SSP Conference Workshop, showcasing on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM CDT; Grand Ballroom 1-2, Wyndham Grand
Authored and led by Michael Nestrud, PhD. (Curion) and co-authored by Karen Graves, VP, Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Jeffrey Scott (Target), John Hayes, Professor (Penn State), and Natalie Stoer (Stoer Consulting).
The Unique Birth of Sensory Science
Sensory Science is a scientific field born backwards, with application and methods preceding theory. Starting in the 1940s, governmental and industrial food technologists were focused on actively improving food quality while academic psychophysicists focused on human perception were still debating the limits and capabilities of human sensory systems.
Methods, Instruments, and Philosophies at the Core
During its first 4 decades, our field established the core methods, measurement instruments, and scientific philosophies which still largely define our field, with additional context and theory provided by a fusion between applied food technology and academic psychophysics.
Because the techniques and methods we established were tightly integrated with the psychology of perception, we quickly became the experts on sensory perception of non-food, further defining our field, but adding another layer of diversity.
The Challenge of Navigating a Diverse Field
The collaborative and integrative nature of our field’s origins is a strength of the field today, but also a challenge to navigate for the new researcher. “Sensory Evaluation” and “Sensory Science” encompasses a broad set of perspectives, skillsets, and scientific training that is impossible for one human to embody.
As a result, the experience of recent graduates is a challenging one, where the reality of what it takes to become a competent scientist and practitioner is often disconnected with expectations and even training (both academic and on-the-job).
The Strength and United Perspectives of Sensory Science
The unique perspective in our discussion is that we truly believe there is space in our united disciplines for all perspectives to thrive. Sensory does not exist without the full ecosystem of stakeholders.
By bringing together industry, consulting, academia, and suppliers, we will engage our field by sharing our own experiences of what we see and what we feel solutions are. We will show that we are better when we unite our perspectives and recognize the validity and contributions of each of us and use these perspectives to help us bring actionable solutions to empower our next generation.
Interactive Discussion: Shaping the Future of Sensory Science
Each of our presenters will share a 10 minute presentation about their experiences and point of view in this space. Then, a guided panel discussion, with questions included and from the audience, will allow the discussion to continue and evolve.
Importantly we will set the space for a positive, forward-looking discussion and the presenters will consolidate learnings and report out afterwards, leaving our field with a roadmap to prepare our next generation.
Curion specializes in delivering impactful insights to the world’s top CPG companies, helping them develop winning, repeatedly purchased products. Curion’s deep data-driven product insights, sensory expertise, and state-of-the-art consumer centers enable them to uncover responses to critical client objectives. With over five decades of experience in the product testing industry, Curion is dedicated to guiding clients with their proprietary XP Xperience Performance platform, connecting brands to consumers at every step.
An innovator in the industry, Curion recently developed a groundbreaking benchmarking product testing method, the Curion Score™, which has become a trusted and sought after tool within the industry. As one of the largest product and consumer insights companies in the U.S., Curion has built a reputation for excellence and trust among the world’s leading consumer brands. Curion’s commitment to innovation and expertise, coupled with a passion for delivering actionable insights, makes Curion a valuable partner for companies looking to develop and launch successful products.
