From July 27 to August 1, 2026, Nha Trang University hosted the Symposium on Sensory and Consumer Science in Asia (SPISE 2026) under the theme “Driving Sustainable Transition Through Sensory Evaluation”. The symposium was chaired by Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (VNU-HCM) and hosted by Nha Trang University, in collaboration with Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Japan University, and numerous domestic and international research institutes and universities.
Prof. Dr. Pham Quoc Hung, Vice President of Nha Trang University, delivers welcome remarks to delegates attending the SPISE 2026 International Symposium.
Held biennially for nearly two decades, SPISE is widely recognized as Asia’s premier academic forum in Sensory Science and Consumer Research. Building on the success of SPISE 2024 in Ho Chi Minh City, SPISE 2026 brought together a vast gathering of scientists, experts, industry representatives, and doctoral researchers from around the globe. Notably, the keynote speakers and scientific committee chairs included leading experts from the United States, Japan, France, South Korea, and Vietnam.
Speaking at the symposium, Prof. Dr. Pham Quoc Hung, Vice President of Nha Trang University, emphasized that being selected to host SPISE 2026 not only affirms the university's prestige and capability in organizing international scientific events but also opens up opportunities to strengthen connections with global universities, research institutes, and enterprises. Prof. Dr. Pham Quoc Hung noted that the symposium serves as a vital platform for scientists to share research findings, update emerging trends in sensory science and consumer research, and contribute to driving Nha Trang University's internationalization strategy while elevating its quality of education, research, and technology transfer.
Delegates attending SPISE 2026 exchange insights on emerging research trends in sensory evaluation, sustainable food development, and the application of artificial intelligence in consumer research.
Throughout the symposium, discussions centered on pressing topics such as developing sustainable food systems through sensory evaluation, innovating research methodologies, applying artificial intelligence and big data in sensory science, exploring the nexus between sensory perception, nutrition, and health, and utilizing modern data analysis techniques. Beyond scientific presentation sessions, the symposium also featured intensive training workshops, poster sessions, and networking activities bridging academia and industry.
Serving as the host for SPISE 2026 further solidifies Nha Trang University's reputation and organizational excellence for international academic events. It also presents a prime opportunity to showcase the university’s institutional profile and strengths in Food Technology, Quality Assurance, and Food Safety, while expanding collaborative ties with domestic and international partners.
Exhibits displayed at SPISE 2026 bridge scientific research with industrial manufacturing, driving innovation across the food sector.
Beyond its role as host, Nha Trang University actively participated in the academic proceedings of the symposium. Lecturers and researchers from the Department of Food Technology presented novel research findings and shared innovative approaches in sensory science and consumer research. This symposium provided an invaluable occasion for the university’s research staff to enhance academic exchange and expand their collaborative network with regional and global scientific experts and institutions.
