The University of Westminster recently launched the SPARKX Lab, a new hands-on creative technology hub dedicated to studio production, applied research and knowledge exchange. Led by Grammy Award-winning Audio Innovation Technologist Natalia Milanesi, the lab serves as a platform where educators, students and industry professionals can come together to explore emerging audio and creative technologies in meaningful and practical ways.
Through workshops, demonstrations and collaborative projects, students are encouraged to experiment, ask critical questions and develop work that bridges academic learning with professional practice, building key skills for their future careers and fostering innovation in creative technology.
On 9 February, SPARKX Lab hosted its inaugural session with industry guest Freddy Vinehill-Cliffe, Product Specialist at Nugen Audio, who brought extensive experience in mastering and post-production.
The morning session focused on mixing and mastering tools applied to a real-world, commercially released project, giving students the opportunity to observe professionals in action. In the afternoon, students explored key technical aspects of post-production for film and television in multichannel formats. Students experienced immersive audio mixes firsthand and gained valuable insights into industry standards, workflow expectations and deliverable requirements across different professional contexts.
Further workshops will be run over the coming weeks and months with a range of industry collaborators who will bring the latest audio technologies for students to explore.
The initiative reflects the University of Westminster’s commitment to supporting students and graduates through employability, entrepreneurship and industry engagement opportunities. Initiatives such as SPARKX Lab demonstrate the growing emphasis on our practical collaboration with industry as the University prepares to open its dedicated Zone29 building this Spring.
Natalia Milanesi said: “As Project Lead of SPARKX Lab, my focus is on strengthening employability through meaningful industry exposure and adaptability. By connecting students directly with professionals, manufacturers and real-world workflows, we ensure they understand current industry standards and expectations, not just theory. In a sector shaped by rapid technological change, the ability to adapt, think critically and continue learning is essential. SPARKX Lab prepares students not only to enter the creative industries, but to thrive within them.”
Audio Production MA student Chi Hang Jason Mak said: “The Nugen Audio workshops were extremely helpful, exposing me to new tools used in both music production and TV post-production. I was particularly impressed by plugins such as Halo Upmix, which inspired me to explore surround sound and spatial audio in more depth. I would highly recommend this workshop to other audio students and enthusiasts. Both beginners and professionals can gain valuable insights as Nugen’s plugins offer features that many mainstream tools do not. I am very grateful to Natalia for organising the session and to Nugen Audio for providing free and inspiring education.”
Another student, Aiden Appleton, added: “I had a great discussion about broadcast standards and found it really useful to learn more about what they have to offer. It was also great to continue the conversation afterwards and gain further insight into mixing standards.”
SPARKX Lab directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4: Quality Education, 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about Music courses at the University of Westminster.
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