Rice University’s Religion and Public Life Program (RPLP) is harnessing the power of the social sciences to do research that will help people understand each other, foster dialogue, break down stereotypes, and learn how to work together more effectively for the common good. The RPLP tackles controversial topics—some of the most pressing and polarizing issues of our time—through research and then translates that research, bringing together academic experts, faith leaders, and other constituents for events designed to advance dialogue about religion in public life.