Catz Exchange Conference (#CatzXCon2026)
Date: Thursday 26 February 2026
Time: Afternoon
Location: St Catherine’s College
The Catz Exchange Conference (#CatzXCon2026) is St Catherine’s College’s annual, student-led academic conference, bringing together undergraduate and graduate students from across the College to share ideas, research and creative work in a supportive, interdisciplinary setting. Designed to be welcoming and accessible, #CatzXCon2026 gives students the opportunity to present work they care about, explore academic interests beyond their own subject, and gain valuable experience of communicating ideas to a non-specialist audience.
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About the conference
#CatzXCon2026 will be a half-day afternoon conference, open to all current undergraduates and graduates at St Catz, from freshers to finalists.
Presentations are typically short (around seven minutes, followed by questions), creating a lively programme that encourages discussion and exchange across disciplines. The emphasis is on curiosity, clarity and enthusiasm rather than polished conference performance.
The conference will conclude with a drinks reception and dinner in Hall, to which all presenters will be invited.
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Call for Papers
Students are invited to submit proposals to present at CatzXCon 2026. At this stage, submissions should include:
• a provisional title, and
• a short summary (up to 1,000 characters) outlining the theme and content of the proposed contribution.
Proposals may be based on:
• a piece of tutorial or course work you found particularly interesting
• a research project or dissertation
• a topic you have explored independently
• an academically framed extracurricular interest
Please note, submissions should be accessible to a non-specialist audience, without diluting the academic substance of the work.
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Presentation formats
While traditional short papers are very welcome, presentations do not need to take the form of an oral paper. We actively encourage alternative and creative formats, including (but not limited to):
• scientific or academic posters
• visual artwork
• musical pieces
• dramatic monologues or dialogues
• other innovative formats appropriate to the topic
Joint submissions from two or more contributors are also warmly encouraged.
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Who can apply
All undergraduate and graduate students at St Catherine’s College are warmly invited to submit a proposal, regardless of subject or year of study.
CatzXCon is intended as a supportive environment in which to:
• share academic passions
• try out ideas
• gain experience presenting work
• listen to and learn from others across the College
No prior conference experience is required.
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How to submit
Please submit your proposal by 12:00 noon on Monday of 3rd Week, Hilary Term via the online form below:
Submission form: Catz Exchange Conference Submission Form
All proposals will be considered together as a gathered field. Invited presenters will be contacted by Monday of 4th Week, and guidance will be provided on developing proposals into short presentations.
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Getting involved
In addition to presenters, we would be very pleased to hear from students interested in helping with:
• conference organisation
• poster and programme design
• communications and promotion
Please indicate your interest in volunteering via the submission form.
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Frequently asked questions
Who can take part in CatzXCon?
All undergraduate and graduate students at St Catherine’s College are welcome to submit a proposal, regardless of subject or year of study – from freshers to finalists.
Do I need previous conference or presentation experience?
No. CatzXCon is designed as a supportive, low-pressure environment. Many students present for the first time, and guidance is provided to those whose proposals are accepted.
What kind of work can I present?
You can present:
• tutorial or course work
• a research project or dissertation
• an independently explored topic
• an academically framed extracurricular interest
The key requirement is that your contribution is clearly structured and accessible to a non-specialist audience.
Do presentations have to be traditional papers?
Not at all. While short oral papers are welcome, we actively encourage alternative formats, including:
• posters
• visual artwork
• musical pieces
• dramatic monologues or dialogues
• other creative or experimental formats suited to the topic
If you are unsure whether a format would be suitable, you are very welcome to ask.
How long are presentations?
Presentations are usually around seven minutes, followed by a short period for questions. Exact timings will be confirmed once the programme is finalised.
Can I submit a joint proposal?
Yes. Joint submissions from two or more contributors are warmly encouraged, particularly where collaboration adds to the work.
How do I submit a proposal?
You’ll need to submit:
• a provisional title, and
• a short summary (up to 1,000 characters)
via the online form by 12:00 noon on Monday of 3rd Week, Hilary Term
Catz Exchange Conference Submission Form
How are proposals selected?
All proposals are considered together as a gathered field. Selection aims to create a balanced and engaging programme across disciplines and formats. Invited presenters will be contacted by Monday of 4th Week.
What happens if my proposal is accepted?
You’ll receive guidance on:
• shaping your idea into a short presentation
• timing and format
• what to expect on the day
Support will be available in advance of the conference.
Is there a cost to take part?
No. There is no charge to submit or present at CatzXCon.
What happens after the conference?
All presenters are invited to a drinks reception and dinner in Hall following the conference.
Can I get involved without presenting?
Yes. We welcome volunteers to help with:
• event organisation
• poster and programme design
• communications and promotion
You can indicate your interest in volunteering via the submission form.
Who can I contact if I have further questions?
If you have any further questions about CatzXCon or the submission process, please contact: senior.tutor@stcatz.ox.ac.uk
Date
26 February, 2026
Time
Afternoon
Venue
St Catherine's College