Sensory Science. I remember the first time I heard these two words together I could not properly tell what it might be about. Do people taste things for a living? How do sensory scientists measure the senses of smell, sight, touch, taste and hearing? Any futuristic electronic headsets to analyse sensory responses to products? My questions were answered, when I started an industrial placement as a sensory and consumer science student.
Sensory Science – a scientific discipline used to evoke, measure, analyse and interpret those responses to products that are perceived by the five main senses. The descriptive sensory evaluation provides both a profile of the product’s sensory attributes as well as a qualitative measurement of each attribute’s intensity. Sensory discrimination refers to the process to test what sensory stimuli are perceived and meaning attributed to them.
Sensory teams include panels, technicians and scientists. During a sensory session, the panel of around 15 individuals tries a product. Sensory technicians encourage a discussion between panellists to generate appearance, smell and taste attributes of the product. The aim is to reach an agreement between panellists on what attributes they perceive. As soon as the panellists come to a consensus of opinions they then go to sensory booths, where they try the product again. Samples are given in blind-coded bowls or cups. They eat them and answer questions on the product profile. Their answers are sent to a sensory scientist, who analyses this data, interprets results and provides recommendations for further actions for the product developers.
Both sensory technicians and scientists work to develop methodologies to improve panel performance, encourage engagement, discussion and therefore quality.
A career of sensory scientist will enable an individual to develop a good skill set in communication, management, active listening, data analysis and statistics.
Written by Gabriele Sergalyte
Secretary for IFST Students Group