With a theme of “Bridging Science and Education along the Coffee Value Chain”, the summit promises two days of in-depth exploration into cutting-edge research, hands-on workshops, and curated tasting sessions, offering insights across the coffee value chain. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of topics ranging from plant breeding to packaging innovation and sensory science.
A Line-Up of Thought Leaders
The summit features a stellar lineup of keynote speakers and experts, including:
- Dr. Sabine Parrish (University of Aberdeen): Exploring the intersection of social sciences and coffee research, Dr. Parrish will highlight the importance of socio-economic and cultural factors in shaping equitable and sustainable coffee systems.
- André Eiermann: Taking attendees on a global journey of modern espresso evolution, Eiermann combines scientific findings with practical applications to address consistency and quality in coffee preparation.
Other notable contributors include Dr. Veronica Belchior of World Coffee Research, who will delve into advancements in coffee breeding, and Prof. Dr. Selçuk Yildirim of ZHAW, offering insights into sustainable packaging aligned with emerging EU regulations.
Workshops and Interactive Sessions
Interactive workshops are among the event’s highlights, offering hands-on opportunities to deepen understanding of key scientific and technical aspects of coffee. Topics include:
- Customizing water for coffee brewing, led by Dr. Marco Wellinger of ZHAW.
- Understanding the SCA’s Coffee Value Assessment system, presented by Peter Giuliano, the association’s Chief Research Officer.
- Exploring the chemistry behind coffee aroma, guided by Dr. Samo Smrke and Prof. Dr. Irene Chetschik.
These workshops aim to equip coffee professionals with actionable knowledge to implement innovative techniques and tools in their respective fields.
Key Objectives and Opportunities
The summit sets ambitious goals to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, bridge academia and industry, and promote innovation across the coffee value chain. It also provides a platform for young scientists and industry experts to present their findings through short “flash talks,” offering fresh perspectives on critical topics such as climate change, sustainability, and emerging technologies in coffee.
The event also includes unique experiences, such as a tour of ZHAW’s Coffee Excellence Center and an evening reception in Zurich, providing networking opportunities in a relaxed setting.
Event Details
- Date: February 6–7, 2025
- Location: ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Wädenswil, Switzerland
- Tickets: Limited to 140 seats, priced at CHF 650 for a two-day pass
Shaping the Future of Coffee
The Coffee Science and Education Summit marks a significant step forward in uniting science, education, and coffee craftsmanship. As the industry faces challenges from climate change to consumer demands for sustainability, this event promises to deliver solutions through collaboration and innovation.
Tickets are limited, and coffee professionals are encouraged to secure their spot for this one-of-a-kind event. For more details on the program and registration, visit the official event page.