If $M$ is a <i>hyperfinite type $I\!I\!I_1$ factor</i>, then (at least conjecturally), its group of outer automorphisms is a $K(\mathbb Z,3)$. This is based on the following three properties of that von Neumann algebra:<br> • The group of unitary central elements of $M$ is a circle, and thus a $K(\mathbb Z,1)$.<br> • The group of unitaries in $M$ is contractible.<br> • The automorphism group of $M$ is contractible (conjectural). To see that $\operatorname{Out}(M)\cong K(\mathbb Z,3)$, apply the long exact sequence of homotopy groups to the following two fiber sequences: \begin{gather*} U(Z(M)) \to U(M) \to \operatorname{Inn}(M) \\ \operatorname{Inn}(M) \to \operatorname{Aut}(M) \to \operatorname{Out}(M). \end{gather*} <hr> As a consequence, we also get that ${\operatorname B}{\operatorname{Out}(M)}\cong K(\mathbb Z,4)$. I recommend my talk "[A <i>K</i>(ℤ,4) in nature][1]" (MSRI, April 2014), for an explanation of how to realize $\operatorname{Out}(M)$ as the automorphism group of a naturally occurring mathemtical object. [1]: http://www.msri.org/workshops/689/schedules/18246