The Director's Welcome

Welcome to the Baker Institute's Web site.

As an integral part of Rice University, the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy is dedicated to lending a meaningful voice to domestic and foreign policy issues through its research and programs, which bring together both scholars from academia and practitioners from the public, private and nongovernmental organization sectors.

In the first decade since its inception in 1993, the Baker Institute established a solid foundation based on its fundraising campaign; the construction of Baker Hall, which houses the institute; the creation of endowed Baker Institute fellow and scholar positions; and its research.

Now, well into its second decade, the institute is becoming even more deeply engaged with the rest of the world as it expands its international programs, adds international fellows in important research areas, establishes new endowments, and creates exchange programs.

As the Baker Institute continues to expand the scope of its research and work, its original commitment remains unchanged. By involving policymakers and scholars, as well as students (tomorrow’s policymakers and scholars), the institute seeks to improve the debate on selected public policy issues in order to make a difference in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of public policy, both domestic and international.

This Web site will provide you with information on our research programs in both the domestic and foreign policy fields; upcoming and past events; the institute’s publications, which include the Baker Institute Report, our quarterly newsletter, Baker Institute Policy Reports, our policy research recommendations, as well as research papers, opinion pieces and monographs; presentations at the institute by domestic and foreign leaders in written text and multiple video formats; the Baker Institute’s scholars and fellows, as well as project coordinators and staff; the board of advisers; and student programs. Information on press and media relations, as well as how to contact the institute, is also available.

The Baker Institute Roundtable is the institute’s premier support group and provides members with special programs and access to the institute's activities. Information on how to join the Roundtable and support the institute is available on the Web site.

While the first 10 years of the Baker Institute focused on creating and building the institute on a strong foundation, we are now consolidating our base and expanding our research and programs in new directions with a view toward making a difference in the world of public policy.

 We welcome your interest and participation in the work of the institute.

Edward P. Djerejian
Founding Director