The tech entrepreneur who bought the Eagle and Child pub lives in California with his family, it can be revealed. 

The pub is changing hands after current owner St John's College struck a deal with the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT).

Earlier this month the institute, established eight years ago in Los Angeles by billionaire Larry Ellison, announced plans for a new laboratory campus at Oxford Science Park.

READ MORE: Expansion plans at John Radcliffe Hospital 

Now the tech company has bought the pub in St Giles from owners St John's College and says renowned architect Norman Foster will renovate it, adding a new restaurant.

This is Oxfordshire: The Eagle and ChildThe pub is famous for its links with JRR Tolkien - his literary group including CS Lewis was called the Inklings and they used to meet there.

Dr David Agus is the chief executive and founder of the Ellison Institute.

He said last week: "The Eagle and Child pub is a truly historic venue that has hosted some of the greatest minds Oxford has had to offer for over 300 years.  

“We are humbled and proud to be able to safeguard this treasured pub’s future and continue its legacy as a place for brilliant people to come together, including for our Ellison Scholars. 

Dr Agus is one of the world's leading doctors and pioneering biomedical researchers.

This is Oxfordshire: Dr David AgusHe is the founding director and chief executive of the Ellison Institute of Technology and a professor of medicine and engineering at the University of Southern California. 

A medical oncologist, Dr Agus leads a multidisciplinary team of researchers dedicated to the development and use of technologies to guide doctors in making health-care decisions tailored to individual needs.

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According to his website, he is an international leader in global health and approaches for personalised healthcare.

Dr Agus serves in leadership roles at the World Economic Forum and is co-chairman of the Global Health Security Consortium. ]He is also a CBS News contributor.

Dr. Agus’ three books The End of Illness, A Short Guide to a Long Life, and The Lucky Years: How to Thrive in the Brave New World of Health, are all New York Times and international bestsellers, with a new book, The Book of Animal Secrets: Nature’s Lessons for a Long and Happy Life, set for release in December 2023. 

He is a 2017 recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

This is Oxfordshire: The Eagle and ChildDr Agus lives in California with his wife, two children, and their dog, Georgie.

The Eagle and Child has been closed since 2020 when the pandemic hit.

READ MORE: Historic pub sold to technology institute

Real ale enthusiasts CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) welcomed the sale of the pub.

Its Oxford spokesman Dave Richardson said he hoped that the most historic parts of the pub will be retained when it is renovated.

No date has yet been announced for the reopening of the pub.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

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