The Ethical and Professional Standards Working Group of SSG keeps up to date with important ethical aspects of sensory testing and communicates these to SSG members. The Group also sits on the British Standards Institute Committee (BSI) to review BSI contributions to ISO Sensory Standards.
An overview of ethical considerations in sensory testing is available here.
CHAIR:
Dr Sarah Kemp
Sarah is a freelance consultant of Sarah Kemp Consultancy and has over 40 years of global experience in sensory and consumer research across multinational fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies and agencies. A founding member and past Chair of the SSG, she remains deeply committed to advancing the field, supporting professional recognition, and mentoring future sensory leaders. Sarah values the SSG as a community for giving back, learning, and connection.
Jane Clark CSci, RSensSci, MIFST
Consultant – Jane Clark Research (Own business)
Jane has been involved in sensory science for 25 years and has worked both client and agency-side. She has been a member of SSG since its start, enjoying the networking occasions, and the opportunity to promote and develop sensory science.
Dr Vicky Whelan
Vicky is Global Panel Manager and Sensory Scientist at BAT, where she has worked for over 15 years. She completed her PhD at the University of Nottingham on the sensory properties of chocolate in different matrices. A long-standing SSG member, Vicky enjoys connecting with like-minded professionals and contributing to the community that drives sensory science forward.
Working Group: Communications & Early Career Scientists and Events
Dr Qian Yang
Qian is an Associate Professor in Sensory and Consumer Science at the University of Nottingham, where she co-leads the Sensory Science Group with Dr Rebecca Ford. Her research advances sensory and consumer methodologies, bridging laboratory testing with real life consumption. She explores sweet taste perception, brain gut interactions, and consumer behaviour around sustainable and novel foods. Within the SSG, Qian brings academic insight and passion for maximising sensory science’s impact on innovation and public health.