Safeguarding Rice’s Legacy of Research Excellence and Impact

Spring 2025
 

At Rice University, research isn’t just a key driver of our mission — it’s the heartbeat of our contribution to society’s progress. From groundbreaking medical discoveries to innovative engineering solutions, the research and scholarship performed by our talented faculty, postdoctoral fellows and students transforms lives, strengthens our nation’s competitiveness and addresses global challenges.

Consider the team of engineers and clinicians from Rice, MD Anderson Cancer Center and the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. They are developing an affordable microscope that provides cancer surgeons with immediate imaging capabilities in operating rooms. This innovation could revolutionize cancer treatment by enhancing surgical precision and reducing infrastructure costs.

Another team at Rice is pioneering early detection technologies for cancers of the cervix, gastrointestinal tract and mouth. Early detection saves lives and reduces the financial burden of treatment. Likewise, one of our star social scientists is researching employment systems and labor markets and exploring how AI can enhance hiring practices. This work has profound implications for creating more efficient and profitable financial systems.

The work doesn’t stop there. We’re also discovering ways that will enable new, more sustainable recycling, manufacturing and energy use practices that impact national security. Our cutting-edge work in nanotechnology has enabled the creation of metal nanoparticles possessing structural features designed to interact with light in specific ways that can be deployed in a variety of contexts, including biomedicine, optoelectronics, chemical sensing, catalysis and water treatment. And our social scientists are addressing the rising challenges faced by dementia caregivers, a growing concern as our population ages.

These projects underscore Rice’s commitment to tackling humanity’s most pressing challenges and shows that our research is not abstract — it has tangible, life-changing outcomes. Without the necessary support, however, the potential to continue making these breakthroughs is at risk, which could hinder innovation and slow the pace of discoveries that have the power to cure diseases, improve lives and fuel economic growth.

I recently met with members of Congress in Washington, D.C., and state leaders in Austin to emphasize Rice’s role in advancing research and innovation. These conversations are vital to ensuring that federal and state policymakers understand the importance of sustaining research funding. Our mission is clear: to advocate for policies that support our researchers and to continue fostering an environment where intellectual curiosity thrives.

Rice is not alone in this effort. We work alongside organizations like the Association of American Universities and the American Council on Education to advocate for the value of university research. Together, we highlight how cutting federal support would weaken the nation’s ability to remain a global leader in science, technology and education.

Our alumni and supporters are critical allies in this mission. Your dedication to Rice’s values makes it possible for us to continue to thrive and to reach our strategic goal of becoming the premier internationally recognized university that prepares leaders to address the world’s complexities and advances groundbreaking research across disciplines. We thank you for your dedication to Rice and the university’s research endeavors.

Our commitment to research remains unwavering. The future of discovery lies in the resilience of our faculty, the brilliance of our students and the strength of our community. Together, we can ensure that Rice continues to drive innovations that cure diseases, transform industries and elevate all of society.

I am confident that, with your support, Rice will remain at the forefront of research and scholarship, advancing knowledge that benefits Texas, the nation and the world.