uk-researchers-part-global-team-awarded-breakthrough-prize-fundamental-physics

Andrew Pilny, Ph.D., has been named a 2026–27 University Research Professor, an honor recognizing excellence in research.

A professor in the University of Kentucky College of Communication and Information, Pilny’s work focuses on social and organizational networks, power and inequality, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in shaping how people connect.

Pilny also has a joint appointment in sociology in the UK College of Arts and Sciences and is a faculty affiliate in management in the Gatton College of Business and Economics at the University of Kentucky.

In this Q&A, he shares what drives his research and how the recognition will support future work.

Read more:
https://research.uky.edu/news/andrew-pilny-2026-27-university-research-professor-qa

The University of Kentucky has been awarded a prestigious $11.3 million Phase 2 Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

This five-year award will fund the continued evolution of the COBRE for Translational Chemical Biology, supporting innovative research at the intersection of chemical biology and pharmaceutical science while mentoring the next generation of investigators.

The center’s work is advancing new approaches to drug discovery and addressing critical health challenges impacting Kentucky and beyond.

Learn more: https://research.uky.edu/news/nih-awards-uk-113-million-cobre-phase-2-pharmaceutical-research

A new study that included work from researchers in the University of Kentucky College of Public Health and the UK College of Pharmacy highlights the deep connection between sleep health and socioeconomic conditions in rural Appalachia.

The REST-KY project found significantly higher rates of insomnia, sleep apnea risk and insufficient sleep, often driven by factors like income, stress, social support and access to care.

These findings help inform more effective, community-centered approaches to improving health outcomes across the region.

Learn more: https://research.uky.edu/news/uk-researchers-link-sleep-disorders-socioeconomic-disparities-appalachia

UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment equine researchers are leading the way in horse health with more than $1.8 million in USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture funding.

The funding will advance research focused on disease prevention, treatment and overall equine well-being—supporting an industry that plays a vital role in Kentucky’s economy and heritage.

See how UK is making an impact: https://research.uky.edu/news/uk-equine-researchers-secure-more-18-million-usda-funding-horse-health-studies