In this exciting online session, Dr Caroline McMillan will present WTSA’s research from the Space Sensory Lab developed with co-founders Mindy Yang, Coleen McLeod Garner and Jarin Chu for the Institute for Art and Olfaction's Olfactory Research Notes.
On Earth, scent molecules disperse primarily through rising air and diffusion. In microgravity, olfaction changes dramatically. Without aggressive ventilation, air pockets stagnate, odours linger, and bodily fluids migrate toward the nasal cavity, congesting the passages and dulling the sense of smell. The result is sensory monotony, olfactory fatigue, and altered perception. Additionally, astronauts navigate unavoidable, intimate realities in confined, shared spaces. These circumstances create persistent atmospheres with no fresh air or open windows, and are often marked by avoidance or taboo.
Olfactory cues bespeak identity and anchor well-being. So how do we create meaningful olfactory experiences in orbit when our understanding of smell is profoundly altered, both physically and perceptually?
Drawing on astronaut accounts and research from the commercial space industry, this presentation explores scent as an untapped dimension of spatial design. Smell offers subtle, temporal, functional layers that ease discomfort, support mental health, and social cohesion in high-performance environments.
This presentation will be followed by a Q&A session with attendees.
Takeaways:
Microgravity fundamentally disrupts smell
Sensory monotony is a real challenge
Astronaut experience informs sensory design
ABOUT DR CAROLINE MCMILLAN
Dr Caroline McMillan is an olfactory researcher, artist and technologist whose practice spans installation, performance, and the body as a site of critique. Her work investigates sensory science, the aesthetics and ethics of human–machine interaction, and its societal and multispecies impacts.
Her recent projects have been showcased at Fotografiska Berlin (DE), SXSW (US), Cannes Lions (FR), ARS Electronica (AT), CTM Festival (DE), Digital Olfaction Society (JP), Tin Sheds Gallery (AU), and RMIT First Site Gallery (AU). Research fellowships include the Neuronex Odor2Action Network, University of Hertfordshire’s Biocomputation Research Group, SENSE Network, re:future Lab, and Research Foundation Flanders (FWO).
She currently leads innovation at Space Sensory Lab of the World Taste & Smell Association.
ABOUT OLFACTORY RESEARCH NOTES
Olfactory Research Notes is a lecture series presented by the Institute for Art and Olfaction that highlights important research done in the field of olfaction, directly from the scientists, researchers, academics, and artists who do it.
Image credits: Pexels, Dr. Caroline McMillan