About the Ken Kennedy Institute

Our Mission

The Ken Kennedy Institute at Rice University fosters world-class foundational and use-inspired research in AI and Computing and enables its transformative use across diverse disciplines to solve global challenges, driven by the highest ethical principles. We aim to position Rice at the forefront of Responsible AI with an emphasis on health, urban communities, and resilient futures.

We serve as the nexus for AI and Computing research at Rice by:

Providing financial support to establish research thrusts that cross departmental lines
Pursuing external funding to expand research in our areas of interest
Fostering an intellectual community of researchers to provide fertile ground for collaborations to emerge organically
Organizing events that bring the world to Rice to promote our faculty’s excellence and initiate partnerships beyond Rice
Supporting multidisciplinary research for students through fellowships and assistantships

Our Vision

A world where research and innovation in AI and Computing empower all people to improve the human condition.

Our Values

Scientific excellence and forward thinking in AI and Computing
Community building for interdisciplinary innovation
Responsible research and applications for enduring benefit to society

Our Goals

Fostering Foundational Research | Advancing the fundamental theories and methodologies of AI and Computing, with a strategic focus on long-term discovery.
Transcending Boundaries through Interdisciplinary Collaboration | Invent novel cutting-edge AI and Computing to solve problems of global importance.
Championing Responsible AI | Develop and deploy AI to benefit society with a commitment to transparency, ethical responsibility, fairness, and inclusivity.

Check out the Ken Kennedy Institute's brochure for an overview of our research, related activities, and impact.
Click the image below to open the brochure as a PDF in your browser.