Scientists Susan Iversen and Anthony Leggett honoured at The Oxford Science Park

Two leading scientists have been honoured at The Oxford Science Park, one of Europe's leading locations for science and technology companies.

The first and second buildings on Plot 16 are being 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, which is the majority owner of the Park.

The 86,000 sq ft laboratory and office Iversen Building will be completed in the summer of 2023, providing high-specification grow-on space for science and technology companies.

The 78,500 sq ft Leggett Building will be completed the following year.

The two scientists – both of whom are now in their eighties – were honoured on Friday (September 16) at a naming ceremony in which building contractor John Sisk & Son presented TOSP with a time capsule to commemorate the event.

The capsule, which contained a copy of the day's newspaper, building plans and a list of contractors, is engraved with the logos of the buildings which have been designed to reflect the scientists’ research.

Professor Iversen is an Emeritus Professor of Psychology at the University of Oxford and her research interests included brain neurotransmitters and pharmacological treatments of brain diseases.

She is the first woman to have a building on The Oxford Science Park named after her.

Professor Leggett is a world leader in the theory of low temperature physics and was awarded the 2003 Nobel Prize in Physics for research on superfluidity.

The Iversen Building is the next laboratory building to complete in Oxford against a backdrop of extremely high demand, according to research from Bidwells.

Construction is well advanced, with completion expected in the summer of 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 honouring eminent Magdalen College Fellows and their scientific contributions.

"These leading researchers will doubtless 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 creation of the joint venture with GIC last year, providing high quality and much needed space for the thriving Oxford innovation ecosystem."

Ajaz Shafi, COO, John Sisk & Son, said: "John Sisk & Son is proud to be delivering one of the UK’s pre-eminent locations for science and technology at The Oxford Science Park.

"The naming of both buildings at Plot 16 after two renowned scientists and former Fellows of Magdalen College is a fitting tribute.

"Works are progressing well on site and we look forward to leaving a lasting legacy in the community of Oxford."

Pictured: Rory Maw, CEO of TOSP with Grant Mears of SISK