On 24 June, the University of Oxford held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Cyrus Poonawalla  Vaccines Research Building – a major new biomedical science facility that will become a world class centre for pandemic preparedness, infectious disease research and vaccine development.  

Following an invited design competition, the University of Oxford appointed internationally  renowned architecture practice NBBJ to design a new research facility for pandemic sciences and  vaccines research, at the Old Road Campus in Oxford.  

It will house more than 400 researchers drawn from across the University’s Medical Sciences  Division, including from the Jenner Institute, Pandemic Sciences Institute, Oxford Vaccine Group,  Department of Paediatrics and Nuffield Department of Medicine.  

Its state-of-the-art, highly secure laboratories will enable scientists to handle a variety of new and  emerging pathogens, identifying potential threats as they emerge and developing diagnostic tools,  vaccines and treatments to combat them. The building will also form a hub for clinical trials as  well as research on epidemiology, surveillance, social and behavioural sciences, policy and  ethics.  

Spearheaded by the world’s top ranked university, the project reflects the largest investment in a  pandemic research facility since the Covid-19 pandemic began.  

NBBJ’s design approach supports a flexible, collaborative research facility with a strong focus  on adaptability and sustainability to create an exceptional shared workplace for the research  teams. Wet and dry laboratories, a multi-functional seminar and lecture space, collaboration  space, café and other amenities will combine to create a new flagship building.  

Vertical connectivity will unite researchers and encourage collaboration through a choice of  digitally connected working environments with access to nature, daylight and a calming,  sustainable materials palette.  

The new complex will bring a vibrant new heart to the Old Road Campus, which is at the  forefront of the University of Oxford’s world-leading biomedical research. A café will open onto a  new square which will provide a shared biodiverse landscaped space. Using Passivhaus and  Net Zero Carbon principles, the building will meet the goals of the Zero Carbon Oxford  Partnership action plan.  

Darius Umrigar, Director of Science and Education at NBBJ said: “Designing for the future of  disease prevention is an absolute privilege. Building on our experience of working with the 

University of Oxford and other leading research institutions globally, we will design a high  performing and sustainable building, enabling a range of research teams to advance their  discovery and development of new cures for global infectious diseases.”  

Professor Chris Conlon, Professor of Infectious Diseases and Senior Responsible Officer for the  new building said: “We selected NBBJ because of their knowledge of the Old Road Campus,  their understanding of the research requirements, and how this needs to be provided within the  wider context of the University and local requirements.”