Society Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do we need SSP?
- What is the scope and mission of this organization?
- How is SSP different from other organizations?
- How is SSP organized / governed?
- Who are the people involved?
- How do I get involved?
- Is there a leadership succession plan?
- How does the Wiki work?
- Is SSP for just a few select people?
- What are my member benefits?
- How do I access JSS online?
- How do I update my contact information?
To serve the professional and educational needs of sensory scientists in all types of companies and grow and enhance the profession and the organization.
What is the scope and mission of this organization?
To advance the field of sensory evaluation, including consumer research, and the role/work of sensory professionals, for the purpose of sharing knowledge, exchanging ideas, mentoring and educating its members.
How is SSP different from other organizations?
There is some confusion about differentiation of SSP from other organizations, such as IFT/SED, ASTM, Pangborn, Sensometrics, etc. SSP has a single focus – the sensory professional – free from the need to serve any consumer product focus, such as food or cosmetics specifically, or any output requirements, such as standards and documents. SSP differs from the Pangborn Symposium in that it is a conference that is held every two years. SSP is a community of professionals who have ongoing connections through a variety of channels, including the SSP web site, sensory science wiki, and a conference on the off year from Pangborn.
How is SSP organized / governed?
Membership in SSP is open to any person who is interested in any aspect of sensory or consumer research, including students. SSP has an executive committee of officers and committee chairmen who govern the day to day activities of the organization according to society by-laws. Any member may volunteer to serve on committees of SSP or nominate themselves or others for office.
Who are the people involved?
The society is an open organization and welcomes members in all parts of the globe. The organizing committee felt strongly that this society is largely a “virtual” (i.e., web based) entity and intends to provide a professional organization that can help link members and foster collaboration, education, scientific inquiry, and mentoring in the field. Information on the current officers and committee membership can be found through the committees web page.
How do I get involved?
First, if you have not already, become a member using the online system. If you are already a member, then volunteer to serve on one of the many committees (membership, communications, strategic planning, conference, etc.) or help with the website. A great way to get involved, even at your desk, is to write a short article on a topic of interest to you for the Sensory Wiki. Those articles can be read by people all over the world when they need information on that topic.
Is there a leadership succession plan?
Every two years, a new election will be held. Nominations and volunteers for offices will be solicited and recommendations for office will be made by a nominating committee comprised of people who are not running for any office. Committee volunteers are accepted at any time. The bylaws specify offices, terms of office, and the ways in which offices are filled.
How does the Wiki work?
The Sensory Science Wiki is an ideal platform for sharing knowledge, exchanging ideas and educating others in the sensory community. Any member of SSP can (and should) contribute to the Wiki either by writing an original article or by editing/updating existing articles. Further information on the details of this process is documented in the wiki itself under various help articles. Non-members can also contribute through a submission form. Wiki submissions are monitored by an international editorial board. The Wiki will grow to be your source of information for methods in sensory and consumer science.
Is SSP for just a few select people?
SSP is a rapidly growing society and hopes to have many global participating members. There are many ways to get involved. Join a committee, volunteer to be an officer, write a Wiki article, participate in bi-annual meetings, volunteer to be a mentor for someone else, create content for the website such as a PowerPoint presentation that focuses on a particular area. We hope that members will take the initiative to give suggestions on what they can do for the organization – and then do it!
What are my member benefits?
- Networking possibilities
- Learning opportunities
- Subscription to The Journal of Sensory Studies (access defaults to online only)
- Online access to JoSS through Wiley InterScience
- Online only access to The Journal of Texture Studies through Wiley InterScience
- Access to conference presentations (through this web site)
- Access to members-only discussion forums
- Access to other members-only website areas
- Ability to directly contribute content to the Sensory Science Wiki (non-members may contribute through the editorial board)
- Reduced conference fees
How do I access JSS online?
Access to JSS online is only possible after you have logged into your account. After you are logged in, you should see a menu option “Online Access to Journals (JoSS and JoTS)”, which will take you to a web page with information about the service, and a hyperlink called “Enter Wiley InterScience site for JoSS” that will take you into JSS online. You do not need a Wiley account unless you want to take advantage of other Wiley services. Please note that, by default, print copies of JSS are not mailed out. If you wish to receive a print copy, you need to elect that option by selecting it on the “Edit Profile” page (accessible after you are logged in and then click on “Your Account” link). If you elect to receive print copies, generally speaking, you will receive the next available JSS print copy after your membership is activated. You can check the status of issues under “Next Issue” on the JSS page (right-hand column).
How do I update my contact information (mailing address, email, etc.)?
To change your mailing address (or other information, such as JoSS access options), use the following steps:
- Log in [top right section of links]
- click on the “Your Account” link [top right section of links]
- click on the “Edit Profile” [left column link]
- change values (mailing address, JoSS access, etc.)
- click on the “Update” button at the bottom of the form.
If you wish to change your email address, then, in the third step, click on Email Settings instead; you will have to re-supply your member password in order to confirm the change.