Rice University experts and researchers are actively contributing to a wide range of national and international discussions, from economic policy and urban development to scientific advancements and healthcare.
Scholars from Rice's Baker Institute for Public Policy have been widely quoted on pressing economic issues. David Gantz, the Will Clayton Fellow in Trade and International Economics, discussed the potential impact of 25% tariffs on Brazil on American grocery bills. Vivian Ho, the James A. Baker III Institute Chair in Health Economics, was interviewed about fresh tariffs affecting the U.S. health care industry. Simon Lester, a nonresident fellow, commented on potential court challenges to new tariffs on Canada. Additionally, Bill King, fellow in public finance, featured in an article comparing employee compensation across Texas' largest cities.
In urban development, Mandi Chapa, lecturer of architecture, and alumnus Christof Spieler were quoted on why cities often feel built for cars rather than people. Research from Rice's Kinder Institute for Urban Research highlighted high eviction rates in some Harris County neighborhoods, with Steve Sherman, a research scientist, noting that filings hit 1 in 5 renters. The Kinder Institute's Houston Area Survey was also cited in an editorial suggesting that cutting parking minimums could help Houston grow and remain affordable.
Scientific and technological advancements from Rice were also in the news. Nets Katz, the W.L. Moody Professor of Mathematics, was quoted regarding the 2026 Fields Medals. Paul Wotton, adjunct professor of bioengineering, emphasized the need for FDA drug reviews based on science, not politics. Caroline Ajo-Franklin and Anastasios Kyrillidis were recognized for projects awarded in the DOE's Genesis Mission. Collaborative research, co-authored by Hon Chung Lau, detailed how carbon capture could reduce AI data center emissions. The legacy of Nobel laureates Robert Curl and Richard Smalley for their discovery of "buckyballs" was also featured. Furthermore, Rice students Adhira Tippur and Sanjana Kavula were named to the America250 list for their AI health startup, Kairos, while other Rice research explored the risks of using synthetic data to train generative AI.
The university's diverse contributions underscore its role in addressing complex contemporary challenges and fostering future innovations.