Huge New Mathematics Institute Finally Opens

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Oxford’s mathematicians will be pleased to hear that the new Mathematics Institute has been formally opened, after nearly 10 years of planning.

The new department (named after the Oxonian who proved Fermat’s Last Theorem) will house six lecture theatres, over 300 offices, and have room for 500 researchers as well as 900 undergraduates.

This is the first time in years that the entire mathematics department has been based at one location – previously it was spread around three sites across Oxford.

All shiny and new

A spokesman said that the Institute is “architecturally sympathetic to the Oxford skyline.” This construction is just part of the redevelopment of the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, which was purchased by the University in 2003.

Other works to be completed include the Blavatnik School of Government, to be finished in 2015.

A video of theoretical scientists hard at work

David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Sience, said: “The opening of this fantastic building is great news for Oxford’s staff and students, who will soon be learning together in a stunning new space… Our top mathematicians help unlock the mysteries of science, and enable us to stay ahead in the global race.”