For over a century, the natural sciences have been a cornerstone of Rice University's academic mission. Since the first classes at the Rice Institute in 1912, which included mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology, science has been deeply embedded in our institution’s DNA.
In 1975, under the visionary leadership of President Norman Hackerman, an independent School of Natural Sciences was established at Rice, led by Dean William Gordon — one of the greatest scientific minds of the time and founder of the Arecibo Observatory. This was an era of great transformation at Rice, coinciding with the founding of the schools of Business, Music and Engineering. This pivotal moment in our history laid the groundwork for the remarkable advancements of the last 50 years that have made the Wiess School of Natural Sciences a beacon of scientific excellence.
As we celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2025, we look back at the milestone achievements that shaped scientific exploration at Rice. We recognize great educators, and we highlight ongoing work that continues to push boundaries and honor the legacy of those who paved the way. More importantly, we look forward with excitement to the next 50 years, knowing that the pioneering spirit of today’s scientists will lead to even greater accomplishments.
Our celebration of this anniversary is not just a tribute to the past but a bold affirmation of the future. This is especially important at this moment as the university establishes a new strategic vision for the coming decade. We invite you to join us in honoring our rich history and looking forward to the extraordinary discoveries that lie ahead.