About the FCSI
The University of Florida has a rich history of collaboration and academic achievement in the study of chemical senses. In 1998, Dr. Barry Ache, a Distinguished Professor of Neuroscience, founded the University’s first official center dedicated to research on smell and taste—the Center for Smell and Taste.
Under Dr. Ache’s impactful leadership, the Center became a hub for researchers across campus, driving inquiry of critical questions in the field of chemical senses. The Center also attracted global leaders in the field, fostering idea exchange and collaboration at UF. Dr. Ache’s innovative approach not only established UF as a leader in chemical senses research but also strengthened collaboration among researchers, amplifying their impact on the scientific community.
In 2024, with the support of the Vice President of Research, the Center evolved both in name and purpose. Now led by Dr. Dan Wesson, it has been rebranded as the Florida Chemical Senses Institute (FCSI). This rebranding underscores the FCSI’s mission to support researchers across all colleges at the University of Florida and reflects UF’s commitment to leading statewide initiatives that unite researchers in chemical senses across diverse fields, including agriculture, food sciences, medicine, chemistry, physics, artificial intelligence, computer sciences, and the arts.
The University of Florida’s extensive and supportive faculty and staff bring a wide range of expertise to the FCSI, all united by a common goal: to deepen our understanding and utilization of the chemical senses to drive biological, psychological, medical, and societal advancements.
The FCSI is home to a regular seminar series of outstanding leading researchers. The FCSI is also home to a prestigious Training Program in the Chemical Senses (TPCS). The TPCS is supported by an NIH T32 training grant generously awarded by the National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders. This allows the FCSI to bolster the development of future leaders in the chemical senses to help grow the scientific workforce. The FCSI also hosts routine professional development events for trainees and also additional events (retreats, workshops, etc) and awards (travel, pilot grants, etc).
The FCSI hosts a regular seminar series featuring leading researchers and offers a prestigious Training Program in the Chemical Senses (TPCS), supported by an NIH T32 training grant from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. This funding enables the FCSI to cultivate future leaders in the field, strengthening the scientific workforce. Additionally, the FCSI organizes professional development events for trainees and offers a variety of other opportunities, including retreats, workshops, grants, and awards.
We welcome new members and encourage you to sign up. Thank you for your interest in the Florida Chemical Senses Institute.
Dan Wesson, Ph.D.
Director & Professor of Pharmacology
Education and Training
The UFCST is committed to education and training in the chemical senses to help assure the next generation of chemosensory scientists as well as to increase the awareness of chemosensory disorders among clinicians. UFCST members participate in the education of undergraduate, graduate and professional students across the campus through lectures, small group and mentoring activities. Additionally, the UFCST offers a regular seminar series during the academic year that brings in leading chemosensory scientists from around the world to discuss their research and meet with faculty, postdoctoral and student trainees. Semiweekly discussion groups allow members to explore new ideas emerging from the literature. Finally, annual colloquia at UF and in conjunction with chemosensory researchers at Florida State University offer the opportunity to explore current research and establish new mentoring relationships.The UFCST is committed to education and training in the chemical senses to help assure the next generation of chemosensory scientists as well as to increase the awareness of chemosensory disorders among clinicians. UFCST members participate in the education of undergraduate, graduate and professional students across the campus through lectures, small group and mentoring activities. Additionally, the UFCST offers a regular seminar series during the academic year that brings in leading chemosensory scientists from around the world to discuss their research and meet with faculty, postdoctoral and student trainees. Semiweekly discussion groups allow members to explore new ideas emerging from the literature. Finally, annual colloquia at UF and in conjunction with chemosensory researchers at Florida State University offer the opportunity to explore current research and establish new mentoring relationships.