The Rustat Conferences are an initiative of Jesus College, Cambridge and provide an opportunity for decision-makers from the frontlines of politics, the civil service, business, the media, and education to exchange views on the vital issues of the day with leading academics. They were founded in 2009 by Jesus College, Cambridge where they are based.

In 2009-2011 the Rustat Conferences series will address the following themes: The Future of Democracy; Infrastructure and the Future of Society: Energy, Water, and Cities; Cyber-security; Pressures on Philanthropy; Food Security. The theme of the inaugural Rustat Conference in May 2009 was The Economic Crisis.

The Rustat Conferences format is a round-table discussion: academic speakers set the framework for each session by a brief exposition of points followed by a moderated discussion among all invited participants. The meetings are limited to fifty participants. The Rustat Conferences are directed by John Cornwell and chaired by the Master of Jesus College, Professor Robert Mair CBE FREng FRS.

In addition to acting as a forum for the exchange of views on a range of major and global concerns, the Rustat Conferences provide outreach to a wider professional, academic and student audience through the publication of reports of the meetings in a variety of media. If you are interested in participating in a Rustat Conference or would like to receive proceedings please contact us.

The conferences are held at Jesus College, Cambridge, one of the colleges of the University of Cambridge, and are named after Tobias Rustat (d.1694), an important benefactor of the college and the University. He is best remembered for creating the first fund for the purchase of books for the Cambridge University Library.