Every September, the World Taste & Smell Association brings people together to celebrate, explore, and protect two senses that quietly shape nearly every part of being human.

Taste and smell influence what and how we eat, how we recognize danger, how we experience places, and how memories return to us. Much of what we perceive as flavor depends on smell. These senses also affect nutrition, safety, emotional well-being, social connection, and quality of life—yet they are often overlooked until they change or disappear.

Millions of people live with diminished, distorted, or lost taste and smell due to illness, aging, injury, medical treatment, or other causes. The consequences can reach far beyond the plate: appetite may decline, familiar foods may become unpleasant, warning signals such as smoke or spoiled food may go unnoticed, and moments of comfort and connection can feel suddenly out of reach.

Centered around World Taste & Smell Day on September 14, World Taste & Smell Month creates a global platform for scientists, clinicians, patients, educators, chefs, artists, designers, businesses, and communities to share knowledge and imagine better solutions. Through conversations, events, research, education, and sensory experiences, we work to make these essential senses more visible—and more valued.

There is room for everyone in this work.

Donate to help us expand public education, patient advocacy, research, and access. Sponsor a program or event. Collaborate with us on new research, tools, experiences, or community initiatives. Share your expertise, host a conversation, or help bring taste and smell awareness to the people you serve.

Together, we can celebrate what these senses give us, innovate for those experiencing change or loss, and advocate for a future in which taste and smell are recognized as essential to human health and well-being.

Celebrate. Innovate. Advocate.

Join us this September, and help move the world to its senses.