Experts from Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy have expressed skepticism regarding President Donald J Trump's recent claims that a deal with Venezuela would significantly lower U.S. gas prices. Fellows Francisco Monaldi and Mark Finley were widely quoted across national and international media, questioning the agreement's potential impact and transparency.
Monaldi, an energy policy expert, highlighted the complexities of unlocking Venezuela's oil production, while Finley suggested that the deal's ability to significantly reduce fuel costs might be overstated. Luis Pacheco, another Baker Institute fellow, noted that the “remarkable US oil deal puzzles analysts — and angers many Venezuelans,” as reported by BBC.com.
In other significant news for the institution, Rice University has retained its top spot in Texas, ranking No. 1 in the state and No. 10 nationally overall in Niche's 2027 Best Colleges rankings. This achievement underscores Rice's consistent academic excellence and strong reputation.
Further bolstering its research capabilities, Rice University received a substantial $15 million award from the U.S. Army Research Office. This five-year program will establish the Center for Large Aperture Secure Sensing, Imaging, and Communications, dedicated to advancing antenna technologies for secure wireless electronic systems.
Rice faculty and researchers also contributed to various public discussions and scientific advancements. This included professor David Cook and associate director Kerby Goff commenting on Texas Republicans' stance on sharia law, and research into lab-grown nerves matching human sensory signal speeds. The university's Kinder Institute for Urban Research also released data on Houston-area renters, providing insights into local housing affordability.