CELEBRATE THE SCIENCE THAT CONNECTS US
INSTITUTE DEDICATED TO THE SCIENTIFIC
UNDERSTANDING OF TASTE AND SMELL
Monell’s Second Annual Celebration of Science
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
5:30–9:30 p.m. | Vie, Philadelphia
Join Monell for an evening celebrating sensory science, the people behind it, and the ideas shaping what comes next
MEET MONELL
Meet Monell: Hannah Cantafio on Connecting Communications Through Monell
As Manager of Strategic Alignment and Head of Internal Communications, Hannah Cantafio work to ensure that communication
is clear, and coordinated across the Monell Center.
SENSE MAKING
Join us for Sense Making, Monell’s new podcast.
Episode 3: Sensory History
Explore sensory history in Philadelphia. Learn how our perception of cheesesteaks and local flavors has evolved since 1776.
This episode of Sense Making examines how the urban environment of Philadelphia shapes our relationship with food. By looking at the evolution of local staples like the cheesesteak, we can better understand how Philadelphia food culture influences our daily lives.
We trace the sensory landscape from the nation’s founding in 1776 to the present day. This detailed look at the history of taste reveals how our chemical senses adapt to changing environments, providing a unique perspective on the smell and taste research conducted at the Monell Center.
Chemosensory Science in Your Classroom, and on the Big Screen!
We teamed up with Macgillivray Freeman Films, with generous support from the Ambrose Monell Foundation, to bring forth the IMAX feature film Super Human Body: World of Medical Marvels and related educational content.
As a result of this collaboration, educators, learners, and our partners and supporters around the world now have access to ten short videos about the science of taste, smell, and related senses and a 30-minute overview of research across the Monell Chemical Senses Center.
Visit the following links to explore a world of marvels in the science of the senses!
Introducing the Dr. Charis Eng Monell Science Apprenticeship Program
A bold new chapter for Monell’s signature summer research program: New name, Same inspiring summer research experience.
Formerly known as MSAP, the newly renamed Dr. Charis Eng Monell Science Apprenticeship Program honors Dr. Charis Eng and reflects more than four decades of scientific mentorship, discovery, and opportunity.
Through immersive, paid research experiences, high school and undergraduate apprentices work alongside Monell scientists while exploring careers in biomedical science, medicine, and health research.
The Latest in Taste and Smell Science
A Message from the Executive Director
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Keep up to date on our research, outreach events, and public talks by signing up for our mailing list.
Follow Us
Encompassing postdoctoral fellows, visiting scientists, high school and undergrad students, training is a way of life here.
Your Support Propels Our Research to Improve Human Health
Monell’s academic collaborative network is extensive, bringing added strength and expertise to the Center’s research mission.
We collaborate with leading international corporations from the food, beverage, fragrance, pharmaceutical, chemical, and other industries.
