Two leading scientists were honored at Oxford Science Park, one of Europe’s leading locations for science and technology companies.
The first and second buildings on Lot 16 will be named after experimental psychologist Professor Susan Iversen CBE FMedSci and Nobel Prize-winning theoretical physicist Professor Sir Anthony Leggett FRS HonFInstP.
Both are former Fellows of Magdalen College Oxford, the majority owner of the park.
The 86,000-square-foot Iversen Building laboratory and office complex, due for completion in summer 2023, will provide high-quality growth space for science and technology companies.
The 78,500 square foot Leggett Building is completed the following year.
The two scientists – both now in their 80s – were honored at a naming ceremony on Friday (September 16) where contractor John Sisk & Son presented TOSP with a time capsule commemorating the event.
The capsule, which contained a copy of the daily newspaper, construction plans and a list of contractors, is engraved with the logos of the buildings designed to reflect the scientists’ research.
Professor Iversen is Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of Oxford and her research interests have included neurotransmitters in the brain and pharmacological treatments of brain disorders.
She is the first woman to name a building in Oxford Science Park after her.
Professor Leggett is a world leader in the theory of low-temperature physics and received the 2003 Nobel Prize in Physics for research into superfluidity.
The Iversen Building is the next laboratory building to be completed in Oxford amid extremely high demand, according to research by Bidwells.
Construction work is well advanced and completion is expected in summer 2023.
Rory Maw, CEO of The Oxford Science Park, said: “With the naming of The Iversen and Leggett Buildings, we are delighted to continue our tradition of honoring outstanding Magdalen College scholars and their scientific contributions.
“These leading researchers will no doubt inspire the growing science and technology companies that will occupy the facilities.
“The two new buildings are part of TOSP’s accelerated growth strategy following the formation of the joint venture with GIC last year and provide quality and much-needed space for Oxford’s thriving innovation ecosystem.”
Ajaz Shafi, COO of John Sisk & Son, said: “John Sisk & Son is proud to provide one of the UK’s pre-eminent science and technology hubs at Oxford Science Park.
“The naming of the two buildings on plot 16 after two renowned scholars and former fellows of Magdalen College is a fitting tribute.
“Work on site is progressing well and we look forward to leaving a lasting legacy in the Oxford community.”
Pictured: Rory Maw, CEO of TOSP, with Grant Mears of SISK
