https://news.rice.edu/ en https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/making-exoneree-challenges-rice-students-investigate-potential-wrongful-convictions-0 Making an Exoneree is a new class at Rice where students work with people in prison to reinvestigate cases that may involve wrongful conviction. Wed, 27 May 2026 10:16:54 -0500 Kat Cosley Trigg https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/making-exoneree-challenges-rice-students-investigate-potential-wrongful-convictions-0 https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rice-hpe-partner-spark-stem-curiosity-through-world-cup-themed-learning As Houston prepares to welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup this summer, Rice’s Center for STEM Engagement is leveraging the global spotlight to connect local students with hands-on science and technology — reinforcing Rice’s role as an Official Houston World Cup 2026 Host City Supporter. Wed, 27 May 2026 10:08:39 -0500 Andrew Bell https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rice-hpe-partner-spark-stem-curiosity-through-world-cup-themed-learning https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rice-host-fifa-world-cup-watch-parties-across-campus As FIFA World Cup 2026 excitement builds in Houston, Rice University is extending its role as an official host city supporter by bringing the global tournament directly to campus through a series of watch parties for students, faculty, staff and friends of the university. Tue, 26 May 2026 10:26:48 -0500 Andrew Bell https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rice-host-fifa-world-cup-watch-parties-across-campus https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/redrawing-houston-event-explores-flood-risk-growth-and-future-region In a city infamous for its flooding, something as innocuous as rain can prove to be disastrous or even deadly. Small increases in the amount of rainfall over time can have significant consequences today, said Ed Emmett, fellow in energy and transportation policy at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and former Harris County Judge, as he led the daylong conference “Redrawing Risk: What FEMA’s New Flood Maps Mean for Greater Houston.” Tue, 26 May 2026 08:53:32 -0500 Avery Ruxer Franklin https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/redrawing-houston-event-explores-flood-risk-growth-and-future-region https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rice-joins-axiom-spaces-university-alliance Rice University has joined Axiom Space’s University Alliance, comprising 26 institutes from four continents and 12 nations working as an international network dedicated to advancing microgravity research, technology development and commercial innovation in low-Earth orbit. Fri, 22 May 2026 11:55:08 -0500 Rachel Leeson https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rice-joins-axiom-spaces-university-alliance https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/orange-fanwalk-begin-rice-ahead-fifa-world-cup-2026-match-houston Rice will serve as the official starting point for the iconic Orange Fanwalk June 20 ahead of a FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage match between the Netherlands and Sweden. Wed, 20 May 2026 13:24:54 -0500 Andrew Bell https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/orange-fanwalk-begin-rice-ahead-fifa-world-cup-2026-match-houston https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/houston-plants-roots-fifa-world-cup-ion-district-green-corridor-initiative The next step in Houston’s beautification initiative kicked off May 13 in advance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup games taking place at NRG Stadium this summer. Aramco, as a FIFA host committee sponsor and in celebration of its 25-year partnership with Trees for Houston, selected the Ion District for the commemorative tree planting ceremony. Mon, 18 May 2026 12:01:14 -0500 Avery Ruxer Franklin https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/houston-plants-roots-fifa-world-cup-ion-district-green-corridor-initiative https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/truly-fairytale-ending-rice-claims-american-title-bevan-caps-40-year-career-championship The Rice women’s track and field team won the American Conference Championship last weekend, claiming a team title as head coach Jim Bevan nears the end of his 40th year in coaching. Mon, 18 May 2026 10:47:04 -0500 Andrew Bell https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/truly-fairytale-ending-rice-claims-american-title-bevan-caps-40-year-career-championship https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rices-baker-institute-and-kinder-institute-present-redrawing-risk-conference-examining Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and Kinder Institute for Urban Research will host “Redrawing Risk,” a one-day public conference May 21 examining the real-world implications of FEMA’s updated flood maps for Houston. Mon, 18 May 2026 09:32:55 -0500 Avery Ruxer Franklin https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rices-baker-institute-and-kinder-institute-present-redrawing-risk-conference-examining https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/hochberg-stepp-honored-inaugural-texas-innovation-awards Rice faculty and staff members Yael Hochberg and Patricia Stepp were recognized at the inaugural Texas Innovation Conference & Awards, held April 22-23 at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. Fri, 15 May 2026 10:36:39 -0500 Katharine Shilcutt https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/hochberg-stepp-honored-inaugural-texas-innovation-awards https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/there-truly-no-place-rice-arjun-surya-shares-commencement-address ‘There truly is no place like Rice’: Arjun Surya shares commencement address. Wed, 13 May 2026 12:51:11 -0500 Marcy de Luna https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/there-truly-no-place-rice-arjun-surya-shares-commencement-address https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/digital-learning-symposium-emphasizes-responsible-ai-education The 2026 Digital Learning Symposium, an inaugural event for Rice, brought together faculty, students and thought leaders to explore a central question shaping higher education today: How do we preserve human-centered learning in an age increasingly defined by artificial intelligence?  Wed, 13 May 2026 11:35:48 -0500 Sam Byrd https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/digital-learning-symposium-emphasizes-responsible-ai-education https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rice-students-tackling-gun-violence-mental-health-and-civic-dialogue-earn-national Four Rice students named 2026 Sumners Scholars. Wed, 13 May 2026 10:14:00 -0500 Kat Cosley Trigg https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rice-students-tackling-gun-violence-mental-health-and-civic-dialogue-earn-national https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/its-about-what-you-do-what-you-learn-engineering-computing-graduates-affirm-commitment Nearly 300 graduates of the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing took part in the induction ceremony for the Order of the Engineer and The Pledge of the Computing Professional. Wed, 13 May 2026 09:53:28 -0500 Silvia Cernea Clark https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/its-about-what-you-do-what-you-learn-engineering-computing-graduates-affirm-commitment https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rice-business-honors-mba-graduates-student-leaders-and-faculty-commencement The latest graduates from Rice’s Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business were awarded their Master of Business Administration degrees May 8 at Tudor Fieldhouse in front of a crowd of loved ones, faculty, staff and students. Mon, 11 May 2026 12:23:30 -0500 Avery Ruxer Franklin https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rice-business-honors-mba-graduates-student-leaders-and-faculty-commencement https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/we-are-called-work-and-each-other-john-green-delivers-hopeful-message-rices-undergraduate Rice celebrated its 113th undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 9, conferring 1,367 undergraduate degrees. Mon, 11 May 2026 08:10:31 -0500 Alexandra Becker https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/we-are-called-work-and-each-other-john-green-delivers-hopeful-message-rices-undergraduate https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/resilience-creativity-and-grit-rice-congratulates-doctoral-graduates-finishing-journey 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. Sun, 10 May 2026 11:52:54 -0500 Sam Byrd https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/resilience-creativity-and-grit-rice-congratulates-doctoral-graduates-finishing-journey https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/so-much-love-and-gratitude-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. Sun, 10 May 2026 11:11:08 -0500 Andrew Bell https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/so-much-love-and-gratitude-my-heart-rice-celebrates-advanced-degree-graduates https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/community-bridges-gives-rice-students-hands-experience-tackling-houstons-biggest Students presented projects during the Community Bridges’s end-of-year poster showcase. Thu, 07 May 2026 14:47:36 -0500 Kat Cosley Trigg https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/community-bridges-gives-rice-students-hands-experience-tackling-houstons-biggest https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rice-global-india-launch-long-term-partnership Rice Global India has built strategic alignment with India's leading research institutions including the Indian Institute of Science and a growing group of Indian Institutes of Technology. Thu, 07 May 2026 07:42:16 -0500 Brandi Smith https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rice-global-india-launch-long-term-partnership https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rice-student-ventures-sweep-top-honors-johns-hopkins-healthcare-design-competition Multiple Rice-led student ventures earned top honors across categories at the Johns Hopkins Healthcare Design Competition. The founders built these winning businesses through Rice’s Liu Idea Lab for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Lilie), underscoring the university’s growing leadership in health care innovation. Wed, 06 May 2026 11:46:40 -0500 Avery Ruxer Franklin https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rice-student-ventures-sweep-top-honors-johns-hopkins-healthcare-design-competition https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rice-sophomore-honored-prestigious-academic-honor-society-efforts-public-health-and Rice sophomore selected as a Phi Beta Kappa Key into Public Service Scholar for the second year in a row. Wed, 06 May 2026 09:14:05 -0500 Kat Cosley Trigg https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rice-sophomore-honored-prestigious-academic-honor-society-efforts-public-health-and https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rice-accelerates-faculty-growth-track-expand-hires-30-while-advancing-strategic-vision-0 Rice is rapidly advancing one of the most ambitious faculty expansion efforts in its history, reinforcing a commitment to world-class research, transformative teaching and global impact. Wed, 06 May 2026 06:21:25 -0500 Chris Stipes https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rice-accelerates-faculty-growth-track-expand-hires-30-while-advancing-strategic-vision-0 https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/shepherd-school-alumna-wins-pulitzer-prize-music Gabriela Lena Frank won the 2026 Pulitzer Prize for her orchestral work “Picaflor: A Future Myth." Tue, 05 May 2026 15:49:48 -0500 Brandi Smith https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/shepherd-school-alumna-wins-pulitzer-prize-music https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/inaugural-houston-newsroom-class-brings-fresh-reporting-style-real-world-experience-rice A new program at Rice is giving students a front-row seat to the stories shaping Houston and putting them behind a microphone to tell them. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:49:38 -0500 Andrew Bell https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/inaugural-houston-newsroom-class-brings-fresh-reporting-style-real-world-experience-rice https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/perovskite-solar-cells-skip-yellow-phase-degrade-slower-thanks-key-additives Rice researchers have developed extremely stable perovskite crystalline films for long-lasting, high-efficiency solar cells. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:54:35 -0500 Silvia Cernea Clark https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/perovskite-solar-cells-skip-yellow-phase-degrade-slower-thanks-key-additives https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/team-urovac-wins-top-engineering-prize-bladder-cancer-device-rices-huff-oedk-showcase Team UroVac won top prize at the Huff OEDK Engineering Design Showcase. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:40:20 -0500 Marcy de Luna https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/team-urovac-wins-top-engineering-prize-bladder-cancer-device-rices-huff-oedk-showcase https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/take-advantage-every-moment-brian-gibson-wins-elizabeth-gillis-award Brian Gibson, senior associate dean of undergraduates, was named this year’s winner of the Elizabeth Gillis Award for Exemplary Service at Rice President Reginald DesRoches’ annual event celebrating staff accomplishments April 23 at Tudor Fieldhouse. Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:00:24 -0500 Sam Byrd https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/take-advantage-every-moment-brian-gibson-wins-elizabeth-gillis-award https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/greg-marshalls-right-livelihood-career-connection-leads-rices-y-ping-sun-award Greg Marshall was awarded the Y. Ping Sun Award for Community Engagement, one of Rice’s highest honors for service beyond campus. Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:56:20 -0500 Arie Passwaters https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/greg-marshalls-right-livelihood-career-connection-leads-rices-y-ping-sun-award https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/kinder-houston-area-survey-reveals-area-residents-pessimistic-about-jobs-economy-and The Kinder Houston Area Survey, the longest-running study of any major metro area in the nation, was released at the institute’s annual luncheon. Mon, 27 Apr 2026 13:00:00 -0500 Kat Cosley Trigg https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/kinder-houston-area-survey-reveals-area-residents-pessimistic-about-jobs-economy-and https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/pengcheng-dai-elected-american-academy-arts-and-sciences Rice professor Pengcheng Dai has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, one of the oldest and most prestigious learned societies in the nation. Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:01:20 -0500 Rachel Leeson https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/pengcheng-dai-elected-american-academy-arts-and-sciences https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/where-discovery-begins-rice-students-showcase-research-real-world-impact At Rice’s Natural Sciences Undergraduate Research Symposium, hundreds of posters lined the room with ambitious questions and early answers. Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:59:08 -0500 Kat Cosley Trigg https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/where-discovery-begins-rice-students-showcase-research-real-world-impact https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rice-students-showcase-bold-engineering-solutions-annual-oedk-event From lifesaving medical devices to sustainable energy systems and robotics, Rice students packed the Ion with ingenuity April 16 for the Huff OEDK Engineering Design Showcase. Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:31:52 -0500 Alexandra Becker https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rice-students-showcase-bold-engineering-solutions-annual-oedk-event https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/fleet-week-rice-highlights-research-ties-military-leadership-and-community-connection Rice played a key role in Houston’s Fleet Week celebration, hosting senior military leaders, engaging students and joining citywide events that highlighted the deep connection between the U.S. Navy and one of the nation’s busiest maritime hubs. Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:30:51 -0500 Andrew Bell https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/fleet-week-rice-highlights-research-ties-military-leadership-and-community-connection https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rice-doctoral-student-uses-mechanics-map-how-breastfeeding-works-real-time As researchers work to close long-standing gaps in women’s health, a Rice doctoral student is using principles of mechanics to shed light on one of the most fundamental aspects of early motherhood: breastfeeding. Tue, 21 Apr 2026 08:29:58 -0500 Alexandra Becker https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rice-doctoral-student-uses-mechanics-map-how-breastfeeding-works-real-time https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/study-uncovers-hidden-factor-shaping-dementia-caregiving-stress New research from Rice suggests the experience of caring for a spouse with dementia is not defined by the diagnosis alone. Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0500 Kat Cosley Trigg https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/study-uncovers-hidden-factor-shaping-dementia-caregiving-stress https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rices-tam-named-guggenheim-fellow Kenneth Tam, an interdisciplinary artist whose work spans video, sculpture, installation, performance and photography, is an assistant professor of art. Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:14:09 -0500 Brandi Smith https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rices-tam-named-guggenheim-fellow https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rice-senior-named-watson-fellow-will-explore-what-home-means-across-borders Karma Elbadawy, a graduating senior at Rice, has been named a 2026 Thomas J. Watson Fellow. Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:28:46 -0500 Kat Cosley Trigg https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rice-senior-named-watson-fellow-will-explore-what-home-means-across-borders https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rice-research-helps-power-safe-return-astronauts-historic-orion-splashdown When NASA’s Orion capsule splashed down in the Pacific Ocean April 10, a critical piece of the spacecraft’s safe return traced back to research at Rice. Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:29:20 -0500 Alexandra Becker https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rice-research-helps-power-safe-return-astronauts-historic-orion-splashdown https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/material-tech-startup-brce-michigan-state-takes-home-grand-prize-rice-business-plan BRCĒ is a material-tech startup replacing failure-prone textiles with polymer composites engineered for strength, fire resistance and intrinsic stability. Its patented Lattice-Grip technology enables directional grip and controlled tension at the yarn level, eliminating slippage and performance loss under extreme conditions. The recent “Shark Tank” participant won over judges during the Rice Business Plan Competition and walked away with 11 prizes totaling $611,500. Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:43:33 -0500 Avery Ruxer Franklin https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/material-tech-startup-brce-michigan-state-takes-home-grand-prize-rice-business-plan https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/watch-provost-dittmar-project-metis-leaders-outline-vision-brain-health-brain-economy Four months after its launch, Project Metis is building momentum — with a new website and video offering a deeper look at the initiative’s vision to position the Houston-Galveston region as a global leader in brain health and the emerging brain economy. Sun, 12 Apr 2026 18:05:24 -0500 Chris Stipes https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/watch-provost-dittmar-project-metis-leaders-outline-vision-brain-health-brain-economy https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rice-among-top-research-institutions-advancing-largest-coastal-protection-effort-us Rice will contribute its expertise to the newly established Coastal Texas Research Council, a scientific and technical hub supporting the historic Coastal Texas Project. Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:51:32 -0500 Alexandra Becker https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rice-among-top-research-institutions-advancing-largest-coastal-protection-effort-us https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rice-alumna-plays-key-role-nasas-artemis-ii-lunar-mission-0 As NASA’s Artemis II mission marks a historic return to crewed lunar flight, a Rice alumna is helping monitor the spacecraft in real time from the ground. Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:43:59 -0500 Chris Stipes https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rice-alumna-plays-key-role-nasas-artemis-ii-lunar-mission-0 https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/new-rice-study-explains-shifting-school-enrollment-across-houston-region A new report from the Houston Education Research Consortium (HERC) at Rice offers a clearer answer to a question many district leaders and families are asking: Where are all the students? University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research Wed, 08 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0500 Kat Cosley Trigg https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/new-rice-study-explains-shifting-school-enrollment-across-houston-region https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rice-spinoff-helix-earth-raises-12m-tackle-energy-efficiency-commercial-buildings A Houston-based energy technology startup with roots at Rice has secured a major funding milestone, underscoring the growing impact of Rice-driven innovation in the clean energy industry. Tue, 07 Apr 2026 08:33:37 -0500 Alexandra Becker https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rice-spinoff-helix-earth-raises-12m-tackle-energy-efficiency-commercial-buildings https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rice-graduate-programs-earn-strong-national-rankings-latest-us-news-listing-1 Rice continues to earn national recognition for the strength and breadth of its graduate programs with multiple disciplines ranked among the nation’s best in the 2026 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools. Tue, 07 Apr 2026 07:08:59 -0500 Chris Stipes https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rice-graduate-programs-earn-strong-national-rankings-latest-us-news-listing-1 https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/senior-spotlight-2026-aspiring-physician-computer-science-empowering-asset Rice senior Pankti Mehta is channeling her drive to improve how people access and experience health care by combining computer science with hands-on clinical insight. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:52:52 -0500 Silvia Cernea Clark https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/senior-spotlight-2026-aspiring-physician-computer-science-empowering-asset https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/leadership-age-ai-john-doerr-purpose-innovation-and-future Venture capitalist John Doerr joined Doerr Institute for New Leaders’ director Bernie Banks at Rice March 26 for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, technology and the future of work. Fri, 03 Apr 2026 10:42:56 -0500 Sam Byrd https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/leadership-age-ai-john-doerr-purpose-innovation-and-future https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rices-glasscock-school-convenes-over-270-nonprofit-leaders-best-boards-conference The Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at Rice’s Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies welcomed nonprofit leaders from across Texas and the Gulf Coast March 26 for its annual Best Boards conference, a sold-out gathering focused on strengthening governance and leadership in a rapidly shifting landscape. Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:36:39 -0500 Andrew Bell https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rices-glasscock-school-convenes-over-270-nonprofit-leaders-best-boards-conference https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/new-rice-uh-partnership-aims-address-real-world-solutions-plastics-recycling The Center for Energy Studies at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and the University of Houston Energy Transition Institute are launching a strategic partnership to advance scalable, real-world solutions for plastics circularity by integrating policy, economics, science and engineering. Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:48:05 -0500 Avery Ruxer Franklin https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/new-rice-uh-partnership-aims-address-real-world-solutions-plastics-recycling