Advancing sensory science competences for improving foods and eating habits

Purpose and goal

The main goal is to strenghten the collaboration between KU-LIFE and SIK by 1)development of new research methods concerning improvement of food and eating habits. The new methods are to be related to existing sensory methodology and will include how sensory perceived complexity can influence preferences and choice 2)initiating and taking part in the development of wider international networks, programmes and studies 3)publication of research results This will fulfil the another goal by giving the project leader a solid base for further career possibilities

Expected results and effects

A main objective is to use this project to build and secure a long term cooperation between SIK and KU-LIFE, this means ambitions to deepen and strengthen the relationship. The short geographical distance is a clear advantage for this to be successful. The strategy is to use the project leader to find and open new doors for cooperation and development of strategic networks. An important task is to link the frontline academic research to the emerging industrial applications. It is also of importance to strengthen the sensory area within education programmes and by taking part in international conferences and cooperations. The aim of this project is furthermore to give the opportunity to focus on, and further develop, the scientific and educational part of the applicant. This will give her a solid base in all the dimensions and put her in a front position with regard to further career possibilities within SIK or other parts of the SP group.

Planned approach and implementation

The project is planned to start January 2009 and end December 2011. During the first two years the project leader is mainly working at KU-LIFE and during the last year at SIK. During the whole project there will be strong collaboration and thereby frequent travels between KU-LIFE (Copenhagen) and SIK (Gothenburg and Lund) will be necessary in order to implement new methodology and research initiatives at both sites. The first task is to make a plan on SIKs and KU-LIFEs already existing methodologies and how these might be developed and connected to the new laboratories at KU-LIFE. It is also of importance to be able to connect new methodology to SIK and to industrial applications. Another task is to establish and widen national as well as international collaboration inside and outside Sweden and Denmark. A third task is to attract complementary funding for the collaborative research, which could be done by applications to e.g. EU.