‘Smaller and better’: Rice research uncovers performance sweet spot for relaxor nanomaterial
A new study led by Rice materials scientist Lane Martin sheds light on how the extreme miniaturization of thin films affects the behavior of relaxor ferroelectrics — materials with noteworthy energy-conversion properties used in sensors, actuators and nanoelectronics.
Rice scientists and collaborators at Baylor College of Medicine have demonstrated a new method for detecting the presence of dangerous chemicals from tobacco smoke in human placentas with unprecedented speed and precision.
Halas awarded Benjamin Franklin Medal in Chemistry
Rice’s Naomi Halas is the recipient of the 2025 Benjamin Franklin Medal in chemistry, awarded “for the creation and development of nanoshells — metal-coated nanoscale particles that can capture light energy — for use in many biomedical and chemical applications.”
Rice computer science professor receives Secretary of Energy Achievement Award
Rice’s John Mellor-Crummey was honored in January with a Secretary of Energy Achievement Award as a member of the leadership team of the Department of Energy’s seven-year, $1.8 billion Exascale Computing Project.
Rice computer scientists develop solutions for making AI models more efficient and customizable
A team of researchers at Rice is working on solutions to make AI models less expensive and more accessible, customizable and environmentally friendly.
Rise of DeepSeek: Experts weigh in on the disruptive impact of new Chinese open-source AI model
Rice AI experts are available to discuss DeepSeek and weigh in on what it means for the future of AI.
Rice researchers lead project using quantum phenomenon to transform super-resolution imaging
A multidisciplinary team of researchers from Rice and Texas A&M has received a $1.2 million award from the W.M. Keck Foundation to advance super-resolution imaging and single-molecule tracking by harnessing super-radiance, a quantum optical phenomenon with transformative potential for research and innovation in medicine, engineering and the physical sciences.
Rice labs tapped for brain research by UK funding agency with multimillion-dollar awards
Four Rice research groups are part of an inaugural cohort of 18 projects funded by the U.K.’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency to unlock cutting-edge brain-interfacing technologies.
In Houston’s Texas Medical Center Helix Park, RBL LLC is transforming the path from scientific discovery to lifesaving therapies. This new biotech venture creation studio is designed to rapidly build companies around cutting-edge innovations from Rice University’s Biotech Launch Pad, aiming to bring advanced treatments to patients faster and more efficiently.
Emerging focus on brain health among several Rice researchers’ expertise
Rice is a hub of cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research on the brain. In addition to a critical mass of researchers in the field, Rice is home to entities dedicated to collaborative clinical and scientific research on the brain.
Rice researchers unlock new insights into tellurene, laying the foundation for next-gen electronics
Rice researchers have published a study describing how quasiparticles called polarons behave in tellurene, a nanomaterial first synthesized in 2017 that is made up of tiny chains of tellurium atoms and has properties useful in sensing, electronic, optical and energy devices.
Major breakthrough for ‘smart cell’ design
Rice bioengineers have developed a new construction kit for building custom sense-and-respond circuits in human cells. The research is a major breakthrough that could revolutionize therapies for complex conditions like autoimmune disease and cancer.
Rice and Houston Methodist award seed grants for digital health research
The grants aim to accelerate the translation of technologies into clinical applications.
New Rice-TMC research projects drive advances in health and medicine
Seven research partnerships involving Rice, the Baker Institute for Public Policy and various institutions within the Texas Medical Center (TMC) received seed grants in 2024 through the Provost’s TMC Collaborator Fund. These grants were facilitated by Rice’s office for Educational and Research Initiatives for Collaborative Health (ENRICH).
Rice hosts assistant secretary of defense for science and technology
The United States Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology Honorable Aprille Ericsson visited Rice to explore areas of alignment between Rice’s research strengths and Department of Defense technological needs and priorities.
