Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy announces fall public programming

Lineup features U.S. Rep. Babin on space exploration, Dr. Mann and Dr. Hotez on science and disinformation, former World Bank president Zoellick on global trade, Córdova on women in science and innovation

Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, ranked the world’s No. 1 university-based think tank, today announced its fall 2025 lineup of public events.

As part of its mission to provide meaningful policy analysis on the most critical challenges facing Texas, the U.S. and the world, the institute presents timely programming that is free and open to the public with many events also available online to audiences worldwide.

Over the years, the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University has welcomed world leaders, policymakers and renowned experts to its stage as part of its mission to foster meaningful dialogue on critical global issues.

The Baker Institute’s fall slate will feature leading voices in science, health, energy, trade and foreign policy. Highlights include:

Aug. 27 – The Future of American Science: U.S. Representative Dr. Brian Babin (R-TX), chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, joins Rice’s Paul Cherukuri to discuss the nation’s role in space exploration, emerging technologies and scientific innovation.

Aug. 28 — 2nd annual Energy Conference: Powering Our Energy Future: Co-hosted with the University of Oklahoma’s Price School of Business, this conference will explore AI’s role in energy markets, demand growth, grid reliability and next-generation power generation.

Sep. 9 — Science Under Siege: Leading climate scientist Michael Mann and renowned vaccine researcher Dr. Peter Hotez will discuss the rising politicization of science and the threat of disinformation to policy and public health.

Sep. 11 — Baker Briefing Live: Rebuilding the Humanitarian Aid Sector: David M. Satterfield, director of the Baker Institute and former U.S. ambassador to Turkey, and Sonali Korde, MD Anderson Visiting Fellow, will examine the future of global humanitarian assistance following major U.S. aid cuts.

Sep. 24 — Global Trade & Economic Strategy: Former World Bank president and U.S. trade representative Robert B. Zoellick joins Baker Institute experts to discuss the future of U.S. trade policy amid global tensions.

Nov. 4 — Joni Sue Lane Lecture Series: A Conversation with Dr. France Córdova: The former director of the U.S. National Science Foundation will address the state of science funding and innovation at the inaugural installment of a new series on women in science and technology.

Nov. 5 — The Triumph of Economic Freedom: Former U.S. Sen. Phil Gramm will discuss the political and economic ideas that have shaped America’s prosperity.

Additional events will cover topics including national health reform, the U.S. and Mexico binational relationship and resilience in energy supply chains.

New events are added throughout the year, and the public is encouraged to join the Baker Institute mailing list to receive new event announcements directly in their inbox.

In 2024, the Baker Institute hosted more than 85 public events and welcomed over 5,000 people through its doors and over 17,000 virtually. Building on this record, the fall 2025 schedule reflects the institute’s role as a hub for timely dialogue, nonpartisan discourse and evidence-based policy solutions.

“This fall, the Baker Institute will once again serve as a forum for civil dialogue on the most pressing challenges of our time,” Satterfield said. “Our reputation for excellence has drawn some of the world’s most influential leaders — including seven U.S. presidents — and we are proud to continue that tradition with events that are free, open to the public and accessible online to audiences everywhere.”

The Baker Institute also offers individual and corporate membership opportunities through the Baker Roundtable. Members enjoy early access to high-demand tickets and invitations to member-exclusive programming, including a tour of the Houston ship harbor with former Harris County Judge Ed Emmett (Oct. 11) and the annual Fall Dinner Reception (Nov. 20).

For a full schedule of fall 2025 events and to learn more about membership, visit bakerinstitute.org/events/about.

Written by Avery Ruxer Franklin for Rice News.