The story of a scientific research project in perfumery to encourage the use of toilets in India and Africa
Scent for change
Olfactory Accords for a Better World
This book was born from a scientific collaboration between Firmenich SA and the Gates Foundation, at the crossroads of olfaction and sustainable development. It brings together several years of research conducted in sometimes unexpected settings, where smells become vehicles for understanding, innovation, and even dignity.
The introduction provides a common starting point accessible to all readers. From there, readers are free to follow whichever path suits them best. Scientists curious about neurobiology can dive straight into the chapter devoted to the science of olfaction, before moving on to the more surprising chapter on the science of poop. Those who prefer an ecological or humanitarian perspective can begin with the chapter on the world of toilets, then continue in the order suggested. Finally, readers in a hurry, or simply curious, can let themselves be guided by the anecdotes, set in italics, that punctuate each chapter and provide enjoyable, sometimes amusing interludes.
The book explores a wide range of topics, all connected by a common purpose: understanding how smells, materials, and practices can become drivers of transformation. Along the way, readers will discover fMRI experiments showing how the interpretation of the same molecule can vary according to cultural expectations, sanitation facilities assessed for the olfactory quality of their curry, historical distillations of faecal matter, and even experiments using biochar as a fragrance diffuser. The circular economy also finds its place, with concrete examples of how excreta can be valorised into animal proteins or innovative materials.
Beyond the diversity of its subjects, this book illustrates the richness of a scientific career driven by curiosity, boldness, and commitment. It shows that science can be useful, surprising, and deeply human—and that it can inspire many young people to pursue it with passion and freedom.
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