On Wednesday 11 May we at the Blavatnik School of Government were delighted to welcome HRH The Duke of Cambridge to formally open our new home, and meet with students and staff.
Designed by architects Herzog & de Meuron, our new building support the School’s mission of inspiring and supporting better government and public policy around the world and has already received an award for ‘architectural excellence’ from the Royal Institute of British Architects.
During his visit, the Duke toured the building and met with some of our MPP and DPhil students to find out about their backgrounds, current studies and ambitions for the future. He also spoke to alumni and faculty members about their work and research.
In his speech at the formal opening, the Duke said: "In my visits to other countries, and around the United Kingdom, I meet many people who give remarkable service to their communities: elected officials, members of the armed forces, charity workers, medics and many others – people who are deeply committed to public service. Many of them are animated by dreams and visions of how their societies can be improved. I can see that the research carried out here and the skills taught here are a means of translating those dreams into practical reality."
The Duke’s visit was marked by the announcement of a new, permanent scholarship scheme to encourage talented students from the UK to study at the Blavatnik School, regardless of financial means. The new Duke of Cambridge Scholarship at the University of Oxford will fully fund a UK student to study for the MPP and share experiences with other students from across the world.
Professor Ngaire Woods, Dean of the Blavatnik School of Government, said: "The official opening of the School marks a special milestone for us. The presence of the Duke of Cambridge was a particular privilege, which we decided to mark with a gift that looks to the future. The Duke of Cambridge Scholarship at the University of Oxford will open an opportunity for future British leaders from all backgrounds. It has been made possible by the generosity of Leonard Blavatnik, donors to University College, and the University of Oxford."
Earlier in the day, the Duke officially opened the Weston Library, one of the University’s Bodleian Libraries which has recently undergone a £80million transformation; he also visited students at Magdalen College, one of the University’s oldest colleges, where he officially opened its new Longwall Library.
Professor Louise Richardson, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, said: "We are delighted that the Duke has been able to visit Oxford today to see some of our most ancient libraries as they are redeveloped for the 21st century, as well as our newest School in its wonderful futuristic building. The challenges facing the world today require sound public policy, good governance and creative thinking if they are to be tackled successfully. Thanks to the generosity of Mr Leonard Blavatnik, new generations of smart and ambitious students from around the world will receive the academic, professional and practical education necessary to improve public policy and global governance."
Image: HRH Duke of Cambridge meets some MPP students. From left: Lolakhon Jabbarova, Faiysal Alikhan, Steeve Simbert, Lindsay Evans Lee, Alice Budisatrijo, HRH Duke of Cambridge. On the right, from left Mr Len Blavatnik, Professor Ngaire Woods, Professor Louise Richardson.
See a photogallery from the event
Read a blog about the day from our MPP student Alice
Download the official press release from the University of Oxford below.
