Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, ranked the world’s No. 1 university-based policy research institution, today announced its spring slate of public events, featuring conversations with leading world leaders, policymakers and thought leaders on the most timely domestic and global issues of the day.
“This spring, the Baker Institute will once again serve as a forum for nonpartisan, evidence-based dialogue on the most pressing challenges of our time,” said David M. Satterfield, director of the Baker Institute and former U.S. ambassador to Lebanon and Turkey. “From timely conversations to deep discussions on foreign policy, we are proud to offer a full slate of timely conversations that are free, open to the public and accessible online to audiences everywhere.”
In 2025, the Baker Institute hosted more than 85 public events and welcomed over 5,000 people through its doors and more than 17,000 virtually. Over the years, the institute has welcomed world leaders, policymakers and renowned experts to its stage as part of its mission to foster meaningful dialogue and make critical discourse accessible to the public.
The Baker Institute’s 2026 spring slate will highlight major conversations on U.S. politics, global affairs, science and the future of cities. Program highlights include:
- Feb. 5: Press Freedom in Mexico: A Conversation with Sergio Sarmiento
- Feb. 10: Measuring an Economy in Transition with William Beach
- Feb. 18: Saudi Arabia Under MBS: A Conversation with Karen Elliott House
- Feb. 19: Civic Scientist Lecture Series: Becoming Martian with Scott Solomon
- Feb. 24: Baker Briefing Live: Population Decline and the New Economics of Cities
- March 2: A Look Ahead at U.S. Politics in 2026 with Karl Rove
- March 4: Public Film Screening: Inshallah a Boy
- March 17: A Conversation with John G. Roberts, Jr., Chief Justice of the United States
- April 15: Baker Roundtable Annual Spring Dinner
New events are added throughout the semester, and the public is encouraged to join the Baker Institute mailing list to receive event announcements directly in their inbox to stay informed about new and upcoming programs.
The Baker Institute also offers individual and corporate membership opportunities through the Baker Roundtable. Members receive first access to high-demand tickets and invitations to exclusive member-only events throughout the year.
For a full schedule of spring 2026 events, visit the Baker Institute events calendar at bakerinstitute.org/events.