We bring together some of the best brains – a dietician, writer, scientist, systems thinker and more – to cook up up new ideas and solutions to shift how we think about food for the better. They will serve inspired visions for changing the way we eat, produce and understand why food is so important. Food makes us who we are. The ways we eat together change lives and communities.

Discover the fascinating world in our foodways and systems, such as advanced AgTech for smart crops and sustainable farming; the science and culture of eating; and stories of culinary innovations influencing our tastes, markets and social feeds.

This Sydney Ideas event is presented with the support of City of Parramatta as part of Parramatta Lanes, one of Sydney’s most exciting street festivals held over four massive nights this 22-25 October. It transforms the city's streets, laneways and car parks into a playground of Eats, Beats and Art.

• Juliet Bennett, a researcher applying critical social theory to systems of food production and consumption;
• Shadia Djakovic, a dietician bringing extensive experience in nutrition and health promotion;
• Peng Zhang, who is using advanced biotechnology and genetic techniques to grow resilient and disease-resistant crops such as wheat;
• Sophie Gee (host), English professor, co-host of the popular literary classics podcast The Secret Life of Books, and author of The Barbarous Feast: Writing and Eating in the Eighteenth-Century World (forthcoming, Princeton University Press);
• Plus, performance by Sydney Conservatorium of Music's (SCM) Chinese Music Ensemble, led by SCM lecturer Nicholas Ng.

Sydney Ideas is the University of Sydney's flagship public talks program. We believe in the value of ideas that make a difference and have been bringing leading thinkers from around the world to the Sydney community since 2006. In 2025, the University of Sydney proudly celebrates 175 years of serving the community as Australia’s first university, founded on principles of merit and equity. 

Parramatta Lanes is one of Sydney’s most exciting street festivals held over four massive nights this 22-25 October. It transforms the city's streets, laneways and car parks into a playground of food, music and art. Explore 20 vibrant festival sites packed with 80+ street food stalls and pop-up bars, eye-catching art installations and 200+ international and local music acts. From hidden party spots to rooftop hangs, this one-of-a-kind festival is packed with an amazing program and entry is free.