Your senses of taste and smell play a crucial role in your daily life. Whether you’ve noticed changes or not, this quick self-assessment will help you explore your sensory health while contributing to an important global study.*
*You must be at least 18 years old and live in the U.S.A. to participate in this anonymous study.
Turning Sensory Science into Action
The World Taste & Smell Association (WTSA) is a global alliance of sensory experts, advocates, and innovators dedicated to celebrating, innovating, and advocating for the advancement of sensory science and its impact on quality of life.
As a working group and media platform, WTSA translates science into action through education, advocacy, applied research, and public engagement. We foster collaborations across disciplines, make scientific insights accessible, and drive consumer-centric innovation. In healthcare and public health, we support research and advocacy for taste and smell disorders (e.g., anosmia, parosmia, phantosmia), serving as both a directory and think tank. Through strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and your generous support, WTSA leads high-impact initiatives in product development, media-driven education, and public awareness campaigns—bridging research, media, and real-world solutions to enhance well-being for all.
-
New Study Finds Smell Loss A Warning Sign for More Than 100 Medical Conditions
-
Awaken Your Senses: The Science and Practice of Smell Training
-
How Cancer Treatments Affect Taste and Quality of Life
-
Unlocking the World of Fruits and Vegetables Through Smell and Curiosity
Umema by Ugo Charron,
a limited-edition perfume
“Creating UMEMA was a journey of synesthetic exploration, celebrating a fragrance that transcends traditional boundaries, connecting us all through the universal language of scent.” Launching at the Global Taste & Smell Summit.
UMEMA is here, at
the Museum of Food & Drink (MOFAD), + Perfumarie.
100% of the proceeds will support the
World Taste & Smell Association and Anosmie.org.
This project is made possible by Perfumarie, MANE, Ugo Charron, the World Taste & Smell Association, Stephanie Feur, and Emmanuelle Dancourt.
Sponsored by
Make an impact today
Support our mission with a donation.
Why Should You Care?
-
Dr. Steven Nissen
“Smell loss can significantly affect mental health and quality of life.”
-
Rachel Ray
“Flavor is at the heart of cooking; supporting research in this area benefits everyone.”
-
Gordon Ramsay
“Losing your sense of taste or smell can change your relationship with food forever.”
-
Padma Lakshmi
“Our ability to taste and smell is integral to our cultural and culinary identity.”
-
Andrew Zimmern
“As a chef, I can’t imagine the impact of losing my sense of taste and smell; it’s devastating.”
-
Tom Colicchio
“Supporting research in taste and smell disorders can help improve the lives of millions.”
-
Dr. Tim Spector
“Our senses play a vital role in our health and nutrition.”
-
Dr. Scott Gottlieb
“Sensory disorders can be early signs of neurological diseases.”
-
Dr. Scott E. Kern
“Cancer treatments can affect taste and smell, making supportive care essential.”
-
Thomas Keller
“The complexity of flavor is what makes cooking an art; losing that is losing a sense of artistry.”
-
Dr. Danielle Reed
“Genetic research in taste and smell can reveal important insights into human health.”
-
Chef José Andrés
“Supporting research in taste and smell is supporting the essence of culinary arts and human experience.”
-
Dr. Bruce Boeckx
“Smell and taste disorders can lead to significant changes in dietary habits and overall health.”
-
Jiro Ono
“The art of sushi relies on the delicate balance of taste and smell; these senses are irreplaceable.”
-
Dr. Thomas Hummel
“Understanding smell loss can help us address broader health issues.”
-
Dr. Barry Smith
“Taste and smell are often the first senses to decline, affecting nutrition and quality of life.”
-
Dr. Robert Henkin
“Many people suffer in silence from taste and smell disorders, which can lead to depression and anxiety.”
-
Sarah Jessica Parker
“Experiencing the loss of taste and smell due to COVID was a real eye-opener. It’s something you never think about until it’s gone, and it significantly impacts your quality of life.”
-
Dr. Alan Hirsch
“Taste and smell disorders are more common than people realize and can greatly impact daily life.”
-
David Chang
“As chefs, we need to support research that helps preserve our most essential tools: taste and smell.”
-
Tom Hanks
“My wife and I both lost our sense of taste and smell when we had COVID-19. It really affected our daily lives and made us aware of how integral these senses are.”
![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60fe0e9a52ed0b68b3391c12/1726253029663-O8TJVZ49BPCZ6J14UH96/unsplash-image-rRWiVQzLm7k.jpg)
podcast: The World of taste and smell
In our first episode, Stephanie and Mindy speak with Rachel Radway about how sensitivity can be a superpower when embraced with understanding and care.