Kansas University needs to focus on its graduate education in order to advance its research enterprise, KU administrators said Thursday.

“I don’t think there is a single need that is greater than investment in graduate education,” KU Provost Richard Lariviere said.

Lariviere briefly addressed the gathering of about 50 faculty and administrators at the second annual KU Research Convocation, a program to highlight KU research and focus on KU’s future.

Lariviere said top graduate students ask the stimulating questions that help lead to discoveries and attract top researchers. He said KU could improve its graduate-level programs by increasing funds for fellowships and research assistantships.

“We really need to be covering the tuition for graduate research assistants like we do for graduate teaching assistants,” said Jim Roberts, KU vice provost for research.

Roberts also laid out other key goals, including increasing funds from industry and private donors, having more distinguished professorships and completing the west campus complex.

The program also highlighted the research of Joseph Steinmetz, professor of psychology and molecular bioscience and dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Susan Harris, the Joyce and Elizabeth Hall distinguished professor of American literature and culture.

David VanderVelde, KU senior scientist and director of the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Laboratory, was the inaugural recipient of the KU Research Achievement Award, which includes $10,000 for research.