News Releases

Rice Public Art transforms temporary classrooms into public art destinations

HOUSTON – (Oct. 6, 2020) – The tent-like structures serving as temporary classroom spaces at Rice University during the pandemic could have been left as they were built: tall, steel-framed, silvery-white facilities tucked behind a row of live oak trees near Hanszen College at the corner of College Way and Alumni Drive.

Deep learning gives drug design a boost

A computational tool created at Rice University may help pharmaceutical companies expand their ability to investigate the safety of drugs.

Gemini South's high-def version of 'A Star is Born'

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope is still more than a year from launching, but the Gemini South telescope in Chile has provided astronomers from Rice University and Dublin City University a glimpse of what the orbiting observatory should deliver.

Musicians may need more than social distancing to stay safe on stage

Keeping musicians safe while they're on stage during the pandemic may require more than just social distancing, according to a study of exhaled aerosols conducted by Rice University engineers and musicians from Rice's Shepherd School of Music and the Houston Symphony.

Rice political scientist available to discuss impact of Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis

HOUSTON – (Oct. 2, 2020) – With the announcement that President Donald Trump has tested positive for COVID-19 and is showing mild symptoms, Rice University political scientist Paul Brace is available to discuss what it means for the election a month away.

The Ion receives $1.5M grant to rev accelerator programs

HOUSTON – (Sept. 30, 2020) – The Ion, the innovation and startup hub being developed in Midtown Houston by Rice University, has received a grant for $1.5 million from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) that will significantly expand its ability to support entrepreneurship and drive economic development across the Houston-Galveston region.

Rice political scientist available to discuss presidential debates

HOUSTON – (Sept. 29, 2020) – As Donald Trump and Joe Biden prepare for tonight's presidential debate, the first of three ahead of the November election, Rice University political scientist Paul Brace is available to discuss what viewers can expect.

Future of American innovation to be assessed in report from Baker Institute, American Academy of Arts and Sciences

HOUSTON – (Sept. 28, 2020) – "The Perils of Complacency: America at a Tipping Point in Science and Engineering," a report by Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, will be released in a virtual presentation Wednesday.

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.