Rice accelerates AI innovation to transform teaching, learning and research
With the 2025–26 academic year underway, Rice is taking bold steps to harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in teaching, research and operations. Guided by Momentous, the university’s 10-year strategic plan, Rice is positioning itself as a global leader in the responsible development and application of AI, computing and other disruptive technologies.
Rice alum honored with international award for groundbreaking archaeology research
Rice alumnus Abidemi Babatunde Babalola ’11 ’15 has been named a recipient of the 2025 Dan David Prize, one of the world’s largest history awards.
Rice scientists pioneer transfer-free method to grow ultrathin semiconductors on electronics
A team of materials scientists at Rice has developed a new way to grow ultrathin semiconductors directly onto electronic components.
Rice Global India opens new Bengaluru hub
The new space's central location offers quick access to universities, business districts, government offices and the city’s thriving technology sector, home to startups, multinational firms and R&D centers.
Twin founders: How 2 sisters are building health innovations at Rice
Rice's OwlSpark accelerator's newest cohort included twin founders with projects aiming to solve overlooked problems in patient care.
Faculty, staff now have access to AI tools Google Gemini and NotebookLM
Responsible AI is foundational to achieving the strategic goals and vision set forth in Momentous, Rice’s 10-year strategic plan. To further empower the campus to maximize the use of AI for premier teaching, research and operations, the university has expanded access to a broader set of tools.
Rethinking how robots move: Light and AI drive precise motion in soft robotic arm developed at Rice
Researchers at Rice have developed a soft robotic arm capable of performing complex tasks such as navigating around an obstacle or hitting a ball, guided and powered remotely by laser beams without any onboard electronics or wiring.
Rice engineers tackle sunlight intermittency in solar desalination
A team of Rice engineers has developed a system that could transform desalination practices, making the process more adaptable, resilient and cheaper. The new system is powered by sunlight and uses a creative approach to heat recovery for extended water production ⎯ with and without sunshine.
‘Creating new knowledge:’ Rice congratulates more than 250 doctoral graduates
Rice conferred more than 250 doctoral degrees during its 112th commencement May 10 at Tudor Fieldhouse. Doctoral candidates along with friends, family and loved ones gathered for the ceremony, which included the awarding of doctoral regalia, congratulatory remarks, cheers and a few moments to reflect on this milestone.
Rice deepens global roots with new educational and research collaborations in India
As India’s influence grows in fields such as climate change, biotechnology and artificial intelligence, Rice is positioning itself to be a key collaborator.
Graduate Student Spotlight: Thiago Pinheiro dos Santos ’25
For Thiago Pinheiro dos Santos, a doctoral candidate in chemical and biomolecular engineering from Brazil, research is a way to drive positive, meaningful impact across a wide range of real-world domains from energy innovation to medicine.
A new study from Rice takes a look at one of the most polarizing sports controversies in recent memory.
Rice announces new initiatives to expand impact of Rice Global India
These new programs are designed to foster research and educational partnerships with Indian institutions, amplifying the impact of the university’s research while creating immersive teaching and learning experiences.
Rice Master of Global Affairs students take on international policy negotiation in Paris
In their final semester, a group of Master of Global Affairs students applied their academic knowledge in a real-world setting, spending a week in Paris.
Rice slashes student costs by $650M over 5 years with free tuition program
Rice is proud to celebrate over five years of transforming access to higher education through The Rice Investment, the university’s signature financial aid program.
