Verbal-Cognitive Strategy Can Influence Odor Judgement The Role of Learning and Experience in Perception of Odorants and Their Mixtures Are Weak Odors Stronger than Strong Odors?

1 The Olfactory Research Fund has announced that it will become the SENSE OF SMELL INSTITUTE, effective January 1, 2001. In addition, the organization’s mission has been redefined to position the SENSE OF SMELL INSTITUTE as the leading global resource relating to the sense of smell and its importance to quality of life. The announcement was made at the Fund’s annual “Night of Honors” fund-raising gala on November 14, 2000 at The Pierre. The Fund’s president, Annette Green, explained the new identity and redefined mission of the group is the result of an extensive planning process that took place over the past 6 months. “We put together a Dream Team composed of members drawn from various segments of the fragrance industry and academia to review the work of the Fund. As a result, we were able to clearly identify new, innovative programs and chart a course for the future designed to help our constituents in industry and the scientific community to successfully meet the challenges of the new millennium.” The chairman of the Board, Dr. Jack Mausner, Sr. Vice President R & D, Chanel, Inc., noted that, “when the Olfactory Research Fund started out in the early 80s, very little was known about what was then labeled ‘the mysterious fifth sense.’ To a great extent, because of the work the Fund has undertaken,” he stressed, “we now have a better understanding of the sense of smell and the key role it plays in overall well being. We have also witnessed a revolution in consumer use and attitudes toward fragrance. continued on page 6 A L S O I N T H I S I S S U E