17th Pangborn Sensory Science Symposium

The 18th Pangborn Sensory Science Symposium will take place in Mérida, the vibrant capital of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, an exceptional setting where centuries of cultural heritage meet innovation, and where nature, history, and science coexist in remarkable harmony. Guided by our 2027 vision, “Expanding Horizons in Sensory and Consumer Science,” this edition invites our global community to reflect on the evolving frontiers of our field and to explore bold directions for the decades ahead.

Mérida’s unique Mayan heritage offers an inspiring backdrop for scientific and cultural exchange. Mexico stands as the country with the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Americas, and in 2010, Mexican cuisine became the first to be recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a testament to its profound sensory and cultural significance. This environment invites participants to reflect on how culture, tradition, and identity shape perception, consumption, and human behavior, resonating deeply with the symposium’s mission.

Honoring the legacy of Rose Marie Pangborn, the 18th Pangborn Symposium will continue to bring together fundamental and applied sensory and consumer scientists from around the world; early-career researchers, established academics, and industry practitioners alike. For this 2027 edition we propose a program split into three dimensions: human, digital and environment; with focus on the present and the mid-term future.

The specific conference topics by dimensions are:

HUMAN DIMENSION

• Fundamentals of sensory perception
• Underrepresented populations & social responsibility in sensory and consumer science
• Role of culinary arts and behavioral science in sensory & consumer perception
• Sensory and consumer research for health, nutrition, and well-being
• Applied sensory & consumer science

DIGITAL DIMENSION

• The future of food, beauty, and home-care
• Artificial intelligence and its impact on food choice and preferences
• Sensometric challenges and opportunities (traditional approaches and big data)
• New digital context & eating/drinking experiences

ENVIRONMENTAL DIMENSION

• Climate crisis and its effect of food habits and attitudes
• Food waste, upcycling, and recycling
• Sensory and Consumer research for animal welfare
• Sensory & consumer drivers of sustainability

View full topics descriptions here

We look forward to welcoming you to Mérida in 2027 for an unforgettable edition of the Pangborn Symposium; where cultural richness, scientific rigor, and forward‑looking exploration come together to shape the future of our field.