News Releases

Grant will help Rice researchers improve mobility for the visually impaired

The number of blind or visually impaired people in the U.S. is expected to double in the next 30 years as the country's population ages.

Virtual Energy Summit to explore industry’s resilience

HOUSTON – (Sept. 28, 2020) – The fourth annual -- and first virtual -- Energy Summit hosted by the Center for Energy Studies at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy and Baker Botts LLP will feature an examination of the industry by more than 20 of its leading experts.

Rice U. Theatre Program livestreaming one-night-only production of 'The Importance of Being Earnest'

Actors will wear masks for Oct. 9 play broadcast from Hamman Hall.

Rice political scientist available to discuss Trump's nominee to Supreme Court

HOUSTON – (Sept. 25, 2020) – As President Donald Trump prepares to name his nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court seat left vacant with the passing of Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Rice University political scientist Paul Brace is available to discuss likely nominees as well as the implications for the 2020 general election, just over a month away.

State's top policy researchers to collaborate on Texas Blueprint for Urban Policy

A coalition of the state’s top public policy research institutions will work together to create the Texas Blueprint for Urban Policy, an outline for the future focused on a comprehensive suite of new plans for economic development, housing, land use and transportation.

How employers can soften the blow of furloughs and layoffs

HOUSTON – (Sept. 21, 2020) – Furloughs and layoffs are traumatic — especially during a pandemic —but new research from Rice University offers ways employers can ease the emotional impact when they deliver the bad news to their workers. 

Study: Students’ home environments hurting education opportunities in Harris County

A new report from Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy shows that students in Harris County face major challenges to their overall well-being and academic success.

Shape matters for light-activated nanocatalysts

Points matter when designing nanoparticles that drive important chemical reactions using the power of light, according research from Rice University's Laboratory for Nanophotonics.

Christians want more support from churches on faith/work issues, study shows

Christians want more support from their places of worship when it comes to navigating ethical matters and other issues in the workplace, according to a new study from researchers with Rice University's Religion and Public Life Program (RPLP). I

New Clean Energy Accelerator launches at Rice

HOUSTON – (Sept. 17, 2020) – Rice Alliance, the globally recognized initiative within the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University, will expand its programs to help startup enterprises with the launch of the Clean Energy Accelerator.

Fast calculation dials in better batteries

A simpler and more efficient way to predict performance will lead to better batteries, according to Rice University engineers.

Rice backs studies of race, anti-racism

The Race and Anti-Racism Research Fund at Rice University has awarded grants to eight professors to develop better understanding of how race, racism and racial injustice affect society.

Taxing online sports betting, fantasy sports may help states cover pandemic losses

HOUSTON – (Sept. 16, 2020) – Taxing online fantasy sports and sports betting may help states recoup some of the sales tax revenue lost during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a finance expert at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.

Harris County spends more than $200M per year addressing eviction crisis, estimate shows

The United States is facing an eviction emergency driven by the economic impacts of COVID-19.

Gentle probes could enable massive brain data collection

The National Institutes of Health is backing a Rice project to continue the development of flexible nanoelectronic thread to gather information from neurons. The implants could help find therapies for neurological disorders.