Counterpoint:

    The V2C identified three areas of central importance for our engagement with Houston: energy, health care and urban studies.  Only health care is mentioned in the arguments for the merger. 

    It is a major strategic mistake leave out of our discussion energy and urban studies, areas that are extremely important for Houston, which continues to be the energy capital of the world.

   

    Rick Smalley made the following passionate plea in a testimony to the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources in 2004:

“Energy is the single most important challenge facing humanity today.  As we peak in oil production and worry about how long natural gas will last, life must go on.  Somehow we must find the basis for energy prosperity for ourselves and the rest of humanity for the 21st century.  By the middle of this century we should assume we will need to at least double world energy production from its current level, with most of this coming from some clean, sustainable, CO2-free source.”

Rice researchers have made significant advances in this area. If the merger occurs, however, will Rice have the financial resources to invest in implementing Rick Smalley’s vision to meet the single most important challenge facing humanity today?

Point:

From the Rice-BCM site - Question 3

Merging with a medical school allows Rice to better serve and support its community, which is part of its mission. The combined institution offers huge potential benefits for its students and faculty, for the Texas Medical Center, for the city of Houston and, based on the leaders it produces and research breakthroughs it fosters, for the world. Support in the Houston community is very strong for the merger because of the benefits to the city, as well as the two institutions.