Featured Stories

Rice’s SSPEED Center unveils Galveston Bay Park Plan: A comprehensive solution to hurricane storm surge threats

The Severe Storm Prediction, Education and Evacuation from Disasters Center at Rice, in collaboration with a team of experts, has developed the Galveston Bay Park Plan, an in-bay barrier and park system designed to provide enhanced storm surge protection and navigation and environmental benefits for the highly vulnerable west side of Galveston Bay.

‘Pinballs in a cosmic arcade’: New study suggests how wide-orbit planets form, supporting existence of Planet Nine

In a new study published in Nature Astronomy, researchers from Rice and the Planetary Science Institute used complex simulations to show that wide-orbit planets are not anomalies but rather natural by-products of a chaotic early phase in planetary system development.

Rice method refines ultrapure diamond film fabrication for quantum and electronic applications

Rice researchers have developed a simpler and more effective technique to make ultrapure diamond films for quantum and electronic applications.

From Rice to orbit: Student engineers build safer, low-cost satellite thruster

A team of Rice engineering students has designed and built a safer, low-cost propulsion module for small satellites.

Forging a path to a sustainable carbon economy: Inside the vision of Rice’s Carbon Hub

As the world races to address the climate crisis, a coalition headquartered at Rice is taking a radically collaborative approach to one of the toughest challenges: how to decarbonize industry while at the same time boosting manufacturing, improving infrastructure and securing the supply chains for the energy and materials we rely on every day.

Shining a spotlight on excellence: Association of Rice Alumni honors Laureates Award recipients

A festive crowd of alumni and friends gathered at the Post Oak Hotel in Houston to celebrate Rice’s most dedicated supporters at the Association of Rice Alumni’s annual Laureates Celebration May 8.

Rice to offer Bachelor of Science in artificial intelligence

To prepare the next generation of innovators and thought leaders in AI, Rice will offer a Bachelor of Science in AI beginning in the fall of 2025.

Lydia Kavraki named University Professor, the highest faculty distinction at Rice

In a landmark moment for Rice, renowned computer scientist Lydia E. Kavraki has been named a University Professor, the institution’s highest academic rank. She becomes only the 11th person and the third woman in the university’s 112-year history to earn this prestigious title.

Cushion Queens bring comfort to the commute: Rice students design mechanotherapeutic seat for bus drivers

Public transit operators keep cities moving, helping people get to work, attend medical appointments and access essential services. But while passenger safety is often in the spotlight, the health and well-being of drivers who spend long hours behind the wheel is frequently overlooked.

Kinder Houston Area Survey reveals strong civic pride, appreciation for immigrants and diversity and rising expectations for equity

The 2025 Kinder Houston Area Survey, one of the nation’s longest-running studies of an urban area, was released today at the institute’s annual luncheon.