KU research program awarded $9 million

A Kansas University program that promotes research throughout the state will receive $9 million in funding from the National Science Foundation, the university said Friday.

The Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research is run by the National Science Foundation. The award going to Kansas’ EPSCoR program represents the largest single award the program has ever received.

Only two other state programs received funding this year, the university said.

The long-term vision of the Kansas research program is to build a new life sciences infrastructure, including the purchase of high-tech instrumentation and laboratory equipment.

The funding also will be used to assist faculty at KU, Kansas State University and Wichita State University with research as well as provide graduate research opportunities to women and other underrepresented groups, the university said.

Education: Feds approve state’s No Child Left Behind plan

The U.S. Department of Education on Friday approved Kansas’ plan for compliance with a federal law designed to raise student educational achievement.

Kansas joined seven other states in receiving approval of written plans that outline how public schools will be held accountable for the No Child Left Behind law.

Brian Jones, general counsel of the U.S. Department of Education, announced approval of Kansas’ plan during a visit to a Wichita elementary school.

He praised work of staff in the Kansas Department of Education and of Andy Tompkins, state commissioner of education.

“They have effectively demonstrated how states can use No Child Left Behind to benefit rural areas,” Jones said.

A draft of the state’s plan is available on the state Department of Education’s Web site at www.ksde.org.

Gasoline: Pump Patrol tracks down lowest prices in Lawrence

The Journal-World has found a Lawrence-area gasoline price as low as $1.46 at several gasoline stations. If you find a lower price, call us at 832-7154. Leave the business address and price. Or go to www.ljworld.com/section/gasoline to join our message board.