Physics and Astronomy

Xie recognized for innovation in quantum phenomena

Rice's Yonglong Xie has been recognized for his innovation in quantum phenomena.

Rice-led research team develop super material that could change electronics

A research team led by physicists Ming Yi and Emilia Morosan has developed a new material with unique electronic properties that could enable more powerful and energy-efficient electronic devices.

Invisible currents at the edge: Rice research team shows how magnetic particles reveal a hidden rule of nature

Recently, a team of scientists and engineers at Rice discovered a phenomenon on a microscopic scale, where tiny magnetic particles driven by rotating fields spontaneously move along the edges of clusters driven by invisible “edge currents” that follow the rules of an unexpected branch of physics.

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.

Spotlight from The Franklin Institute Awards Ceremony: Celebrating Naomi Halas

Rice scientist and engineer Naomi Halas was awarded the 2025 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Chemistry May 1 at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.

Machine learning powers new approach to detecting soil contaminants

A team of researchers at Rice and Baylor College of Medicine has developed a new strategy for identifying hazardous pollutants in soil ⎯ even ones that have never been isolated or studied in a lab.

Kosmos 482’s return being watched closely by Rice experts

Rice University experts are available to discuss Kosmos 482.

Christopher Johns-Krull to serve as interim EVP for research

Christopher Johns-Krull , professor of physics and astronomy, will serve as interim executive vice president for research, beginning July 1.

Rice workshop unites global physicists to explore quantum frontiers

More than 80 scientists from around the globe gathered at Rice for the School on Electron Correlations and Topology.

‘New era in planet hunting’: Rice astronomers help capture striking images of planet formation

Astronomers, including Rice’s Andrea Isella and Charlie Gardner have unveiled new mages of planets.

Scientists observe exotic quantum phase once thought impossible

A team of Rice researchers reported the first direct observation of a surprising quantum phenomenon predicted over half a century ago known as a superradiant phase transition, which occurs when two groups of quantum particles begin to fluctuate in a coordinated, collective way without any external trigger, forming a new state of matter.

‘Oscars of Science’ Breakthrough Prize honors Rice physicists

An international team of physicists, including Rice’s Paul Padley, Frank Geurts, Karl Ecklund, Wei Li and Darin Acosta, was awarded the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics.

Researchers unlock hidden pathway to tunable magnetic devices

Led by Pengcheng Dai, researchers uncovered the cause behind a vanishing electronic phenomenon in a class of crystalline materials known as kagome lattice.

Rice physicists use quantum entanglement to crack mystery of strange metals

Led by Qimiao Si, a research team has shown that electron entanglement peaks at a quantum critical point.

Astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore set to return to Earth

Rice experts are available to discuss NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore's return to Earth.