About Us > History

The Institute was founded in 1981 as the Fragrance Foundation Philanthropic Fund as the results of efforts spearheaded by Annette Green and the board of directors of The Fragrance Foundation.  It was established as a tax-exempt charity dedicated to funding scientific studies on the sense of smell and beneficial effects of fragrance.  Since its establishment, the organization underwent several name changes; most recently in 2001 when it became known as the Sense of Smell Institute to better reflect its focus and mission.

Its first scientific research grants were awarded in 1982 and in the ensuing years SOSI provided more than 50 research grants and fellowships totaling over $1.4 million to research scientists in the fields of developmental, perceptual, social and cognitive psychology, anthropology, biology, neuroscience and related disciplines.

In 2006 the Sense of Smell Institute was dissolved as an independent charitable organization and became part of The Fragrance Foundation, functioning as its Research and Education Division. Although the Institute’s research grant and fellowship programs were suspended in 2004, it continues to sponsor White Papers prepared by qualified scientific researchers that review and summarize research done on specific topics that are of interest to its constituents.