Next symposium

Our 2024 theme can encompass a wide array of disciplines and perspectives, ranging from art and the humanities through the physical, biological and social sciences, to the realms of the policy-maker and, especially, the practitioner laboring in the kitchen, orchard, or garden.

Symposiasts voted for “Gardens, Flowers, & Fruits” at the conclusion of our (exclusively online) 2021 symposium: it was an optimistic moment, with a fresh, almost spring-like sense of renewal as the pandemic was slowly receding, yet it was cast against the backdrop of how quickly our fragile lifestyles can change. Our selection of “Gardens, Flowers, & Fruits” reflects that precarious balance, celebrating the joys of the natural world while conscious of the significant stresses in our environment.

For those of you familiar with St Catz, this year’s meeting sites will be different from the ones you have previously experienced, as many of our usual spaces are undergoing essential renovations. New pavilions will take the place of the dining hall, lecture theatre, and seminar rooms, while the en-suite bedrooms remain unaffected and will be available for those choosing to stay at the College. Click the button below for more information.

An immersive Weekend and beyond

The Weekend will be a full-time immersion in gatherings for keynote talks, papers, meals as well as educational and other inspiring activities. Online, recordings, additional content, panel discussions and social meetings will then follow during the Conference, until the Grand Online-Finale of the Symposium.

Keynote Speakers

Annalisa Marzano, PhD, SFHEA, FRHistS, FSA, MAE Professore Ordinario di Archeologia Classica, Dipartimento di Storia Culture Civiltà, Università di Bologna Co-Director The Casa della Regina Carolina Project at Pompeii.

Carolyn Steel MA (Cantab) ARBHungry City: How Food Shapes Our Lives (2008) and Sitopia: How Food Can Save the World (2020), London School of Economics  inaugural Studio Director of the Cities Programme. Non-executive director of Kilburn Nightingale Architects in London, Sitopia Farm Advisory Board member. 2009 TED Global talk has received 1.4 million views. www.carolynsteel.com

Cristina Mazzoni Wolfgang & Barbara Mieder Green & Gold Professor of Italian, School of World Languages and Cultures, University of Vermont.

Guest Chefs

Arthur Potts Dawson Executive Chef at Omved Gardens in London, founder member of  Chefs Manifest ,Head of Strategic Partnerships and Sustainability at Feed Me Seymour and a UN World Food Program Advocacy Chef.

Thomas Zacharias Chef founder of The Locavore, other initiatives are the Wild Food Project and the Millet Revival Project.

Cordula Peters with Young Chefs’ 2024: Phoebe Boatwright; Sarah Cremona; Iines Ramark
A former OFS Young Chef, German born artist, designer, educator, and chef, Dr. Cordula C. Peters is the Young Chef’s mentor for 2024 and Sous Chef at Glyndebourne Opera House overseeing the Nether Wallop restaurant on site.

Fun at St Catz: Following the theme of our topic, Symposiasts are asked to bring one or more floral tisanes from where they reside and/or some homemade or local fruit jams/jellies or floral honeys. These offerings should reflect the culinary and cultural traditions of one’s home or heritage; the more unusual, curious, or localized the better!  Please label the item e.g.  Seville Orange Marmalade; Lychee Flower Honey; Arctic Flower tea… Tisanes will be included in the tea and coffee breaks and  jam/jelly/ honey station will be available at breakfast.  Travel and packing reminder for international Symposiasts: The items should be suitable for carrying to and from the Symposium. For example, anything liquid/gel like must be less than 100ml for hand luggage. For checked luggage, pack well in case of spillage.

A Symposium for everyone

We anticipate a high level of enthusiasm and while there is a limit to the number of places at the in person event we’ll strive to make sure all voices are heard. If you can’t make it to St Catz, then join us at the unique online conference which follows.