Smalley-Curl Institute

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.

Rice researchers lay groundwork for designer hybrid 2D materials

An international team of researchers led by Rice materials scientists has succeeded in creating a genuine 2D hybrid material called glaphene.

Rice method refines ultrapure diamond film fabrication for quantum and electronic applications

Rice researchers have developed a simpler and more effective technique to make ultrapure diamond films for quantum and electronic applications.

‘Hopelessly attached’: Scientists discover new 2D material that sticks the landing

Researchers from Rice and Northwestern University discover new 2D material, confirming decade-old prediction.

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.

‘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.

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.

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.

Light-based data made clearer with new machine learning method

Rice researchers have developed a new machine learning algorithm that excels at interpreting optical spectra, potentially enabling faster and more precise medical diagnoses and sample analysis.

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.

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.

Wade Adams, nanotechnology research leader and advocate, served Rice as ‘dynamic force’ while paving way for Smalley-Curl Institute

Wade Adams, former director of the Richard E. Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology at Rice, passed away Feb. 12 at the age of 78. A self-described “technical optimist,” Adams was not only an experienced researcher and educator but also an enthusiastic advocate of nanotechnology, which he defined as “making small stuff do big things” and viewed as offering potential solutions to pressing challenges, particularly in energy but also in clean water and medicine.

Nobel laureate Whittingham engages with Rice researchers, leaders on battery research and innovation during campus visit

Nobel laureate M. Stanley Whittingham shared insights from his pioneering work on lithium-ion batteries and addressed the future of energy storage during the Adams-Hauge Fund Smalley Lecture in Materials Science and Nanoengineering delivered at Rice.