Premier Research

Rice scholar examines Pope Francis’ legacy of interfaith relations, human rights and a more representative Catholic Church

Following Pope Francis’ death, Craig Considine, a senior lecturer in sociology at Rice, scholar of religion and interfaith dialogue is available to discuss the late pontiff’s life and legacy.

Rice experts available to discuss environmental research, insights ahead of Earth Day

As Earth Day approaches April 22, Rice University experts are available to provide insight into their research on a range of environmental topics.

Rice scientists uncover quantum surprise: Matter mediates ultrastrong coupling between light particles

A team of Rice researchers has developed a new way to control light interactions using a specially engineered structure called a 3D photonic-crystal cavity that could enable transformative advancements in quantum computing, quantum communication and other quantum-based technologies.

Inside Yellowstone’s fiery heart: Rice researchers map volatile-rich cap, offering clues to future volcanic activity

A team of researchers from Rice, University of New Mexico, University of Utah and the University of Texas at Dallas have discovered a sharp, volatile-rich cap just 3.8 kilometers beneath Yellowstone’s surface.

Anthropologist Dominic Boyer awarded Guggenheim Fellowship for work on electrification and climate justice

Dominic Boyer, professor of anthropology at Rice awarded a 2025 Guggenheim Fellowship by the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation.

Rice and ExxonMobil collaborate to advance global sustainable energy research

Rice and ExxonMobil have entered into a master research agreement to collaborate on research initiatives focused on sustainable energy solutions.

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.

New Rice center focuses on innovation in data, computing and advanced research methods to address societal inequality

A new center at Rice will bring together the insights of the social sciences and the power of computational methods to understand and address inequality in today’s society.

Cancer-fighting implant shows promise in treating melanoma, pancreatic and colorectal tumors

A team of researchers from the Rice Biotech Launch Pad has developed an implantable “cytokine factory” that safely triggers potent immune responses against hard-to-treat cancers, including metastatic melanoma, pancreatic and colorectal tumors.

New Rice institute to study lifetime health impacts and develop targeted interventions

Rice University has launched the Institute of Health Resilience and Innovation.

Rep. Jake Ellzey hails Rice research for contributions to national defense, technology

During a recent visit to Rice, Rep. Jake Ellzey (R-Texas), praised the institution’s leading-edge research and contributions to national defense. 

Rice launches AI venture accelerator to fuel industry innovation in collaboration with Google Public Sector

Rice has announced the launch of the Rice AI Venture Accelerator, designed to drive early stage artificial intelligence innovation and commercialization.

Rice scientists pioneer method to tackle ‘forever chemicals’

A new study unveils a method that eliminates PFAS from water systems and also transforms waste into high-value graphene.