Rice University

Rice Research

Advancing Discovery and Innovation

Climate change. Water pollution. Increasing economic and social disparities. Rising rates of cancer and other diseases. The world is facing unprecedented challenges when it comes to human health and prosperity. At Rice, we are at the forefront of research aimed at advancing solutions to these fundamental problems.

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SPECIAL RESEARCH EDITION

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.

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Advancing Discovery Through Interdisciplinary Research

Rice University has focused on key areas of research, showcased through its interdisciplinary institutes and centers. These efforts drive progress in nanoscale science, computing, quantum studies, and collaborative research across biology, chemistry, and engineering. Together, they support excellent education, strengthen research facilities, foster collaboration, and help share scientific knowledge with students and the wider community.

WHERE OUR RESEARCH DOLLARS GO

Rice’s research funding fosters an ecosystem of discovery by supporting direct research costs, graduate student research, and indirect research expenses.

Research Project Staffing Costs

Two researchers work in a lab while a student with a red bag walks past.

Salaries, wages and benefits for researchers, staff and postdocs working on a research project

Student Summer Stipends

Researcher in a red jacket observes and takes notes next to a tree outdoors.

Stipends for graduate students and undergraduate students with summer research positions working on a research project

Research Equipment & Supplies

Laboratory equipment including a microscope, petri dishes, a notepad, and a computer screen displaying an owl graphic.

Lab equipment and research supplies specific to a research project

Research & Conference Travel

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Any travel costs for doing research and also travel to present project findings at conferences

SUPPORTING GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH

Two scientists in lab coats and gloves discuss research in a hallway.

Did you know that Rice’s graduate and undergraduate student populations are almost equal?

Facility Operating Costs

Building infrastructure graphic showing electricity, heating, and cooling systems.

Utilities, heating and cooling, operations and maintenance expenses for the building...

Research Data & Computing Infrastructure

Stack of books next to a server rack symbolizing research libraries and data storage.

Libraries, databases, and computing and data infrastructure integral to doing research

Administrative Salaries & Expenses

Administrator working on a computer with spreadsheets and database files shown above.

General expenses and salaries for department, central office and research administrators

Compliance & Safety Costs

Two safety officers in protective suits with gloves, goggles, masks, and boots illustrated.

General expenses, equipment and salaries for compliance and safety

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RICE RESEARCH REVIEW (R3)

At Rice University, research isn’t just what we do — it’s how we shape a better world. For over a century, our commitment to solving global challenges has fueled bold discoveries and real-world impact. Now, this spirit of innovation and service is celebrated in our new biannual publication.

Read the Fall 2025 Edition
Research is more than an academic pursuit — it’s a responsibility to serve humanity and tackle the world’s toughest challenges.