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Sensory & Consumer Sciences Division
Join the Sensory & Consumer Sciences group where we discuss the latest research and insights regarding the measurement, analysis, and interpretation of human beings' reactions to the characteristics of foods and related materials as perceived through the five senses.
Chairperson
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1450+
Members
1973
Year Founded
40+
Countries Represented by Members
Our Vision
IFT Sensory & Consumer Sciences Division is an advocate for sensory and consumer science professionals within food systems. We ensure that sensory and consumer sciences influence strategic decision making within global foods systems, so that they continue to provide a good tasting, safe, sustainable, and nutritious food supply, which delivers on the expected sensory experience, for everyone.
Our role is to facilitate, inform, and influence decisions that impact business by incorporating sensory and consumer sciences principles into decision-making processes related to product development, packaging design, quality assessment, and marketing, and lead to more informed and successful strategies that resonate with consumers.
Our commitment to IFT membership is to provide a global, inclusive and welcoming community interested in learning and advancing knowledge and tools in the sensory and consumer research fields and enhancing members’ professional capacity and competency.
Our Mission
a) Provide continued learning opportunities to IFT community members, sensory scientists and consumer product experience professionals in the fields of sensory evaluation and consumer product research.
b) Provide networking opportunities within the science of food community to sensory scientists and consumer product experience professionals, from students to early and established professionals.
c) Provide leadership development opportunities through volunteerism on the global stage.
Noteworthy Programs
Achievement Award
Special SCSD Member Exclusives
Division Accomplishments/Recognitions
The Outstanding Volunteer award honors a current Division member who provided exemplary volunteer work to the Division in the current year. The 2024-2025 recipients are Jennifer Brodock and Emily Dong.
The Outstanding Service award honors current Division members who have demonstrated a history of service to the Division or field. The 2024-2025 recipient is Kate Courchane.
Division Oral Competition Finalists
First: Mileah Shriner, North Carolina State University: Attributes That Drive Liking for Alternative Meat Crumbles
Second: Laura Lopez Aldana, University of Alberta: 3D-Printed Protein-Based Foods Enhanced With Umami to Improve Swallowing and Salivation
Third: Haejin Park, Ewha Womans University: Food Texture Preferences Based on Mouth Behaviors: Insights for Customized Food Solutions
Ready to Join IFT?
Gain access to an invaluable network, resources, and insights to help you make greater contributions through your work and to the future of food.
Upcoming Events
May 5, 2026
Northern California Section IFT (NCIFT) Suppliers Night
Join us for an afternoon and evening of education and expo time. The symposium team is building an interesting and educational event, but continues to confirm speakers so more on that as it develops. We're confident that you'll find it great. With almost 250 exhibitors, you'll want to wear your comfortable shoes! In addition, this will be our second year providing a poster competition for our students. Be sure to look over the posters and ask the presenters some questions.
Section Event
April 29, 2026
IFT Event logo Maryland Section IFT Suppliers Night
Join us for the 2026 Maryland IFT Suppliers Night! The Maryland IFT Suppliers Night is a key networking event for food and beverage professionals across the Mid-Atlantic region. It brings together food manufacturers, beverage companies, ingredient suppliers, R&D specialists, and quality assurance experts for an evening focused on innovation and collaboration. Attendees can connect with peers, explore new products and technologies, and discover solutions that support product development and food safety.
Section Event
April 20, 2026
Aksarben Section IFT Suppliers Expo
One benefit of joining Aksarben IFT Section is being part of a vibrant community. During our events, you can connect with others in the food and beverage industry, keep up to date with rising market and technological trends, and together explore the possibilities and the future of food.
Section Event
April 16, 2026
New York Section IFT Suppliers Day
Join us for a morning of Technical Seminars and an afternoon of nearly 200 exhibitors. End the day with networking, appetizers, and cash bar in Birchwood Manor's West Lounge and covered outdoor terrace.
Section Event
How to Join a Division
Joining a Division is easy! Signing up for a Division gives you access to the Division’s IFT Connect Community, signs you up for their newsletter, and gives you access to Subject Matter Experts in the field. To sign up for a Division, visit IFT-Divisions. After signing into your account, check the boxes of the Divisions you would like to be involved with and click save.
Noteworthy Programs
Achievement Award