The University of Kansas is looking at ways to involve more of its academic departments in research on water-related issues.

A five-hour workshop scheduled Friday on the Lawrence campus will bring together more than 100 faculty and staff from more than 30 research centers and departments, including social sciences, arts and the humanities.

Participants will hear from speakers, then break into groups to define high-priority water topics and identify researchers willing to work together.

Organizers say the workshop is an opportunity to bring faculty from various disciplines together to think about water research in new ways.

The workshop is an extension of the university’s strategic plan, which includes encouraging research that has a direct public impact and involves local, state, national and global partnerships.