The secrets of scent

IFRA UK’s 2013 Fragrance Forum provided an overview of the latest academic research on fragrance psychology, connecting smell with emotion and reaction. Chris McLeod reports

The International Fragrance Association UK (IFRA UK) staged its third annual Fragrance Forum at The Royal Society, London on 17 October 2013. The day commenced amid brilliant sunshine with the title, The psychology of fragrance providing the basis for discussion. Six keynote speakers presented their thoughts around this subject, to showcase to IFRA members the scientific rigour and artistic imagination needed to understand the role of fragrance within human existence in a greater depth. The speakers were looking to uncover how a scent will affect the moods, minds, memories and well-being of the people it reaches.

Lisa Hipgrave, Director of IFRA UK, chaired the first session, entitled Fragrance –the invisible difference. After welcoming the 100-strong member audience, Hipgrave introduced Dr Craig Roberts, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Stirling University, for the first talk, entitled ‘Body odour in biological perspective’.