University of Kentucky Research

Researchers from across the country gathered at the University of Kentucky for the 2026 S1075 Symposium, a national meeting focused on advancing a sustainable, circular bioeconomy. The event brought together faculty, students, postdoctoral researchers and industry collaborators to share research, build partnerships and explore innovations in biobased fuels, materials, manufacturing and agricultural systems.

Hosted by the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, the symposium highlighted emerging technologies, student research and collaborative efforts aimed at transforming renewable biological resources into products that strengthen agriculture, energy and rural economies.

Read more: https://research.uky.edu/news/uk-symposium-brings-national-researchers-together-advance-future-bioeconomy

Can alfalfa help cattle stay healthier during hot summers?

A new University of Kentucky research project is exploring whether natural compounds found in alfalfa can reduce the effects of fescue toxicosis and heat stress in cattle. Researchers hope the findings will lead to practical solutions for beef producers across the Eastern United States, where these challenges contribute to billions of dollars in annual losses.

The study brings together experts from the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, the USDA Agricultural Research Service and Auburn University to better understand how alfalfa supports animal health beyond its traditional role as livestock feed.

Read more: https://research.uky.edu/news/uk-investigates-alfalfas-role-reducing-fescue-toxicosis-heat-stress-cattle

The UK Gaines Center for the Humanities is inviting faculty proposals for the 2028 Mary C. Bingham Seminar, a unique opportunity to create an innovative humanities course that combines classroom learning with immersive travel experiences.

The selected faculty member will receive support for course development, travel and a distinguished public lecture component, while participating students will receive travel scholarships to enhance their learning experience. Applications are open through Oct. 5.

Learn more and apply: https://research.uky.edu/news/gaines-center-invites-faculty-proposals-2028-bingham-seminar

University of Kentucky College of Social Work Assistant Professor Aaron Brown has received funding from the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission to expand Stronger Together, a prevention program designed to support families and loved ones of people who use drugs.

The program will provide practical guidance on overdose prevention, naloxone, medications for opioid use disorder, harm reduction, supportive communication and self-care. The pilot will serve 100 Kentuckians and help inform future family-centered prevention efforts across the state.

Learn more about how UK researchers are helping families navigate the challenges of substance use and recovery: https://research.uky.edu/news/uk-social-work-researcher-expands-support-kentucky-families-affected-substance-use

University of Kentucky College of Public Health associate professor Rachel Hogg-Graham has been named a 2026-27 University Research Professor in recognition of her impactful research on cross-sector collaboration and population health.

Hogg-Graham’s work brings together healthcare organizations, public health agencies and community partners to improve access to care and social services. Through research and community partnerships across Kentucky, she is helping develop stronger, more connected systems that support healthier communities.

The honor also will support student involvement in research and the development of evidence-based tools that help inform public health practice and policy throughout the Commonwealth.

Learn more about her work and this recognition: https://research.uky.edu/news/rachel-hogg-graham-2026-27-university-research-professor-qa

Online sports betting has become increasingly visible in American sports culture, bringing new opportunities — and new concerns.

In a new Q&A, Glenn Sterner III of the University of Kentucky College of Social Work discusses the factors driving the rapid growth of online sports betting, how advertising and digital access are shaping consumer behavior, and what research reveals about gambling-related risks and public health impacts. He also shares insights on responsible gambling and resources available for those who need support.

Read more: https://research.uky.edu/news/qa-understanding-rise-online-sports-betting

Congratulations to Ashley W. Seifert, professor in the UK College of Arts and Sciences, on being named a 2026–27 University Research Professor.

Seifert’s interdisciplinary research team is working to uncover the biological blueprint for musculoskeletal regeneration, studying how mammals repair damaged tissues and how those discoveries could inform future regenerative and scar-reduction therapies. His work uses comparative models to identify the drivers and inhibitors of tissue repair, advancing knowledge that may one day lead to new treatments for injury and disease.

Learn more about Seifert’s research and his vision for building interdisciplinary collaborations around regenerative science at UK: https://research.uky.edu/news/ashley-seifert-2026-27-university-research-professor-qa