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

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.

World Taste & Smell Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in New York. All contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Our Federal Tax ID number is 88-190-2767. No goods or services were provided in exchange for your generous donation. For your records, please retain this receipt as proof of your contribution. Consult with your tax advisor to determine the deductibility of your donation. Thanks for your support!

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.”

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.