News Releases

Abbott's refugee refusal sets 'dangerous precedent,' says Baker Institute expert

HOUSTON – (Jan. 13, 2020) – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has become the first U.S. governor to announce his state will refuse to admit federal resettled refugees in 2020, citing the "broken" U.S. immigration system he said has put unfair pressure on border states.

Federal food program needs more 'clearly defined objectives,' Baker Institute expert says

HOUSTON – (Jan. 13, 2020) – Public health and anti-hunger advocates want an effective food assistance program for low-income Americans, but they disagree on several fundamental issues involved in tackling the problem, according to a new issue brief from the Center for Public Finance at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy.

Media advisory: Rice U. Visiting Artist Lecture Series to feature cutting-edge conversations with black artists

HOUSTON – (Jan. 13, 2020) – Black culture, representation and history will be among the broader topics addressed by three well-known contemporary artists during talks this semester co-sponsored by Rice’s Visual and Dramatic Arts Department (VADA) and the Center for African and African American Studies (CAAAS).

Gasification goes green

Rice University engineers have created a light-powered nanoparticle that could shrink the carbon footprint of syngas producers.

Rice, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur sign memorandum

Former Russian foreign minister Kozyrev to speak at Rice's Baker Institute

HOUSTON – (Jan. 7, 2020) – Andrei Kozyrev, who served as foreign minister of Russia from 1991 to 1996, will discuss his book, "The Firebird: The Elusive Fate of Russian Democracy," and current developments in Russia at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy Jan. 14.

Treat nonviolent drug offenses as public health issue, Baker Institute paper recommends

Drug use among people arrested for nonviolent drug offenses should be treated primarily as a public health issue, according to drug policy experts at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition.

US confrontation with Iran: Energy experts from Baker Institute available for interviews

HOUSTON -- (Jan. 3, 2020) -- As tensions between the United States and Iran reach perilous levels, three experts in the Center for Energy Studies at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy are available to speak with media about the implications for the markets and geopolitics.

Trump 'playing a high-stakes game with Iran,' says Baker Institute expert

HOUSTON – (Jan. 2, 2020) – The United States could take preemptive military action if it gets sufficient warning that Iran or its proxy forces are planning further strikes on American interests in the Middle East, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said today. Joe Barnes, a foreign policy expert and the Bonner Means Baker Fellow at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, is available to discuss this development and the state of U.S.-Iranian relations with the media.

Snake-like proteins can wrangle DNA

Theoretical simulations at Rice University suggest structural maintenance of chromosome proteins coil not only around each other but also around the strands of DNA they help manipulate. These strands are formed into loops that regulate transcription and other cellular processes.

Rice University launches bold climate change initiative with Shell

With initial support from Shell, Rice University has launched Carbon Hub, a climate change research initiative to fundamentally change how the world uses hydrocarbons. Carbon Hub's goal is a zero-emissions future in which hydrocarbons are not burned. Instead, they are split to make clean hydrogen energy and valuable carbon materials.

Physicists find first possible 3D quantum spin liquid

Rice physicists show cerium zirconium pyrochlore qualifies as the first possible 3D quantum spin liquid.

Organ bioprinting gets a breath of fresh air

Bioengineers have cleared a major hurdle on the path to 3D printing replacement organs with a breakthrough technique for bioprinting tissues.

Rice University announces new program to dramatically expand scholarships for middle class

Rice University has unveiled a new initiative to make higher education more affordable by dramatically expanding financial aid provided to students from low-income families to those with incomes up to $200,000.

Most British scientists cited in study feel Richard Dawkins’ work misrepresents science

Controversial British evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins is well-known for his criticism of religion, but a new Rice University study of British scientists reveals that a majority who mentioned Dawkins’ work during research interviews reject his approach to public engagement