File photo
File photo
The Robert A. Welch Foundation is giving $100 million to Rice University.
The Welch Institute will work on fundamental research in chemistry and materials science and combine the research with the latest in machine learning and artificial intelligence.
“The Welch Institute of Advanced Materials at Rice University will position Houston as a global hub for advanced materials research and attract the brightest scientific minds to our innovative city," Bob Harvey, president and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership, said. "The Institute will make Houston attractive to companies focused on leveraging these breakthrough technologies to build new solutions that address the world’s biggest challenges."
According to Rice officials, the donation is the largest ever given to the university.
“The Welch Institute will focus on the development of advanced materials for the good of society and to advance the vision of Robert A. Welch, who believed in basic chemical research as a powerful force for transformative breakthroughs and improving the quality of life,” Welch Foundation Chair and Director Carin Barth said. “It will bring together top minds across all disciplines to catalyze innovation and center leadership in the field right here in the Houston area.”
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