Topeka ? Kansas University will host a series of luncheons this month for legislators to provide information about research at the university.

The “Science Serving Kansas” series will focus on research initiatives at KU that affect the health and economy of the state.

Kevin Boatright, director of communications in the office of research and graduate studies, said the meetings are designed to give legislators a chance to meet with researchers in a casual atmosphere and learn about work at KU.

This is the second consecutive year that KU will hold these lunches. Last year, about 50 legislators and staff members showed up for each of the meetings, Boatright said. Here’s this year’s schedule:

• Jeff Aube, a professor of medicinal chemistry, on Monday talks about “New Tools for Fighting Rare and Neglected Diseases.”

• Feb. 14, Peter Smith, professor of molecular and integrative physiology, will talk about “Rewiring the Nervous System — For Better or For Worse.”

• Feb. 21, Shrikant Anant, Kansas Mason professor of cancer research, will lecture on colon cancer research and prevention.

• Feb. 28, Judy Wu, distinguished professor of physics and astronomy, will give a talk on “Nanotechnology for Renewable Energy.”

All the presentations are from noon to 1 p.m. in room 783 of the Docking State Office Building in Topeka.