News Releases

Thomas Killian named dean of Wiess School of Natural Sciences

Rice University has named physicist Thomas Killian dean of the Wiess School of Natural Sciences, effective Jan. 1.

'Strategic indifference' leaves refugees in precarious position, says Baker Institute expert

Current explanations for migrant and refugee policies in the "global south" mistake the absence of formal policy for neglect. But a migration and immigration expert at Rice's Baker Institute for Public Policy proposes to explain this dynamic as "strategic indifference.”

AI helps scientists understand brain activity behind thoughts

Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine and Rice University have developed artificial intelligence models that help them better understand the brain computations that underlie thoughts.

Understanding frustration could lead to better drugs

Atom-scale models of proteins that incorporate ligands, like drug molecules, show a strong correlation between minimally frustrated binding sites and drug specificity. Such models could lead to better-designed drugs with fewer side effects.

Study says when to identify students who take longer to be English proficient

Students who begin elementary school and haven’t become proficient at speaking English after five years in school should be identified as what educators call “long-term English learners” (LTELs), according to a new paper from Rice University researchers.

Study: Early, late stages of degenerative diseases are distinct

Rice University biochemists have proposed that degenerative diseases as varied as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and muscle atrophy occur in two distinct phases marked by protein signaling changes that could result in patients responding differently to the same treatment.

What comes next? Rice political scientists talk 2020 election and look to the future

The 2020 election is behind us, but a group of Rice political scientists discussed the results, President Donald Trump’s reaction and the incoming Joe Biden administration’s likely domestic and foreign policy in a Nov. 18 webinar.

Rice Space Institute, Canada agree to collaborate

Rice Space Institute and the Consulate General of Canada in Dallas agree to collaborate on science and technology related to the space industry.

2020 presidential election in focus at Rice's Baker Institute

HOUSTON – (Nov. 19, 2020) – Leading academics, political experts and journalists from around the country will headline the third annual — and first virtual — Presidential Elections Program conference hosted by Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.

Rice U. convenes expert group to help guide Greater Houston's long-term pandemic response

HOUSTON – (Nov. 19, 2020) – As governments and municipalities in Greater Houston prepare their long-term public health responses to the COVID-19 crisis, Rice University has convened a panel of internationally renowned biomedical experts to provide guidance to health departments, social service agencies, school districts and other policymakers.

Police oversight groups need more resources, better training, fewer legislative hurdles

HOUSTON – (Nov. 19, 2020) – With police departments around the country under heightened scrutiny, a new report from Rice University's Kinder Institute for Urban Research finds that civilian police oversight groups need more resources, fewer legislative hurdles, and proper experience and training.

Christmas week: Worlds will align for spectacular heavenly sight

Early in the evening of Dec. 21, people the world over will get a chance to see Jupiter and Saturn line up closer together in Earth's night sky than they have been since just before daybreak on the morning of March 4, 1226.

Rice’s graduate entrepreneurship program again ranked No. 1 in US

Rice and its Jones Graduate School of Business have the No. 1 graduate entrepreneurship program in the U.S., according to the 2021 rankings announced Nov. 17 by the Princeton Review and Entrepreneur magazine. This marks the second consecutive year the Rice program has topped this category, its fifth time in a top 3 position nationally and the 12th year in a row ranked in the top 10.

First-ever virtual Fall Chamber Music Festival to be held Dec. 3-9

The festival will include a tribute to Beethoven's 250th birthday and contemporary pieces such as Lutosławski's "String Quartet."

Houston companies awarded top honors at premier life science venture capital conference

HOUSTON – (Nov. 16, 2020) – Life science investors, leaders and innovators from around the world gathered virtually to discuss the pandemic, medical technology and the future of the industry at the Texas Life Science Forum, where Houston companies claimed top honors.