Course
Sensory Perception & Food Preference: into the Future!
This course is to acquire expertise regarding sensory perception and food preferences; to obtain knowledge and experience in different methods on how to measure (and analyse) these aspects; to connect with other professionals/colleagues in the field.
Background
Food preferences are a major determinant of food intake, and are largely driven by the sensory properties of food products. The course will focus on the role of sensory characteristics for the development and maintenance of food preferences, and how to move beyond traditional lab-based experiments towards (semi) real-life assessments, e.g. using digital online tools, VR and immersive technology. Moreover, we will emphasize the difficulties and importance of recruiting the right target population, and choosing appropriate methods, when translating science into practice. Finally, we will discuss sensory science and flavour analyses in relation to sustainable food design (e.g. when transitioning to plant-based products).
Target group
The course is at post-graduate level and aims at food scientists, nutritionists and other sensory- or consumer behaviour-related professionals. The course may be valuable for PhD students working on eating or consumer behavior, sensory perception or nutrition and food science, and for those in food or sensory (R&D) industry.
Course aim
The aim of this advanced course is to acquire expertise regarding sensory perception and food preferences; to obtain knowledge and experience in different methods on how to measure (and analyse) these aspects; to connect with other professionals/colleagues in the field.
Course design
The course will be mainly composed of interactive lectures with ample opportunity for discussions, as well as a tour through the facilities of Human Nutrition and Health with respect to sensory/consumer/nutrition behaviour, and workshops or hands-on demonstrations on various methods to measure and analyse behavioural responses to food products. Participants will also briefly present their own research plans, and will jointly work on an assignments.
During the week, we will move from fundamental science and experimental lab settings towards innovative methods, translating science into practice, and focus on the future and flavour of sustainability.
Programme topics
The following topics will be addressed:
- the role of sensory perception in food preferences
- individual variation and consumer segmentation in sensory science and eating behaviour
- (lab vs real-life) context influence on perception and eating decisions
- innovative methodology of measuring sensory perception, food preferences, and behaviour
- multisensory perception and experience
- industry perspective on the importance of sensory & consumer science for product development
- the flavour of sustainability
Organisation
Course coordinators
- Dr Sanne Boesveldt, Wageningen University & Research, Division of Human Nutrition and Health
- Dr Victoire de Wild, Wageningen University & Research, Division of Human Nutrition and Health
Contributions, lectures, and workshops from:
- Wageningen University & Research
- Unilever
- Noldus Information Technology bv
- Logic8 / EyeQuestion
- Feed your mind foundation
- and others
Date & duration
The course will be 7-10 December 2021, start 7 December 13.00 hrs (3.5 days).
Study load
The study load of this course is 1.1 ECTS credits.
Language
The course language will be English.
Contact information
More information about the contents of the course can be obtained from Dr Sanne Boesveldt, email: sanne.boesveldt@wur.nl or Dr Victoire de Wild, email: victoire.dewild@wur.nl
For organisational matters please contact Mrs. Eva Oudshoorn:
email: eva.oudshoorn@wur.nl
Location & accommodation
Lectures and demonstrations will be given at Wageningen University Campus.
Wageningen is located 5 kms from the train station of Ede-Wageningen. This railway station can be reached by train from the airport Schiphol in about one hour.
Hotels:
Wageningen International Congress Centre
Bed & Breakfast:
see Bed & breakfast Wageningen
Rooms and appartments:
Registration & course fee
The number of participants in the course is limited to a maximum of 35.
To register please complete the registration form before 7 November.
Applicants will be informed of acceptance of their registration at the latest on 7 November 2021. They will receive instructions for payment and further course details.
The course fee includes online course materials, coffee/tea during breaks, lunches and one dinner, but does not cover hotel accommodation. The course fee depends on the participant's affiliation:
| PhD candidates affiliated with VLAG, PE&RC, EPS, WIAS, WASS, WIMEK | € 250 |
| Other PhD candidates, Postdocs / staff from VLAG | € 500 |
| Postdocs / university staff not affiliated with VLAG / non-profit | € 725 |
| Participants from the private sector / for-profit | € 1600 |
Cancellations policy
- No charge until 7 November 2021
- 25% of the course fee paid or due till 30 November 2021
- No refund after 30 November 2021
Substitutions for participants may be made at any time until the start of the course.