The British Society of Flavourists and the British Society of Perfumers, will present Scent in Society, a virtual presentation to celebrate World Taste and Smell Day. Dive into the profound impact of scents on our culture and emotions through expert insights from our guests, Melina Napolitano and Rachel Herz.

Melina Napolitano: "The Social and Cultural Vindication of Smell".
Melina Napolitano, founder of Smell'me, is an expert in perfumery and olfactory communication, focusing on the emotive power of scents through workshops and native botany studies in Patagonia.

She will explore the olfactory trends that shape our experiences and perceptions and guide us through the magical and secret ingredients of Latin America, revealing how smell plays a pivotal role in cultural identity and social interaction.

Dr. Rachel Herz: "The Special Role of Scent in Emotional Perception, Cognition, and Food Consumption".
Rachel Herz, PhD, is a neuroscientist and leading expert on the psychological science of smell. She researches senses, emotion, perception, and cognition, and is a Brown University faculty member, consultant, and author. Herz has published over 100 research articles and multiple books on sensory topics.

She will delve into the intriguing world of scent as she explores the privileged connection between scent, emotion, and memory. Discover the unique neural interactions through which scent influences cognition, physiology, and performance, and uncover the scientific basis behind the real effects of “aromatherapy.” The final part of her presentation will examine how scent can drive eating behavior, including some of the paradoxical effects on food choice and consumption that scent exposure can induce.