It’s been a whirlwind of activity at the Rice Global Paris Center this summer. The halls of Rice University’s first international campus have been buzzing with student learning, faculty exchange and groundbreaking research collaborations. From a diverse range of student courses to thought-provoking conferences and the announcement of Rice’s major partnership with Université Paris Sciences & Lettres (PSL), the Paris Center is solidifying its position as a vibrant hub for international education and research.
Nestled in the historic Marais district of Paris, the center embodies Rice’s commitment to fostering a “closer dialogue with the world,” as stated by Rice Global Vice President Caroline Levander. Since opening in 2022, it has offered a unique platform for faculty and students to engage with European counterparts, furthering research frontiers and enriching educational perspectives.
“Having an international campus is key for all of our goals and missions over the next 10, 15, 100 years, and that’s because we live in an era that’s global,” Levander said.
The meticulously chosen location itself speaks volumes about Rice’s approach. Situated in the heart of Paris, the center finds its home in a building dating back to 1540, which has transitioned from a residence for affluent families during the reign of King Francis I to a public property during the French Revolution. Most recently, it housed the prestigious University of Southern California’s Shoah Foundation.
“We build upon that long history of many uses, many purposes and many important institutions for Paris, for France, for Europe and really for the world,” Levander said. “We’re very happy to be here.”
The Paris Center is much more than just a physical location. It acts as a central hub for Rice’s European endeavors. The center facilitates partnerships with esteemed institutions within PSL including:
This collaborative network allows Rice to leverage a wider range of resources and expertise, fostering innovation and interdisciplinary research.
The center is equipped to support programs of all sizes, catering to short-term student visits, independent research projects and international conferences. Classrooms and meeting spaces are designed to accommodate 21st-century learning needs, promoting a dynamic and interactive environment that stretches beyond the world of academia.
“We really want and need to be a partner with Houston and to use this resource for the greater good of our city,” Levander said, explaining that the Paris Center is also available for Houston’s business community to foster its own partnerships. “When I talk to European colleagues and counterparts about Houston, they are excited about the energy industry. They’re excited about the space industry. They’re amazed at our medical research and innovation capacity. Houston is a kind of laboratory for cities of the future.”
Acknowledging the importance of international exposure in an increasingly interconnected world, Levander added that the Paris Center provides a platform for undergraduate and graduate students to gain invaluable firsthand experiences in Europe. These immersive programs broaden student perspectives, equip them with intercultural competencies and prepare them to become future leaders on the global stage.
Faculty across Rice’s various schools and departments have expressed strong interest in contributing to the Paris Center’s mission. This enthusiasm reflects the university’s commitment to fostering a truly globalized learning environment, where groundbreaking research and exceptional teaching transcend geographical boundaries.
“We have fantastic faculty at Rice who are leading world-changing decisions and problem-solving,” Levander said. “That group needs to be engaged in a very dynamic and ongoing way with the top researchers around the world. There’s a very high density in Europe. It’s a lot about just creating an environment where Rice can host and engage those kinds of conversations.”
Learn more about the Rice Global Paris Center here.