Research Websites
KU Information Technology provides website services for researchers, research groups, centers, projects and grant-funded initiatives.
KU's content management system (CMS) is the standard platform for public-facing research websites. The CMS provides a university-supported environment designed to meet KU branding, accessibility, security and web standards.
Content Management System (CMS)
KU's CMS is built on Drupal, an open-source web development platform that allows site administrators to create and maintain websites without extensive web development experience.
KU's current CMS, Sunflower, provides page templates and tools designed to help research groups create professional, accessible and mobile-friendly websites that are consistent with KU design standards and branding.
The CMS is appropriate for most research websites, including:
- Research groups and centers
- Grant-funded projects
- Collaborative research initiatives
- Labs and research programs
- Public-facing project and research information
There is no cost to use the CMS.
Specialized Web Hosting
Some research projects may have technical requirements that cannot reasonably be accommodated by the CMS.
Non-CMS web hosting is available only by special request and is reviewed individually. Examples may include projects requiring custom applications, specialized server-side functionality or other technical capabilities not supported by the CMS.
Contact KU IT before requesting non-CMS web hosting so we can review your requirements and determine the most appropriate solution.
Non-CMS web hosting should not be selected solely to provide a different visual design or to use a different website platform.
Web development and technical assistance associated with non-CMS web hosting are billed at $77 per hour.
Collaborative Research Websites
The CMS can support many research initiatives involving collaboration with external organizations and partners.
If your project has requirements involving external contributors, custom applications or other specialized functionality, contact KU IT to discuss available options.