The Life and Mind Building is one of the University of Oxford’s newest and most innovative conference and event venues. Opened in 2025, this landmark building combines striking contemporary architecture with flexible, state-of-the-art facilities in the heart of Oxford’s Science Area.

The venue features three lecture theatres seating up to 150 delegates each, with two combining to create a 300-seat plenary space. Additional spaces include seminar and breakout rooms, teaching laboratories, and an executive boardroom and dining room on Level 4, both offering panoramic views across Oxford. The flexible atrium is ideal for exhibitions, poster presentations, networking and a range of catering and hospitality requirements, while the Level 3 Outdoor Terrace, with views over Oxford’s dreaming spires, provides a memorable setting for drinks receptions, corporate hospitality and private functions.

A range of catering packages from BaxterStorey, our in-house catering team, can be added to your booking, including breakfasts, refreshments, working lunches, meze boards, afternoon teas, drinks receptions, canapés and fine dining.

Located on South Parks Road, opposite University Parks, the venue is within easy walking distance of Oxford city centre, colleges, museums and transport links. With contemporary facilities, on-site technical support and flexible catering, the Life and Mind Building offers an exceptional setting for events of all sizes.

The Life and Mind Building, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3EL

This venue offers...

Conference / Meeting
Lunch
Dinner
Drinks Reception
Christmas Function
Summer School
Filming

Did you know...

Lecture Theatre 1

Lecture Theatre 1

Our lecture theatres combine high-quality presentation technology, professional audio, hybrid conferencing, lecture capture and accessible listening systems to deliver an exceptional experience for both in-person and remote audiences. Lecture Theatres 1 and 2 offer exceptional flexibility for conferences and large-scale events. Separated by an automated Skyfold acoustic wall, the spaces can operate independently or be combined at the touch of a button to create a single lecture theatre accommodating up to 300 delegates. This versatile configuration is ideal for keynote presentations, plenary sessions, seminars and conferences, supported by integrated AV technology, hybrid event capabilities and professional audio systems.

Venue Capacity

  • 150 Theatre
Lecture Theatre 2

Lecture Theatre 2

Our lecture theatres combine high-quality presentation technology, professional audio, hybrid conferencing, lecture capture and accessible listening systems to deliver an exceptional experience for both in-person and remote audiences. Lecture Theatres 1 and 2 offer exceptional flexibility for conferences and large-scale events. Separated by an automated Skyfold acoustic wall, the spaces can operate independently or be combined at the touch of a button to create a single lecture theatre accommodating up to 300 delegates. This versatile configuration is ideal for keynote presentations, plenary sessions, seminars and conferences, supported by integrated AV technology, hybrid event capabilities and professional audio systems.

Venue Capacity

  • 150 Theatre
Lecture Theatre 1 & 2 Combined

Lecture Theatre 1 & 2 Combined

Our lecture theatres combine high-quality presentation technology, professional audio, hybrid conferencing, lecture capture and accessible listening systems to deliver an exceptional experience for both in-person and remote audiences. Lecture Theatres 1 and 2 offer exceptional flexibility for conferences and large-scale events and can be combined at the touch of a button to create a single lecture theatre accommodating up to 300 delegates. This versatile configuration is ideal for keynote presentations, plenary sessions, seminars and conferences, supported by integrated AV technology, hybrid event capabilities and professional audio systems.

Venue Capacity

  • 300 Theatre
Lecture Theatre 3

Lecture Theatre 3

Our lecture theatres combine high-quality presentation technology, professional audio, hybrid conferencing, lecture capture and accessible listening systems to deliver an exceptional experience for both in-person and remote audiences.

Venue Capacity

  • 150 Theatre
Seminar 1

Seminar 1

A flexible seminar space ideal for meetings, workshops and training events, featuring integrated AV technology, video conferencing, wireless presentation and accessible hearing support. The room is also home to the Pond Collection, a fascinating display reflecting the work and legacy of renowned zoologist Dr Caroline Pond, offering delegates a unique opportunity to engage with Oxford's world-leading scientific heritage while enjoying a distinctive and inspiring event setting.

Venue Capacity

  • 26 Boardroom
  • 34 Classroom
  • 60 Theatre
Seminar 2

Seminar 2

A flexible seminar space ideal for meetings, workshops and training events, featuring integrated AV technology, video conferencing, wireless presentation and accessible hearing support.

Venue Capacity

  • 34 Boardroom
  • 34 Classroom
  • 60 Theatre
Seminar 3

Seminar 3

Flexible seminar spaces ideal for meetings, workshops and training events. Rooms 3, 4 and 5 can be used individually or combined to create a larger event space, complete with integrated AV technology, video conferencing, wireless presentation and accessible hearing support.

Venue Capacity

  • 22 Boardroom
  • 22 Classroom
  • 60 Theatre
Seminar 4

Seminar 4

Flexible seminar spaces ideal for meetings, workshops and training events. Rooms 3, 4 and 5 can be used individually or combined to create a larger event space, complete with integrated AV technology, video conferencing, wireless presentation and accessible hearing support.

Venue Capacity

  • 22 Classroom
  • 60 Theatre
Seminar 5

Seminar 5

Flexible seminar spaces ideal for meetings, workshops and training events. Rooms 3, 4 and 5 can be used individually or combined to create a larger event space, complete with integrated AV technology, video conferencing, wireless presentation and accessible hearing support.

Venue Capacity

  • 20 Classroom
  • 60 Theatre
Seminar 3-5 Combined

Seminar 3-5 Combined

A versatile combined event space formed from Seminar Rooms 3, 4 and 5, ideal for larger workshops, training sessions, breakout events and networking, with integrated AV technology, hybrid conferencing and accessible hearing support.

Venue Capacity

  • 72 Cabaret
  • 76 Classroom
  • 150 Theatre
Seminar 6

Seminar 6

A flexible seminar space ideal for meetings, workshops and training events, featuring integrated AV technology, video conferencing, wireless presentation and accessible hearing support.

Venue Capacity

  • 34 Boardroom
  • 40 Classroom
  • 60 Theatre

Seminar 7

A flexible seminar space ideal for meetings, workshops and training events, featuring integrated AV technology, video conferencing, wireless presentation and accessible hearing support.

Venue Capacity

  • 28 Classroom
  • 60 Theatre

Seminar 8

A flexible seminar space ideal for meetings, workshops and training events, featuring integrated AV technology, video conferencing, wireless presentation and accessible hearing support.

Venue Capacity

  • 28 Classroom
  • 60 Theatre
Seminar 7 & 8 Combined

Seminar 7 & 8 Combined

A flexible combined event space formed from Seminar Rooms 7 and 8, accommodating up to 140 delegates in a lecture theatre layout. Ideal for presentations, workshops and breakout sessions, with integrated AV technology, hybrid conferencing and accessible hearing support.

Venue Capacity

  • 40 Boardroom
  • 60 Classroom
  • 140 Theatre
Atrium

Atrium

A stunning central event space ideal for conferences, exhibitions, poster presentations, networking events and drinks receptions. The Atrium offers a flexible, light-filled setting for delegates and can be used alongside conferences and events throughout the building.
Executive Boardroom

Executive Boardroom

Located on the top floor of the Life and Mind Building, the Executive Boardroom offers views across Oxford and it's iconic dreaming spires. Ideal for board meetings, strategy sessions, client presentations and VIP events, with integrated AV technology and video conferencing facilities.

Venue Capacity

  • 30 Boardroom
Dining Room

Dining Room

An elegant dining and events venue with stunning views over Oxford's dreaming spires. Ideal for fine dining, drinks receptions, canapé events, presentations and corporate hospitality, offering a sophisticated setting for memorable occasions.

Venue Capacity

  • 120 Dining
  • 160 Receptions
  • 160 Theatre
Outdoor Terrace

Outdoor Terrace

A premium outdoor venue with stunning views over Oxford's dreaming spires, ideal for drinks receptions, networking events, corporate hospitality and private functions. The Level 3 Terrace offers a unique open-air setting that adds a memorable dimension to conferences and events.
Teaching Laboratory 1

Teaching Laboratory 1

Offer your delegates a truly unique experience in our state-of-the-art Teaching Laboratories. Ideal for practical workshops, STEM engagement activities, demonstrations and educational events, these specialist spaces provide an inspiring environment that brings science, discovery and innovation to life within one of Oxford's newest academic landmarks.
Teaching Laboratory 2

Teaching Laboratory 2

Offer your delegates a truly unique experience in our state-of-the-art Teaching Laboratories. Ideal for practical workshops, STEM engagement activities, demonstrations and educational events, these specialist spaces provide an inspiring environment that brings science, discovery and innovation to life within one of Oxford's newest academic landmarks.
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