Clarendon–St John’s Academic Excellence Summit and Black-Tie Dinner

From The Organizing Committee, St John’s–Clarendon Academic Excellence Summit, 2026:

Get ready for an unforgettable showcase: short, powerful speeches condensed into 3-minute theses, thought-provoking presentations in the style of TED talks, creative performances (including salsa, silent poetry and more), an awards ceremony, and an interactive voting system that puts you in the middle of all the action. Scholarship brought to life onstage: Bold, dynamic, and full of energy.

Location: Garden Quad Auditorium, St John’s College

A quick reminder of timings:

• Doors open at 4.50 pm

• The event begins promptly at 5.10 pm

To preserve the flow of the presentations, doors will close once we begin, so we encourage you to arrive early, settle in, and soak up the atmosphere from the start. 

As for dress code: this is a black tie event, broadly defined, so the instruction is simple, don't stress about it, Just look your best. Only one thing is truly mandatory: curiosity.

We have attached the programme so you can get a sense of what is ahead. We really think this is going to be a memorable evening, intellectually serious, stylish, and a great deal of fun.

We are grateful to those of you who have let us know that you may arrive slightly after the start time. Thank you for keeping us informed. We will do our best to accommodate you and ensure you can still be part of the experience.

With over 130 attendees expected, a special address from the SJC Vice President, a fantastic line-up of presenters, a distinguished panel of judges and members of the press in attendance, the stage is perfectly set for an electrifying evening . This is, quite simply, theChampions League of scholarship. 

Whether you are coming to support a friend, discover new research, or simply enjoy the occasion, expect ideas that surprise you, performances that move you, and an atmosphere that stays with you long after the final applause.

If you have registered for the Formal dinner as well, please collect your Formal coupon at check-in on arrival. This will be required for entry to the dinner which will begin at 6.45pm, so do make sure you have it with you.

We cannot wait to welcome you and share this moment together.

This  event is brought to you by the SJC MCR and the Clarendon Fund, the official sponsors of the Oscars/Champions League of scholarship.