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Higher Education

Higher Education
November 18, 2025
USC School of Cinematic Arts Begins Planning for Construction of AI-Powered Production Studio

USC is betting big on the future of filmmaking, with planning now underway for a new $25 million virtual production studio. Funded by a donation from the Blavatnik Family Foundation, the new Blavatnik Center for Virtual Production will use camera tracking and artificial intelligence to generate immersive scenes for filming. Set to open in Fall 2027, the studio will allow students to film live action scenes in front of two massive LED panel walls, using advanced camera tracking and AI to create a moving immersive background, School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) Dean Elizabeth Daley stated in a press release shared in June announcing the project. The center will be built next to the Robert Zemeckis Center for Digital Arts, near campus at 3131 S Figueroa St. However, budget details and final blueprints are still in development, according to an email from SCA Associate Dean Kristin Borella.

Higher Education
October 27, 2025
Billboard’s 2025 Top Music Business Schools

Highlighting the colleges and universities providing the next generation of executives — and artists — with the skills to achieve music industry success. The Warner Music/Blavatnik Center for Music Business at Howard University equips students with skills and experience for nonperforming careers in the music industry, with a focus on developing social justice leaders, industry trailblazers and global game-changers. Students have access to executives, resources and opportunities. During the last academic year, the program welcomed more than 50 executives and artists to campus, including Grammy winners Poo Bear and Ne-Yo. Executives including RIAA senior vp Tom Clees and The Kelly Clarkson Show talent booker Christopher McDonald lent their expertise.

Higher Education
October 23, 2025
300/Atlantic Records Leaders Join Howard University’s Warner Music/Blavatnik Center

Rayna Bass and Selim Bouab have been appointed executives-in-residence at the Warner Music/Blavatnik Center for Music Business at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The pair are the co-presidents of 300 Entertainment and Atlantic Records Hip-Hop, R&B and Global Music. Bass and Bouab’s appointment is in keeping with the center’s goal to connect Howard University’s students with top executives in the global music industry. The program provides one-on-one mentorship, master classes and practical insights about executive leadership, creativity and the future of the business. “Howard University, together with the Warner Music/Blavatnik Center for Music Business, has a strong legacy of cultivating bold, creative leaders,” said Bass and Bouab in a joint statement. “That mission aligns with what we do at our label, and we’re excited to share our experiences and help raise up the next generation of music business innovators.”

Higher Education
October 6, 2025
Blavatnik School of Government and Clooney Foundation for Justice Unite to Harness AI for Global Justice

The Blavatnik School of Government at Oxford University and the Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ) today launched the Oxford Institute of Technology and Justice, the first global initiative dedicated to harnessing the power of AI for justice. Until now, no coordinated global effort has been dedicated to applying this century’s vast technological advancements to the field of international justice. The Institute brings together the Blavatnik School’s global convening power and leading research acumen with CFJ's unique track record providing free legal support in defense of free speech and women’s rights around the globe. In an event today at the Blavatnik School, renowned international law experts and Institute Co-Founders Amal Clooney and Philippa Webb outlined the Institute’s three focus areas: harnessing artificial intelligence to advance access to justice, promoting accountability for unlawful cyber operations and protecting human rights in trials in the digital age.

Higher Education
September 8, 2025
Alumnus Appointed Junior Minister in UK Government

Keir Mather, who completed his Master of Public Policy degree in 2021 at The Blavatnik School of Government, has been appointed as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the UK Government's Department for Transport, making him the youngest junior minister in modern times. He takes up the post after serving as an Assistant Government Whip since July 2024.

Higher Education
August 19, 2025
Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government Features Exclusive Interview with H.E. Amb. Simona-Mirela Miculescu, President of UNESCO’s 42nd General Conference

The Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford has published an exclusive interview with H.E. Ambassador Simona-Mirela Miculescu, the President of the 42nd session of UNESCO’s General Conference, conducted by Shoaib Rizvi, MPP alumnus and Canadian social innovator. In this wide-ranging discussion, Ambassador Miculescu reflects on UNESCO’s mission in an era of rising global polarisation, conflict, and instability.

Higher Education
August 1, 2025
The 25 Best U.S. Film Schools in 2025

Finding future collaborators and a strong alumni network continue to be some of the biggest selling points of film schools. But with cheap filmmaking tech (think iPhones) and access to nascent generative AI, the barrier to entry continues to lower for would-be directors, meaning the nation’s top film schools are rapidly updating facilities and curricula to keep pace with a changing industry. As Hollywood continues to contend with the realities of AI and emerging tech, the School of Cinematic Arts received an advantageous donation to give their students a leg up. A $25 million gift from the Blavatnik Family Foundation will establish a 15,000-square-foot center with wraparound LED panel walls, new lighting and camera systems, as well as two soundstages and classrooms.

Higher Education
July 14, 2025
Largest Fund of Its kind to Support Vulnerable Kids & Families

Struggling and vulnerable families and children are to be given a better start in life after a new government fund was announced today (Monday 14 July), which will provide them with the support and funding needed to access a better education, a safe home, and the caring supportive environment they need to flourish. The Better Futures Fund will support up to 200,000 children and their families over the next ten years by bringing together government, local communities, charities, social enterprises, investors, and philanthropists to work together to give children a brighter future. The launch is backed today by groups including Save the Children UK, The King’s Trust and Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government.

Higher Education
June 25, 2025
Blavatnik Family Foundation Makes $25 Million Donation to USC to Build Virtual Production Center

The family foundation of longtime showbiz investor and film producer Len Blavatnik has donated $25 million to USC‘s School of Cinematic Arts to establish the Blavatnik Center for Virtual Production. The 15,000-square foot center will help expand the university’s virtual production curriculum that aims to give students a foundation in all aspects of using virtual production and the generative AI tools that it requires. Blavatnik, founder of investment firm Access Industries, with interests ranging from Warner Music Group to A24.

Higher Education
June 25, 2025
The Future of Filmmaking? USC Gets $25 million for Virtual Production Center

Len Blavatnik’s family foundation has made a $25 million donation to the USC School of Cinematic Arts to create a virtual production center, the university said this week. The 15,000-square-foot center will house two stages with wraparound LED walls that students and industry professionals will use to gain experience with virtual production technology, USC said. The facility will also house camera tracking, performance capture and lighting systems, as well as classrooms and labs with computers equipped with real-time 3D design software and digital asset libraries. In an emailed statement, Blavatnik cited the importance of new technologies to the filmmaking process. “USC’s pioneering approach — building a virtual production studio for the future — makes this the right time and place to invest in our industry,” he said.

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