Sensory Symposium 2025

The Sweet Spot – Where Sensory Science Meets Practice
The field of sensory and consumer research is evolving rapidly. Artificial intelligence, new technologies and innovative methodologies are transforming the way we measure, understand and apply sensory perception. That’s why, on November 4, we are bringing together researchers, professionals and industry leaders at the Sensory Symposium 2025.

Under the theme “The Sweet Spot – Where Sensory Science Meets Practice”, this one-day conference bridges scientific developments and real-world application. The program includes:

• Advances in sensory and consumer research
• AI and technology in perception & behavior
• Sustainability and product innovation
• Fundamental vs. applied research
• New methods and techniques in practice

Who should attend?

This event is designed for professionals in:

• FMCG and food industry
• Research & consultancy agencies
• Academia (students, lecturers, researchers)
• Innovation, product development & R&D

What to expect?

In addition to interactive sessions and networking, you’ll hear from a diverse line-up of experts from academia, research, and industry. Our speakers will cover a wide range of themes — from taste preferences, eating behavior, and behavior change to AI, video research, and innovative methodologies. Together, they bring fresh insights and practical cases that connect scientific knowledge with real-world applications.

🕘 08:45 – 09:30
Registration & Coffee

🕘 09:30 – 09:40
Welcome & Introduction

🕘 09:40 – 10:05
🔹 Keynote
UK – Monica Mars – Wageningen University – Sweet Taste Preferences

🕙 10:10 – 10:35
🔹 Plenary
NL – Michelle van Roost – Voedingsjungle – Voedselkeuzelogo’s: what about #handelingsperspectief

☕ 10:35 – 11:00
Coffee & Tea Break

🕚 11:00 – 11:25
🔹 Plenary
UK – MMR – Margaux Ducatillon – The Joy Imperative

🕥 11:30 – 12:00
🔸 Parallel Sessions
1. UK – Haystack – Marie-Alexandra Sabbobe & Ludovic Depoortere – Enhancing Product Innovation: How AI-Driven Home-Use Testing Refines Sensory Development
2. UK – Vera van Stokkom (Inholland) en Lotte Pater (WUR) – Experience creative out of the box consumer methods
3. NL – Martien Schriemer – Universiteit Leiden / Inholland – Meetfouten in vragenlijsten

🍴 12:00 – 13:00
Lunch

🕐 13:00 – 13:10
Update from Data & Insights Network – Expert Networkgroup Sensory

🕐 13:10 – 13:35
🔹 Plenary
UK – Professor Diana Derval – Derval Research – Strategic Sensory Insights: Using the predictive power of physiology to unlock markets

🕐 13:35 – 14:00
🔹 Plenary
UK – Essensor – Alard Verhoef & Linda Mulder – The PowerProfiler Study: Balancing Training Effort and Sensory Performance

🕑 14:05 – 14:35
🔸 Parallel Sessions
4. UK – MMR – Chantal George-van Son – Boosting Novelty: AI Personas and Agentic Ideation Inside Heineken’s Flavour Innovation
5. UK – EyeQuestion – Danielle Dull – Using Innovative Techniques in Sensory Research
6. UK – UMCG – Madieke Douma – Taste Steering and Taste and smell training in patients with cancer: a multidisciplinary patient-centred approach

☕ 14:35 – 15:00
Coffee & Tea Break

🕒 15:00 – 15:30
🔸 Parallel Sessions
7. UK – Essensor – Akshay Soekhlal – IP Benchmark: Using machine learning to perform product benchmarking
8. UK – Gedragsverandering.nl – Sabine Jansen – …
9. UK – Colruyt – Nele Bellemans– Sensory and Consumer Research in Practice at Colruyt

🕞 15:35 – 16:05
🔸 Parallel Sessions
10. UK – PetPanel – Evelien Bos – A different perspective on sensory research: palatability measurements with dogs and cats
11. UK – FrieslandCampina & Haystack – Stefan Peters & Nancy Holthuysen – The added value of video and AI video analyses in consumer research
12. UK – Wageningen Food and Biobased Research – Dieuwerke Bolhuis – The Role of Communication Strategies in Consumer Acceptance of Sodium-Reduced Products

🕠 16:15 – 16:40
🔹 Plenary
UK – Symrise – Katja Tiittinen– Unlocking Insights with AI

🕠 16:40 – 16:50
Day Closure
🕔 17:00 – 18:00
🍷 Drinks & Networking

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Terms and Conditions

Check our terms and conditions for the Sensory Symposium 2025 event here.