Time contributors Amal Clooney and Philippa Webb highlight a widening global justice gap—where women’s rights often exist “only on paper” and underserved communities lack legal support—and argue that artificial intelligence could be a force for inclusion if governed responsibly. Drawing on their work co-founding the Oxford Institute of Technology and Justice with the Blavatnik School of Government at Oxford University and the Clooney Foundation for Justice, they describe AI-powered tools that help women in Malawi understand their rights and connect to pro bono lawyers, assist threatened journalists with real-time legal support, and accelerate legal processes like protection orders in ways that make legal systems more accessible and humane. Webb and Clooney also underscore the need to pair innovation with safeguards, tracking AI’s use in courts and training judges to ensure fairness. The Blavatnik School plays a central role in shaping this work by combining research, policy engagement, and convening power to guide how new technologies serve the public good.
The University of Oxford has acquired St Paul’s Church in Jericho, Oxford, for the Blavatnik School of Government, helping to ensure this important local building can be protected for the years ahead. This has been made possible by the generosity of the School’s founding donor, Sir Leonard Blavatnik. Ngaire Woods, Dean of the School, said: "The University has a strong record of investing in high-quality spaces for both the academic community and the wider public. We are proud of our new neighbour, the recently opened Schwarzman Centre, which has already created an exceptional new public and cultural space for Oxford in the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter. In the same spirit, we are committed to bringing St Paul's back into safe and usable condition to then determine how the building can best further the mission of the School and the wider community. We are immensely grateful to Sir Leonard Blavatnik for the extraordinary vision he has shown in supporting the School’s values and ambitions."
This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Blavatnik School of Government’s building, since its opening. Created by architects Herzog & de Meuron, the building won a 2016 RIBA National Award as a “modern cathedral of learning” and was formally opened by HRH The Prince of Wales. “We wanted a building that would bring people together around a central heart and express the values of openness, transparency and collaboration,” said Professor Ngaire Woods, the School’s founding Dean. “This building, made possible by the vision and generosity of Sir Leonard Blavatnik, is as resolutely modern as our approach to solving some of the toughest governance challenges in the world.”
A new scholarship for Greek citizens to study at Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government was announced today. The Blavatnik Scholarship for Greece will enable future public leaders from Greece to study the Master of Public Policy (MPP) course, a one-year immersive graduate degree designed for those who want to make a positive impact on society through their community, country, or region. The scholarship will cover both course fees and living expenses. Speaking at the School today, Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis said: “I am delighted that this scholarship will be available for public leaders in Greece. Blavatnik School students are passionate about public service. It will be a difficult choice between many talented candidates who will want to strengthen their skills at this prestigious institution.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Inamori Foundation has announced the recipients of the 2025 Kyoto Prize, often referred to as Japan's equivalent to the Nobel Prize, recognising transformative achievements in the fields of Advanced Technology, Basic Sciences, and Arts and Philosophy. The Blavatnik School of Government will welcome the laureates in 2026 as part of the Kyoto Prize at Oxford, which unites world-class thinkers with future policymakers in a unique celebration of the breakthroughs which shape a better world. The Kyoto Prize Laureates for 2025 include Shun-ichi Amari, Azim Surani, and Carol Gilligan.
Providing many of the world's best researchers, scientists, and universities with support, and funding to discover breakthroughs that solve humankind's greatest challenges.
The Foundation contributes to renowned institutions that showcase the breadth of arts and culture, including performance, exhibition and education.
The Blavatnik Archive is a nonprofit foundation dedicated to preserving and disseminating materials that contribute to the study of 20th-century Jewish and world history, with a special emphasis on World War I, World War II, and Soviet Russia.
