Research Centers
The mission of the Energy Forum is to promote the development of informed and realistic public policy choices in the energy area by educating policymakers and the public about important trends — both regional and global — that shape the nature of global energy markets and influence the quantity and security of vital supplies needed to fuel world economic growth and prosperity. Rather than focus exclusively on either the theory or practice of energy policy, Energy Forum research synthesizes both by drawing together experts from academia, the energy industry, government, the media and nongovernmental organizations. To develop its energy policy analysis and recommendations, the Energy Forum draws on Rice University’s interdisciplinary expertise in environmental engineering, energy sustainability, economics, political science, geology, nanotechnology, architecture, sociology, anthropology and religious studies.
CBEN’s mission is to discover and develop nanomaterials that enable new medical and environmental technologies. This mission is inspired by the observation that because of their small size and unique properties, nanomaterials interact with and control biological systems in entirely new ways. Our research exploits these novel capabilities to develop innovative biomedical and environmental technologies. To ensure that our technologies flourish, our outreach addresses broader issues such as technology transfer, public acceptance, and workforce training.
The Center for the Study of Environment and Society (CSES) coordinates courses and curricula on environmental topics offered in the schools of Engineering, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Humanities.
This center, a partnership of Sino-US industrial, governmental and academic institutions, aims to develop innovative and practical environmental solutions for sustainable development in China and the United States. Through its research, the Center strives to help establish meaningful environmental/energy policies, regulations, and guidelines. The Center will also serve as a catalyst for Sino-US industrial and academic collaboration, and will cultivate future environmental engineers for the global workplace.
EESI’s mission is to advance understanding of energy and environmental issues, facilitate development of technological solutions, and provide unbiased information for policymaking in the public and private sectors. The Institute promotes interdisciplinary research, education and community outreach activities spanning all of Rice University: Engineering, Natural Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, Architecture, and Management.
The Green Carbon Center supports research and outreach activities that: improve efficiencies and collection of conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon fuel, develop diverse new carbon-based fuel sources of biological origin, and reduce the environmental impacts of carbon fuel consumption.
Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research mission is to conduct scientific research, sponsor educational programs, and engage in public outreach that advances understanding of pressing urban issues and fosters the development of more humane and sustainable cities. Its goal is to become a magnet for talent, a catalyst for civic engagement, and a nationally recognized leader in conducting first-rate research and in translating its findings into a valued resource that informs and inspires the community on which the research is based.
Rice Biochar Group is applying a very promising C sequestration technique to the problem of greenhouse gas management in Texas. They are amending soils with charcoal, which increases soil fertility, improves soil drainage, and helps manage nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient pollution. Adding charcoal to soils also sequesters carbon when this charcoal is made from biomass that would otherwise rapidly decompose to CO2.
The Shell Center for Sustainability’s mission is to foster an interdisciplinary program of research, outreach, and education to address actions that can be taken to ensure the sustainable development of communities’ living standards, interpreted broadly, to encompass all factors affecting the overall quality of life.
The Baker Institute for Public Policy does important research on domestic and foreign policy issues with the goal of bridging the gap between the theory and practice of public policy. The institute also collaborates with experts from academia, government, the media, business, and nongovernmental and private organizations. They then provide the results of their research programs and studies with specific recommendations to those involved in the formulation and execution of public policy.