How can we eat well to live longer, feed future populations, and sustain planetary health? What's the science behind creating the world's most resilient hybrid wheat?

Food makes us who we are. The ways we eat together change lives and communities. 

In this Sydney Ideas event, we bring together some of the best brains to cook 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. 

• Juliet Bennett, a researcher applying critical social theory to systems of food production and consumption;
• Rebecca Cross, rural and environment geographer with insight into sustainable, regenerative farming and agricultural practices;
• Shadia Djakovic, a dietician bringing extensive experience in nutrition and health promotion;
• Alice Gibson, researcher exploring emerging hybrid food environments, with expertise in the prevention and dietary management of chronic health diseases;
• 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.

• Wednesday 22 October: Juliet Bennett, Rebecca Cross and Shadia Djakovic
• Thursday 23 October: Alice Gibson and Peng Zhang

Host Sophie Gee and SCM Chinese Music Ensemble will appear on both nights. 

We're also recording the event so you can catch up on-demand later if you can't make it along live but for the best experience, we recommend you come along to one or both nights and make it an experience. Beyond (Sydney) Ideas, there's stacks of great Eats, Beats and Art to experience at Parramatta Lanes. 

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.