Author: Rita Vilaça
The 5th FLAVOURsome Workshop, entitled “Sensory Evaluation and Analytical Characterization of Food and Beverages Flavour Components”, took place on 14–15 July 2026 at Goce Delcev University in Štip, North Macedonia. The event brought together researchers from across Europe to exchange knowledge, strengthen collaborations and explore the latest advances in sensory science and flavour analytics for plant-based foods and beverages.
Hosted by the Faculty of Agriculture at Goce Delcev University, the workshop opened with a welcome from the local organisers and distinguished guests, including Prof. Zoran Popovski, Vice-President of COST, whose participation highlighted the importance of COST Actions in fostering international scientific collaboration and supporting researchers at all career stages. During the opening session, Prof. Popovski emphasised the unique bottom-up nature of COST and its role in connecting scientists across Europe, particularly early-career researchers.
Over two days, participants attended lectures delivered by leading experts covering sensory profiling, flavour perception, off-flavour analysis, receptor science, AI-assisted flavour analytics and advanced chromatographic approaches. The scientific programme was complemented by practical training sessions, laboratory demonstrations, sensory panel activities and specialised masterclasses on wine sensory evaluation and food pairing, offering participants hands-on experience alongside theoretical knowledge.
Participants also had the opportunity to discover the research facilities of Goce Delcev University and experience regional food products and Macedonian wines through dedicated sensory activities, showcasing local expertise alongside international research excellence.
One of the tangible outcomes of the workshop was the agreement reached with the invited speakers to publish their contributions as full papers or short communications in the Faculty’s scientific journal. This initiative will extend the impact of the workshop beyond the event itself by making its scientific discussions and outcomes accessible to a wider research community.
The workshop in Stip perfectly illustrated the collaborative spirit of FLAVOURsome. By combining scientific excellence, practical training and meaningful networking, it strengthened our community while creating new opportunities for future research and long-term collaboration across Europe.
Susana Soares – FLAVOURsome Action Chair
The FLAVOURsome COST Action warmly thanks Prof. Violeta Ivanova-Petropulos and the entire organising team at Goce Delcev University for hosting an inspiring workshop and for their outstanding hospitality. Their efforts created an engaging environment that combined scientific excellence with opportunities for collaboration and professional development across the network.
This COST action is a great opportunity for meetings and working in small groups; we have about thirty participants and an excellent opportunity for professors and, more importantly, young scientists to mix. These small groups allow for effective communication and interaction that is not possible at larger conferences. COST actions make this possible, which is certainly of great importance for young scientists.
Prof. Barbara Siegmund – University of Technology in Graz, Austria