Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy announces fall public programming
Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, ranked the world’s No. 1 university-based think tank, today announced its fall 2025 lineup of public events.
US Rep. Babin to speak on future of American science at Rice’s Baker Institute
U.S. Rep. Brian Babin (R-Woodville) will explore critical topics in U.S. science and innovation policy to ensure America remains the global leader in emerging technologies and scientific advancement at an Aug. 27 event hosted by Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.
OwlSpark showcases ventures tackling health care, fitness, job search and more
Startup founders from Rice and the University of Houston came together for the 12th annual Bayou Startup Showcase July 31 at the Ion, Houston’s innovation hub powered by Rice. For more than a decade, this joint demo day for Rice and UH entrepreneurs has celebrated Houston innovation.
A new report from Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy compares the cost of receiving care at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center, Houston Methodist Hospital and Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center using insurers’ price transparency files. The data suggests that employers can use the new information to achieve significant savings by choosing insurers that have negotiated lower prices with the major hospitals and by encouraging workers to choose lower priced hospitals within their insurance plan.
Rice Business student opens smoothie, acai shop in downtown Houston
A new concept shop in downtown Houston features healthy smoothies, acai bowls, parfaits and more — and it’s owned and operated by a Rice sophomore.
AI tools aren’t a creativity machine on their own, Rice expert says
Can generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools that create text, images and other content truly enhance employee creativity? A new paper published in the Journal of Applied Psychology and co-authored by Jing Zhou, Rice’s Mary Gibbs Jones Professor of Management, finds that generative AI doesn’t enhance creativity equally for everyone. Instead, its impact depends on how well people manage their own thinking while using it.
HISD student data shows decline in alcohol use, increase in illicit drugs
Recent data shows that substance use of alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana, is declining among students in the Houston Independent School District (HISD) – yet there's still concern around the use of other or illicit drugs, according to a new paper from Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.
Rice experts available to discuss new round of tariffs
Experts from Rice are available to provide insights on the new round of tariffs from the Trump administration.
Former White House science advisor argues federal science investment won US economic prosperity
Neal Lane, senior fellow in science and technology policy at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, is available to speak on the importance of science and technology policy and research to the economic and security aspirations of the United States.
Pattern Materials makes its mark in Houston
A Rice graduate student has launched a company aiming to make graphene production faster, cheaper and more scalable. Alex Lathem founded Pattern Materials in January to commercialize his proprietary laser-induced graphene and flash graphene technologies, which create graphene and carbon nanotube-like patterns in a single, rapid step. He believes these materials, known for their exceptional electrical conductivity, flexibility and strength, could significantly enhance the performance of sensors and other electronic devices.
Rice finance expert shows how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act could lead to increased national debt
The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” could modestly boost GDP and investment over time, but it would seriously increase the national debt, pushing the debt-to-GDP ratio from 98% to 122%, according to a new report from Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.
Rice experts available to speak on ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’
The Senate narrowly approved President Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” on Tuesday, following a more than 24-hour series of amendment votes. The legislation includes spending on border security, defense and energy production while extending trillions in tax cuts, partially offset by reductions to healthcare and nutrition programs.
Rice University’s OpenStax partners with Microsoft for AI-enhanced learning
OpenStax, a provider of affordable instructional technologies and the world’s largest publisher of open educational resources, has partnered with Microsoft to integrate its trusted content into Microsoft’s latest learning innovation, Microsoft Learning Zone. Available on Microsoft Copilot+ PCs, Microsoft Learning Zone aims to provide educators and students with responsible AI technology and peer-reviewed educational content to support learning.
Rice scholars share expertise on Middle East topics as Israel-Iran conflict unfolds
Rice thought leaders are available to speak on the geopolitical implications of the Israel-Iran conflict, U.S. foreign policy strategy, oil market volatility and the ideological and historical forces shaping unrest.
Lilie Summer Venture Studio accelerator returns with 8 new student ventures
The Liu Idea Lab for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Lilie) at Rice has unveiled the eight high-potential ventures selected for the third annual Lilie Summer Venture Studio accelerator program. Summer Venture Studio is Rice’s accelerator for high growth, high ambition founders, offering a deep dive into venture building and equipping student-led teams with the funding, mentorship and resources needed to bring their bold ideas to life.