Dear Rice colleagues,
When Rice charted a bold new course with its strategic plan, Momentous, we committed to a vision of “personalized scale for global impact” driven by core strategic catalysts. Today, we announce a defining investment in one of those catalysts: the responsible use and development of artificial intelligence.
This investment is the launch of a universitywide AI faculty cluster hiring initiative on a truly transformational scale. The initiative is an ambitious, transformational commitment to accelerate discovery across every corner of our campus and to redefine what is possible in a data-driven world.
This ambition is rooted in our history. Rice has a legacy of foundational work in this field, from the pioneering days of the R1 large computational research computer to our current strengths across the university, including in foundational development of AI both in computer science and electrical engineering and in inspired research, applied use of AI and computational research in engineering, natural sciences, and social sciences, and new initiatives in AI ethics, the history of science and technology and their impact on individuals and society. This cluster hire will build on these foundations, ensuring Rice leads the conversation for the next generation.
To seize this moment and define the future for research in this area, Rice needs your vision. Deans are invited to put forth proposals for these cluster hires. Our momentum is already strong. We have successfully recruited 30 outstanding faculty in recent years whose work is centered on AI across several schools. We will now build on this success by adding 30 more faculty members over the next five years. While we expect to continue this hiring effort for the full five years, we are encouraging units to seize opportunities early in this period, with the flexibility to pursue targets of opportunity as soon as this year. We also expect that many ongoing and future planned searches will connect to this vibrant and growing area, adding at least another 15 faculty. Our ultimate goal is to grow this community to at least 75 newly added faculty members, which will add to the depth of expertise of faculty already at Rice, creating an exceptional density of talent.
We are seeking high-impact scholars across all disciplines — from engineering and computing, natural sciences, business and architecture to the humanities and arts, social sciences and music. We want to attract leaders who will advance and leverage these powerful new tools and models to move their own disciplines forward in profound ways.
This is not just about hiring individuals; it is about creating a vibrant, interconnected community. This cluster will build upon the excellent work already happening in our institutes, centers and departments. Looking to the future, we envision many ways to foster connection across this vibrant community, including seminars, joint appointments (where applicable), and a dynamic space that will serve as a convergence point for faculty to engage with industry partners, institutions in the TMC, graduate students and undergraduate-led startups.
Let us work together to identify the scholars who will help shape Rice’s future, build thriving urban communities, generate sustainable futures and lead innovations in health. Please follow this link to view the call for proposals and hiring process.
Warm regards,
Amy Dittmar, Howard R. Hughes Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs