Social Sciences

Boniuk Institute awarded $2.9M to study religion’s impact on AI, biotech and more

Today, the big questions surrounding religion and science are about responsibly building and managing new scientific technologies, how they can shape what the world should be and what it could become — questions Rice’s Boniuk Institute for the Study and Advancement of Religious Tolerance will try to answer in partnership with the University of California, San Diego thanks to a new $2.9 million grant from the Templeton Religion Trust.

‘We are called to work with and for each other’: John Green delivers hopeful message at Rice’s undergraduate commencement

Rice celebrated its 113th undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 9, conferring 1,367 undergraduate degrees.

‘Resilience, creativity and grit’: Rice congratulates doctoral graduates on finishing journey of perseverance, academic excellence

Rice conferred 270 doctoral degrees during its 113th commencement May 9 at Tudor Fieldhouse. Doctoral candidates along with friends, family and loved ones gathered for the ceremony, which included the awarding of doctoral regalia and dissertation titles, congratulatory remarks, cheers and a few moments to reflect on this milestone.

‘So much love and gratitude in my heart’: Rice celebrates advanced degree graduates 

Nearly 900 advanced degree recipients were celebrated May 9 as Owls walked across the stage at Tudor Fieldhouse to roars of applause and cheers, marking the culmination of their academic journeys at Rice University.

Rice sophomore honored by prestigious academic honor society for efforts in public health and policy

Rice sophomore selected as a Phi Beta Kappa Key into Public Service Scholar for the second year in a row.

Swords drawn, students take stage for unconventional Rice final

Taught by lecturer Kyle Clark, Combat and Movement for the Stage is open to any Rice student regardless of major.

Rice students uncover Houston’s hidden histories through Fondren Fellows program

Fondren Fellows pairs Rice undergraduate and graduate students with faculty mentors and library staff to pursue original research projects grounded in Fondren Library’s collections and digital infrastructure.

The GLP-1 paradox: Rice study finds weight loss drugs may carry unexpected stigma

GLP-1 medications have taken over the national conversation around weight loss, but new research from Rice suggests the social reality may be more complicated.

Boniuk Institute honoree Inazu highlights necessity for ‘learning to disagree’ through religion dialogue and scholarship

Rice’s Boniuk Institute for the Study and Advancement of Religious Tolerance awarded its 2026 Senior Scholar Award to John Inazu, the Sally D. Danforth Distinguished Professor of Law & Religion and professor of political science at Washington University in St. Louis.

Breaking the silence: At Rice, Black men gather for real conversations on mental health

Hundreds of men gather at Rice for an open conversation about mental health.

Celebrating excellence: Announcing Center for Teaching Excellence Award winners

Rice’s 2026 University Awards Ceremony, hosted by the Center for Teaching Excellence, brought together faculty, students and academic leaders to celebrate one central idea: Great teaching transforms lives. The event highlighted not only outstanding educators but also the broader culture of mentorship, innovation and community that defines the university.

Kraft Hall comes alive with ideas: Student research in social sciences takes center stage at Rice

Kraft Hall was buzzing with energy and a little bit of chaos as Rice undergraduates transformed its corridors into a packed showcase of original research and creative ideas during the Social Sciences Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Rice students tackle racism, homelessness, horror — and win awards doing it

Nearly 100 students presented research and creative work across two days at the annual Humanities and Arts Festival held April 13-14.

In Venice, a new platform for Rice faculty

With students from Italy, the United States, China, Japan, Israel and beyond, Venice International University's class sizes are capped at 25.

Faculty, staff, students honored for excellence in teaching, mentoring, service

Each year, Rice honors members of its community who have served students through outstanding teaching, dedication and service.