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Aerial view of the Life and Mind Building and Oxford skyline.

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The Life and Mind Building has the potential to change the world. When work got underway in 2021, it was the largest building project the University had ever undertaken. On track to open in 2025, it will significantly enhance the way that psychological and biological sciences are undertaken in Oxford, helping researchers from around the world to solve some of our major global challenges. It will be home to the University's Department of Experimental Psychology and Department of Biology.

Funding and delivery of the building are being undertaken in partnership with Legal & General.

Photograph of the architect's model of the Life and Mind Building.

Vision

The project background, its aims and objectives.

Architect's rendering of the internal terrace on level 03 which is adjacent to a large external rooftop terrace. The meeting pockets on this level are infused with greenery to tie into the outdoors and provide a relaxing environment for users.

About Us

Who is the building for and who is involved in the project?

Architect's rendering of a section view through the Life and Mind Building.

The Design

Design concepts and current plans

Architect's rendering of the Life and Mind Building east facing façade at night.

News

Record of news and key milestones

October 2025

Oxford University opens landmark teaching and research facility to tackle major global challenges of life and mind

The Life and Mind Building, a £200 million world-class teaching and research facility with the potential to tackle...

The Life and Mind Building, a £200 million world-class teaching and research facility with the potential to tackle global challenges has opened in the heart of Oxford.

August 2025

Life and Mind Building to house new research centre for young people's mental health

The Oxford Centre for Emerging Minds Research will be established in The Life and Mind Building, following a £27...

The Oxford Centre for Emerging Minds Research will be established in The Life and Mind Building, following a £27 million gift from The Paul Foundation

July 2025

Construction partners mark practical completion milestone

Keys to The Life and Mind Building have been handed to the University's Professor Chris Kennard, Senior Responsible...

Keys to The Life and Mind Building have been handed to the University's Professor Chris Kennard, Senior Responsible Officer for the development, following completion of constr...

Keys to The Life and Mind Building have been handed to the University's Professor Chris Kennard, Senior Responsible Officer for the development, following completion of construction.

January 2025

Life and Mind Building set to change the world

CNN has recognised Oxford's Life and Mind Building as one of 11 architectural projects set to change the world...

CNN has recognised Oxford's Life and Mind Building as one of 11 architectural projects set to change the world in 2025

February 2023

Life and Mind Building construction tops out

This city-centre construction project is the first launched under the joint venture that led to the formation of Oxford...

This city-centre construction project is the first launched under the joint venture that led to the formation of Oxford University Development (OUD)

November 2021

Construction of the Life and Mind Building begins

This is the largest building project ever undertaken on behalf of the University and will be its largest teaching...

This is the largest building project ever undertaken on behalf of the University and will be its largest teaching and research facility

January 2021

Life and Mind Building gains planning consent

The University of Oxford and Legal & General have achieved planning permission for The University of Oxford’s...

The University of Oxford and Legal & General have achieved planning permission for The University of Oxford’s largest ever building project, the Life and Mind Building.

January 2021

Ineos Oxford Institute to be established in the Life and Mind Building

A new state of the art institute for antimicrobial research is to open at Oxford University thanks to a £100 million...

A new state of the art institute for antimicrobial research is to open at Oxford University thanks to a £100 million donation from Ineos.

December 2020

Tinbergen Building demolition work completed

Demolition work on the Tinbergen building has now been completed by contractors Erith. Construction of the new...

Demolition work on the Tinbergen building has now been completed by contractors Erith. Construction of the new Life and Mind Building is expected to start in June 2021.

October 2020

Legal & General delivery partnership announced

Legal & General announces £200m funding of Oxford University Life and Mind Building

October 2020

Planning application submitted

The University has submitted a planning application for the construction of the new Life and Mind Building. The...

The University has submitted a planning application for the construction of the new Life and Mind Building. The details are now available to view on Oxford City Council’s website...

The University has submitted a planning application for the construction of the new Life and Mind Building. The details are now available to view on Oxford City Council’s website.

August 2020 - RIBA Stage 3 design complete

The design team have delivered a completed RIBA Stage 3 (Detailed Design) package. This represents an important...

The design team have delivered a completed RIBA Stage 3 (Detailed Design) package. This represents an important milestone for the project following significant work with all Departments,...

The design team have delivered a completed RIBA Stage 3 (Detailed Design) package. This represents an important milestone for the project following significant work with all Departments, User Groups, the Project...

The design team have delivered a completed RIBA Stage 3 (Detailed Design) package. This represents an important milestone for the project following significant work with all Departments, User Groups, the Project Team and the University Estates team.