Research Library

“Charles Duncan represented the very best of his country, his state and his hometown. A native son of Houston, he was a no-nonsense corporate leader and Secretary of Energy for the United States who diligently maintained a laser-like focus on getting things done. Although his career took him around the world, Charles never lost his love for Houston, where he played a critical role as chairman of the Board of Rice University in the creation of the Baker Institute for Public Policy on that campus. My wife Susan and I will greatly miss him, and we send our deepest sympathy to his entire family.”

The Baker Institute for Public Policy mourns the loss of Stephen Chazen, a devoted and visionary member of its Board of Advisors

“A beautiful and bright light of honor, thoughtfulness and elegance went out today with the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, whose 70-year reign was a beacon for her countrymen as well as those in the West who admired her enduring spirit.”

“History will remember Mikhail Gorbachev as a giant who steered his great nation toward democracy. He played the critical role in a peaceful conclusion of the Cold War by his decision against using force to hold the empire together. I found him to be an honest broker and could count on his word despite domestic pressure in Moscow. The free world misses him greatly.”

U.S. investment in scientific research has stagnated over the last four decades. Neal F. Lane, senior fellow in science and technology policy at the Baker Institute, and Norm Augustine, former chairman and CEO of Lockheed Martin, penned a letter to congressional leadership outlining the challenges facing American research and development (R&D) and the potential impacts of declining federal science funding.

Neal Lane, senior fellow for science and technology policy, remembers his friend and former White House colleague Jack Gibbons, who died in July at age 86.

Edward Djerejian, founding director of Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and former U.S. ambassador to Syria and Israel, issued the following statement on the passing of former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

The James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy mourns the loss of Nelson Mandela, a great leader and humanitarian wholly committed to the creation of a multiracial, democratic South Africa.