Unlocking the Future of Brain Science at Rice University
The Rice Brain Institute is reimagining how we understand, protect, and heal the human brain. Bringing together more than 65 of Rice University’s brightest minds in engineering, neuroscience, cognitive science, ethics, and policy, the Institute is pioneering a new era of discovery where science, technology, and humanity converge. Brain health is at the core of who we are — fueling creativity, connection, and the resilience of entire societies. Through bold collaboration and innovation, the Rice Brain Institute aims to transform the future of brain health for generations to come.
The Institute unites three transformative fields: neuroscience, unlocking the mysteries of brain function; neuroengineering, creating technologies that can restore and enhance neural systems; and the study of how the brain functions in society, ensuring that breakthroughs in brain science drive ethical and equitable real-world impact. Together, these efforts form a powerful ecosystem of discovery and action—where Rice is leading the way toward a healthier, more connected, and more human future.
Our Vision
We will improve brain health by reducing the impact of brain injuries, and neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental and mental health disorders. We will do this by developing novel interventions based on the most advanced brain science that will both treat and prevent these disorders and deploying these interventions for the benefit of society.
Cross-Cutting (Horizontal) Clusters
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Brain Injury (Traumatic Brain Injury & Stroke) – Advancing precision rehabilitation and neural engineering solutions that restore mobility, memory, independence, and a return to full participation in society after stroke and trauma.
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Neurodegenerative Diseases – Basic research on biomolecules and underlying mechanisms that cause neurodegeneration to allow innovation of prevention and treatments for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other age-related conditions.
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Neurodevelopmental Diseases – Fundamental research on neurodevelopmental pathways to better understand the causes and consequences of neurodevelopmental disease and develop interventions to support cognitive and social development.
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Depression & Mental Illness – Integrating neuroscience, psychology, and technology to develop personalized, accessible mental health interventions for Houston’s diverse communities.
Our Approach: From Brain to Society
Rice University’s brain-to-society framework bridges laboratory science with real-world impact. By combining cutting-edge research with ethical, business/industrial, policy, and social innovation, we translate discoveries into solutions that benefit individuals and communities throughout Houston and Texas.
Why Houston? Why Rice University?
As one of the nation’s top research universities, Rice University offers a powerful platform for brain health innovation. Our location in Houston, TX, adjacent to the Texas Medical Center, provides unparalleled access to global leaders in healthcare, clinical neuroscience, and biotechnology.
Houston’s diversity and scale make it the ideal environment for advancing brain health research—from bench to bedside to community. Rice researchers partner with medical institutions, startups, and nonprofits to deliver discoveries that improve lives locally and globally.
Our Three Pillars of Brain Health Innovation
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Neuroengineering – Engineering next-generation devices and interfaces that repair, enhance, and protect brain function.
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Neuroscience – Investigating functional and dysfunctional mechanisms from molecules to organisms, driving transformative discovery.
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Brain and Society – Developing new scientific insight to improve productivity, public policy, education, and community well-being.