The Paulson Family Foundation announced an additional $19 million donation to Hebrew University. Together with the foundation's previous donation of $27 million, this brings its total support to $46 million. The donation will be used for expansion of a state-of-the-art research and teaching complex dedicated to STEM disciplines critical to Israel's high-tech future. The combined gifts represent one of the largest donations ever received by the Hebrew University, and represent a significant investment in Israeli higher education and innovation.

Researchers from UC San Diego report that an expanded, school-based tobacco prevention program in California was associated with significantly lower rates of smoking and vaping among middle and high school students. Using data from more than 160,000 students statewide, the researchers found that students attending schools receiving TUPE funding were about 20% less likely to use tobacco overall and 23% less likely to vape compared with students in schools without TUPE funding, even after accounting for demographic and regional differences.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Advance Translational Research (HEPI Policy Note 67), authored by Rose Stephenson, Director of Policy and Strategy at HEPI, and Lan Murdock, Senior Corporate Communications Manager at Taylor & Francis, draws on discussions at a roundtable of higher education leaders, researchers, AI innovators and funders, as well as a range of research case studies, to evaluate the future role of AI in translational research.

STEM education, emphasizing innovation and practical skills, is a global priority. However, integrating it systematically into core national curricula remains a challenge. A new study reveals that a school in Shanghai has developed a replicable “Chinese-Style STEM” model. This Deep Integration Teaching approach successfully achieves deep subject integration, thematic learning, and competency development without increasing instructional hours or student workload.