Charles Spence has been interviewed by the Guardian ahead of the publication of his latest book, The Perfect Meal, due out on 3 October this year.

Professor Spence, Professor of Experimental Psychology and a Fellow of Somerville College, intends the book to bring the findings of his food experimentation into everyday kitchens. He has previously worked alongside world-famous chefs such as Heston Blumenthal.

Spence assures the journalist that many of the dishes have been tested at dinner parties at home.

“We’ve had some fun ones,” he says. “We’ve had dinner parties with a tone generator, headphones and 10 kinds of beer lined up on the ironing board to see whether different beers have a different pitches.”

The article is on the Guardian website and Professor Spence’s book is available on pre-order from Amazon.

Further reading?

Dame Elan Closs Stephens becomes President of the Learned Society of Wales

Learn More
21 May 2026
Dame Elan Closs Stephens becomes President of the Learned Society of Wales

The Diplomatic View: Remembering the James Bryce Memorial Lecture 2026

Learn More
21 May 2026
The Diplomatic View: Remembering the James Bryce Memorial Lecture 2026

Pat Harris Spirit of Somerville Award Winners Announced

Learn More
20 May 2026
Pat Harris Spirit of Somerville Award Winners Announced