The aims of the European Sensory Network (ESN) are based on long-term international cooperation between leading research organisations, food manufacturers and related industries, as well as other industries such as cosmetics, household cleaners, etc.

 

ESN-Industry Network Partnerships

The European Sensory Network (ESN) works in partnership with industrial companies for the purpose of collaborating in research and development of methods and approaches in sensory and consumer sciences.  ESN-Industry Network Partnership is open to all interested companies whose scope of activity is in line with the objectives of ESN. These partnerships are for the purpose of allowing industrial companies and ESN members increased networking opportunities on a European basis.  They are a means to initiate and support collaborative research projects with leaders in the field to explore new sensory and consumer methods and techniques.

 

Consulting

Within the ESN it is possible to consult:

• Experts in sensory science and market research
• Experts in perception and behaviour
• Experts in setting up international sensory and consumer studies
• Experts in treatment and interpretation of data from sensory and consumer studies

 

 

External Advisors

In order to assist the ESN in providing research and services, a number of External Advisors have been appointed.  The Advisors hold, or have held, senior positions in the field of sensory, consumer and marketing research, both in industry and academia, and offer advice to members on the direction, scope and relevance of ESN activities.  Furthermore, the Advisors help to re-inforce the industrial context of the work carried out by ESN members.

External Advisors are invited to participate in ESN following recommendation by members.  This is normally for a 3-year period (renewable) and reflects a personal invitation to an individual expert, rather than an invitation to any specific company.

 

 

Courses and Seminars

Since it's creation, the ESN has regularly organised international seminars in various countries. At these meetings, ESN members and invited experts present recent progress in sensory and consumer methodology, and new developments and approaches to statistical treatment of data.

Some examples:

Portugal, May 2007 "A systematic approach to planning and performing Sensory Tests"

Spain, May 2005  "Sensory evaluation - More than just food"

Hungary, November 2002 "Using sensory analysis in food product development and quality control"

Italy, September 1999 "Successful food products marketing to the European consumer"

Belgium, October 1997 "Sensory quality and consumer acceptance of food"

Poland, June 1996 "Sensory Analysis. A link between marketing products and R&D department"

Netherlands, April 1995 "Successful Food Product Marketing for the European Consumer"