‘Father of the internet’ to discuss ‘The Future of the Internet’ at Rice’s Baker Institute Sept. 13

MEDIA ADVISORY

David Ruth
david@rice.edu
713-348-6327

Jeff Falk
jfalk@rice.edu
713-348-6775

‘Father of the internet’ to discuss ‘The Future of the Internet’ at Rice’s Baker Institute Sept. 13

HOUSTON – (Aug. 27, 2018) – Vint Cerf, vice president and chief internet evangelist at Google, will speak at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy Sept. 13 about  current and future challenges of maintaining a free and open internet. Cerf will offer his perspective as one of the “fathers of the internet” and a lifelong advocate for net neutrality.

The presentation, part of the institute’s Civic Scientist Lecture Series, is sponsored by the Baker Institute Science and Technology Policy Program in conjunction with Rice’s George R. Brown School of Engineering and Wiess School of Natural Sciences. It is free and open to the public; visit www.bakerinstitute.org/events/1947 to register.

This event is part of the Baker Institute’s 25th anniversary commemorative programs featuring its centers and research.

Who: Vint Cerf, vice president and chief internet evangelist at Google.

What: An event titled “The Future of the Internet: A Conversation with Google’s Vint Cerf.”

When: Thursday, Sept. 13, 6:30-8 p.m. A reception will be held at 6.

Where: Rice University, James A. Baker III Hall, Doré Commons, 6100 Main St.

The internet has become an indispensable part of daily life and an essential component of the 21st-century global economy, according to event organizers. However, this new era of speed, connectivity and innovation has led to unforeseen risks, impacting users’ personal information, private sector competitiveness and national security, organizers said. Developing flexible policies to safeguard private data and ensure fairness among internet providers and web-based services will be an ongoing challenge as internet usage continues to grow, they said.

A live webcast will be available at the event page, www.bakerinstitute.org/events/1947.

Members of the news media who want to attend should RSVP to Jeff Falk, associate director of national media relations at Rice, at jfalk@rice.edu or 713-348-6775.

For a map of Rice University’s campus with parking information, go to www.rice.edu/maps. Media should park in the Central Campus Garage (underground).

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Founded in 1993, Rice University’s Baker Institute ranks among the top three university-affiliated think tanks in the world. As a premier nonpartisan think tank, the institute conducts research on domestic and foreign policy issues with the goal of bridging the gap between the theory and practice of public policy. The institute’s strong track record of achievement reflects the work of its endowed fellows, Rice University faculty scholars and staff, coupled with its outreach to the Rice student body through fellow-taught classes — including a public policy course — and student leadership and internship programs. Learn more about the institute at www.bakerinstitute.org or on the institute’s blog, http://blogs.chron.com/bakerblog.