About the Smalley-Curl Institute
The Smalley-Curl Institute (SCI) at Rice University is a hub for interdisciplinary research at the frontiers of physics, chemistry, engineering, and nanotechnology. SCI is home to several major programs and centers, including:
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The Applied Physics Graduate Program (APP), one of the world’s premier interdisciplinary graduate programs focused on cutting-edge research and real-world impact.
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The Rice Quantum Initiative (RQI), which promotes transformative advances in quantum science and technology.
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The Rice Center for Quantum Materials (RCQM), which supports collaborative research in correlated quantum systems.
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The Center on Extreme Quantum Materials (eQMA), a national collaborative research center exploring emergent properties in quantum matter.
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The Rice Center for Cavity QED, dedicated to fundamental and applied research in cavity quantum electrodynamics and light-matter interaction.
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A Nanoscience & Chemistry Field of Inquiry, supporting nanoscale research in materials, energy, and life sciences.
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A growing set of Thematic Working Interest Groups (TWIGs) that foster cross-campus collaboration and increase competitiveness for large research proposals.
SCI continues to advance Rice University’s leadership in quantum science, nanotechnology, and interdisciplinary education. With strong support from the Rice Office of Research, the institute works to cultivate partnerships with agencies, institutions, and industry while fostering innovation and discovery through shared facilities and community-driven initiatives.
History of the Smalley-Curl Institute
The Smalley-Curl Institute was built on a foundation of pioneering research, scientific leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Its history reflects the evolution of some of Rice’s most important contributions to science and technology:
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1960s – Informal interdisciplinary collaborations begin at Rice in the field of molecular physics and quantum science.
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1965 – The Space Science and Technology building is established in collaboration with NASA.
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1967 – The USA Pavilion at the 1967 International Expo in Montreal features a geodesic dome designed by Richard Buckminster Fuller Jr. Richard Smalley and Harold Kroto attend separately observing the geodesic dome.
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1979 – The Rice Quantum Institute (RQI) is founded by Professors Richard E. Smalley, Robert F. Curl, and others to foster cross-disciplinary research in quantum science.
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1985 – Sean O'Brien and Jim Heath conduct experiments under the guidance of Professors Smalley and Curl, with Sir Harold Kroto, using a laser to vaporize graphite, detecting a stable molecular cluster of 60 carbon atoms. The group suggests a soccer-ball structure for the molecule in Nature paper calling it buckminsterfullerene (C₆₀)—a new form of carbon. This marks the beginning of the nanotechnology revolution.
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1990 – Smalley postulates the existence of carbon nanotubes. Bulk synthesis of C₆₀ fullerene achieved by Wolfgang Krätschmer and Donald Huffman, enable the verification of the structure by the scientific community.
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1990 – The Applied Physics Program (APP) is launched under RQI to offer interdisciplinary graduate education combining physics, chemistry, and engineering.
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1991 – Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are identified by Sumio Iijima.
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1993 – Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are identified independently by Sumio Iijima and Donald Bethune.
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1993 – Under Provost Neal Lane, Prof. Smalley founds and become the first director of the Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology (CNST), the world’s first dedicated research center for nanotechnology.
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1995 – Professor Randy Hulet publishes a landmark paper in Physical Review Letters: “Evidence of Bose-Einstein Condensation in an Atomic Gas with Attractive Interactions.”
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1996 – Profs. Smalley, Curl, and Kroto are awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the discovery of fullerenes.
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2000 – Under Neal Lane's advice, President Bill Clinton launches the National Nanotechnology Initiative.
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2003 – President George W. Bush signs the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act into Law. Smalley is the only non-politician present at the signing.
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2004 – Graphene isolated by Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov, launch the field of 2D materials.
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2005 – After the passing of Professor Smalley, CNST is renamed the Richard E. Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology. Wade Adams appointed director.
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2010 – Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov are awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics.
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2014 – The Rice Center for Quantum Materials (RCQM) is founded under Prof. Qimiao Si to lead fundamental research in quantum materials and build an international network.
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2015 – Rice merges the Rice Quantum Institute and the Smalley Institute to create the Smalley-Curl Institute, honoring both Smalley and Curl. Professor Naomi Halas becomes Director, with Alberto Pimpinelli as Executive Director.
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2021 – Rice launches the Rice Quantum Initiative (RQI) to expand efforts in quantum information science and technology and train future leaders in quantum research.
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2023 – SCI begins a renewal campaign with support from the Rice Office of Research, expanding staff, launching Thematic Working Interest Groups (TWIGs), and enhancing research collaboration.
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2024 – Professor Junichiro Kono is named Director of SCI, joining Professor Emilia Morosan (Director of RCQM) and Professor. Kaden Hazzard (Chair of the Rice Quantum Initiative) in shaping a unified vision for quantum science, nanoscience, and materials research at Rice.
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2025 - The first TWIG launched under the Smalley-Curl Institute becomes the Rice Center for Cavity QED with Songtao Chen and Alessandro Alabastri as co-directors.
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Present – Nanomaterials are involved in basic science and industrial applications – such as batteries, composites, and electronics.
Together, these milestones have shaped the Smalley-Curl Institute into a leading center for interdisciplinary science, dedicated to innovation, education, and discovery at the nanoscale and quantum frontiers.