University of Kentucky Research

06/17/2026

Do buyers' assumptions about horses with bone chips hold up?

New research from the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment takes a closer look at how these perceptions influence purchasing decisions and what the data says about future racing performance. The findings offer valuable insights for owners, trainers and industry professionals seeking to balance risk and opportunity in the sales ring.

Explore how UK researchers are helping bring evidence-based clarity to the equine industry: https://research.uky.edu/news/study-analyzes-buyers-assumptions-about-carpal-chips-thoroughbred-yearlings

06/16/2026

Patrick Lee Lucas, professor in the School of Interiors in the University of Kentucky College of Design, has been honored as a 2026-27 University Research Professor.

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Patrick Lee Lucas, Ph.D., professor in the School of Interiors in the University of Kentucky’s College of Design, has been honored as a 2026-27 University Research Professor.

06/11/2026

Greg Gerhardt, professor in the University of Kentucky College of Medicine Department of Neuroscience and the Charles D. Lucas Jr. Professor for Parkinson’s Disease Research, has been named a 2026–27 University Research Professor.

Dr. Gerhardt’s career has focused on translating laboratory discoveries into real-world treatments for Parkinson’s disease. His work spans decades of leadership in clinical trials, partnerships with biotech and pharmaceutical companies, and the development of innovative therapies and devices.

Learn more: https://research.uky.edu/news/greg-gerhardt-2026-27-university-research-professor-qa

06/09/2026

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

06/05/2026

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

06/04/2026

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

06/03/2026

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

06/03/2026

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

06/02/2026

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

06/02/2026

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