Rice University and ExxonMobil join forces in a groundbreaking research agreement to pioneer global innovations in sustainable energy, climate, and water solutions.
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| Rice and ExxonMobil’s new partnership brings together cutting-edge science and industry to develop transformative clean energy and water solutions for a sustainable future. Image: Rice |
Houston, USA — April 15, 2025:
Rice University and ExxonMobil have entered into a landmark master research agreement, marking a bold step toward solving some of the world's most urgent energy and environmental challenges. The long-term collaboration will focus on advancing research in sustainable energy, climate resilience, and clean water technologies—leveraging Houston’s position as the global energy hub.
“This collaboration underscores Rice’s mission to accelerate long-lasting advances in sustainable energy,” said Reginald DesRoches, President of Rice University. “Combining Rice’s interdisciplinary innovation with ExxonMobil’s industry leadership allows us to deliver bold, scalable solutions that are both visionary and viable.”
The partnership will draw on Rice’s renowned strengths in materials science, high-performance computing, catalysis, and environmental engineering, while tapping into ExxonMobil’s extensive infrastructure and expertise in global energy systems. Together, they aim to create comprehensive strategies that support the global energy transition, aligning with Rice’s broader commitment to shaping sustainable futures.
Mike Zamora, president of ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Company, praised the agreement:
“We’re excited to partner with Rice to tackle the challenges ahead. This alliance is about unlocking new technologies that help meet the world’s growing energy needs while driving environmental progress.”
The first major project under the agreement, now underway, is led by Qilin Li, professor of civil and environmental engineering and co-director of the NEWT Center (Nanotechnology-Enabled Water Treatment). Her team is developing cutting-edge electrochemical oxidation processes to treat desalinated produced water from oil and gas operations—making it safe for reuse in agriculture, wildlife habitats, and industrial applications.
The research also investigates recovering ammonia and producing hydrogen during the treatment process—pushing the envelope of circular resource management and contributing to clean fuel innovation.
“This collaboration shows how Rice’s systems-based research approach can create powerful, real-world impact,” said Ramamoorthy Ramesh, Executive Vice President for Research at Rice. “Together with ExxonMobil, we are shaping a sustainable, science-driven future in energy and environmental stewardship.”
University officials confirmed that additional projects under the agreement are expected to launch soon, advancing both institutions’ leadership in energy innovation and global sustainability.
The Rice–ExxonMobil partnership exemplifies how academic-industry alliances can accelerate progress on climate and resource challenges—ushering in a future defined by resilience, collaboration, and innovation.