Smell and Taste Symposium 2024
Clinicians and researchers interested in olfaction, gustation and chemosensory disorders attended our two-day Symposium on Smell and Taste Disorders, which also hosted a forum exclusively for Fifth Sense members.
Held at The University of East Anglia (UEA), Norwich, the Symposium offered the opportunity to learn from expert speakers and Fifth Sense members with lived experience, attend practical workshops, and hear about the latest research and treatments in smell and taste disorders.
Fifth Sense volunteers Glynis Coleby and Hannah Martin opened the event. They shared personal stories about living with smell and taste disorders. Their talks were powerful reminders of the impact of such conditions, with both emphasising how wellbeing and mental health are affected.
Glynis and Hannah finished their session by answering questions posed by the professionals present, who were keen to know more about their experiences. Several commented on how important it was to hear real-life stories.
We want to thank Glynis and Hannah for their support at this event.
Members’ Forum
The final day saw six Fifth Sense members attend our forum, five living with a smell and/or taste disorder and the partner of a person affected.
Zhu Hui Yeap, a Clinical Research Fellow at UEA, and Dr Nicole Yang, an Associate Professor in Flavour Science from the University of Nottingham, were also present.
The Forum began with members of the Fifth Sense team giving an update on their areas of work:
- Helen Rhodes, Engagement and Education Officer, spoke about her work, including the project funded by Cadent that raises awareness of gas safety
- Sally Connick, Community Development Officer, explained the different voluntary opportunities that are available with Fifth Sense and how people can get involved. Her talk included an outline of the new Smell and Taste Action Groups. Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, these volunteer-led groups focus on raising awareness and facilitating peer support for those affected by smell and taste disorders
- Sarah Pearce, Director of Services and Operations, outlined the work that Fifth Sense are doing. She also provided a summary of the Symposium and talked positively about the energy and commitment from researchers and medical professionals to improve the lives of people living with smell and taste disorders
Members were then able to share their stories. Each one was different, but all were met with comfort and understanding.
The Forum concluded with Zhu Hui Yeap and Dr Nicole Yang giving an update on their work. The group then had the opportunity to trial Dr Yang’s specially developed flavoured gum.
We’d like to thank everyone who attended, spoke at or facilitated the Symposium and the Members’ Forum. It’s an important day in the Fifth Sense calendar as we continue fighting to transform the lives of those affected by smell and taste disorders.
