Energy transition is also a tech transition, Rice experts stress
Rice research was well represented at CERAWeek, the annual energy conference in Houston. It provides a global and high-level framework for understanding what’s ahead for energy markets and forums to exchange insights and solutions among academic and industry peers.
Energy Venture Day at CERAWeek selects 9 ‘most promising’ startups
Nine companies were named most promising at the annual Rice Alliance Energy Venture Day and Pitch Competition at CERAWeek March 12, co-hosted with the Houston Energy Transition Initiative and TEX-E. The event showcases energy ventures driving efficiency and advancements toward the energy transition through fields such as carbon management, advanced manufacturing, hydrogen, grid technology and more. This year’s competition was a qualifying event for the Startup World Cup, powered by Pegasus Ventures. The top-scoring venture is invited to compete in the grand finale and a $1 million investment prize.
Rice experts at CERAWeek showcase their research
CERAWeek, an annual energy conference, kicked off March 10, and Rice experts are presenting their work on the energy transition.
Former presidential advisers discuss their role shaping science policy
Three former presidential science advisers spoke with the director of Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy March 5 to discuss the critical role of science and technology in a complex world. The conversation explored the panelists’ experiences leading the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the office’s critical role in shaping national policies to advance science, technology, innovation and higher education.
Federal research funding feeds technological advancement, US official says at Baker Institute event
Dario Gil, senior vice president and director of research at IBM and recently nominated undersecretary for science and innovation at the U.S. Department of Energy, spoke at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy March 4 about the importance of research and development (R&D) funding and the future of U.S. science and technology (S&T).
Racial earning gap in gig work eliminated through new rating system
A new study published in Nature uncovers a hidden problem — racial bias in customer evaluations — which led to a 9% income gap between white and non-white gig workers in a home services platform. The study also proposes an unexpected but simple solution: changing how customers rate workers from a five-star to a thumbs-up/thumbs-down system.
Veterans Business Battle returns to Rice March 13-14
Rice Business is hosting its 11th annual Veterans Business Battle — a forum for veterans to connect with investors, advisers and resources. Each year, the event gives military veterans an opportunity to pitch business ideas for a chance to raise capital.
‘Believe in yourself’: Women in Leadership Conference brings together business leaders, mentors
Rice Business hosted the 25th annual Women in Leadership Conference, a beacon of inspiration in the Houston community empowering women to accomplish their career and personal goals.
Protecting science, technology policy can unleash American potential, report says
The Science and Technology Action Committee (STAC), a blue ribbon panel of leaders in science policy, launched “Vision for American Science and Technology (VAST),” a brief, nonpartisan document that offers a vision of a future in which American science and technology can continue to serve the country. Neal Lane, senior fellow in science and technology policy at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, is one of 25 members serving on the STAC panel.
Rice energy expertise to be featured at CERAWeek
A number of experts from Rice will appear at CERAWeek to present their research and industry expertise March 10-14. Faculty and university leaders will contribute to key discussions at the week’s Executive Conference, Innovation Agora and Partner Programs, addressing the most pressing challenges in the energy sector such as decarbonization, artificial intelligence and scaling.
Drug policy expert available to explain current Texas Senate bills, future of cannabis regulation
The Texas Senate State Affairs Committee is currently hearing two cannabis bills. Katharine Neill Harris, the Alfred C. Glassell III Fellow in Drug Policy at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, is available to explain the bills and the future of cannabis regulation.
Rice Business’ new building project celebrates milestone with beam-signing ceremony
Leaders from Rice Business and the university gathered in the construction area of the business school’s new facility Feb. 28 to celebrate the “topping out” of the building. President Reginald DesRoches, Dean Peter Rodriguez, the advisory board of Rice Business, donors and more signed the beam that will reside in the structure’s highest point to commemorate the moment.
Research universities enable innovation by doing much of the behind-the-scenes work
Two university presidents hosted a conversation at the Ion Feb. 24 to discuss how American research universities serve the public. Rice University President Reginald DesRoches and Michael Crow, president of Arizona State University (ASU), shared how research universities are engines of innovation, economic growth and social mobility while educating millions and driving scientific and technological discovery to help sustain U.S. global competitiveness.
Science, technology and presidential policymaking to be highlighted by Rice’s Baker Institute
Three former presidential science advisers will speak on how science and technology play a critical role in addressing complex challenges such as climate change, public health, national security and economic competitiveness at a March 8 event hosted by Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. The discussion — free and open to the public — will be complemented by an exhibit inside Baker Hall that displays the history of science advisers and the role of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) in presidential policymaking.
Rice Business to host ceremony marking milestone in new building construction
Rice Business will celebrate the completion of the highest point of its new building with a "topping out" ceremony Feb. 28. This milestone marks the structural peak of the project, and the event will bring together university and school leaders to sign the building's final beam before it is lifted into place atop the structure.
