The Center for Hazardous Substance Research (CHSR) was established in 1989 and is part of the College of Engineering at Kansas State University (link is external). The purpose of the center is to conduct research, education, and service pertaining to environmental topics, where a reputable, neutral organization is needed to develop technically sound, consensus-based solutions for diverse groups of stakeholders.

Topics of research and other activities include sustainability; environmental assessments and remediation; technical assistance to communities, defense agencies and other organizations; and international programs. Environmental assessment work involves proposed nonlethal defense technologies, and software tools for environmental decision making. Remediation research has focused on contaminated soil and water from agriculture, forestry, mining, and mineral processing, and other industrial activities. Service activities include providing free technical assistance to citizens and other stakeholders who are providing input on cleanup and re-use of EPA Superfund, Brownfield, tribal and other types of sites.