University of Victoria Seeks Participants for Groundbreaking Smell and Mental Health Study
We’re excited to share an opportunity for our Scent Recover community to contribute to important research that could help improve mental health outcomes for people experiencing smell loss.
About the Research
Researchers at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada, are conducting a comprehensive study investigating the connection between olfactory abilities and mental health. Led by Dr. Marlise Hofer and Dr. Brianna Turner, this research is funded by the Canadian Institute on Health Research (CIHR) and aims to understand how social functioning may underlie the link between smell impairments and reduced mental health.
The study builds on existing research showing that people with olfactory dysfunction often experience higher rates of social and emotional difficulties. By better understanding these connections, the researchers hope to develop interventions that could significantly improve mental health outcomes for those affected by smell loss.
What Participation Involves
The UVic Smell Study is designed with convenience in mind – all 8 sessions can be completed entirely from the comfort of your own home. This approach makes it accessible to participants across three countries while maintaining the rigor needed for meaningful research.
One of the most valuable aspects of participating is that each participant receives a personalized smell report at the end of the study, showing how their sense of smell has changed throughout the research period. This individual feedback can provide valuable insights into your own olfactory journey. Additionally, participants are offered an honorarium to acknowledge their time and contribution to this important research.
Who Can Participate
The research team is looking for participants who meet the following criteria:
- Age: Between 19-60 years old
- Smell Loss: Currently experiencing smell loss or reduced sense of smell that began within the past 5 years
- Location: Residents of Canada, the United States, or the United Kingdom
- Health Status: Not currently pregnant
If you fit these criteria and have been navigating smell loss, this could be an opportunity to contribute to research that may help countless others facing similar challenges.
Why This Matters
For many in our community, smell loss has impacted far more than just the ability to detect odors. The ripple effects on mental health, social connections, and overall quality of life are real and significant. This research represents an important step toward understanding these connections more deeply and potentially developing targeted interventions.
By participating, you’re not only contributing to scientific knowledge but also helping to ensure that future treatments and support systems are grounded in solid research about the lived experiences of people with olfactory dysfunction.
How to Get Involved
If you’re interested in learning more about the study or would like to participate, you can visit the research team’s information page at: https://bit.ly/UVIC-smell-study-SR-newsletter
The link will provide you with detailed information about what participation involves, the timeline, and how to get started if you decide to join the study.
Supporting Important Research
At Scent Recover, we believe in the power of research to improve outcomes for everyone affected by smell and taste disorders. Studies like this one at the University of Victoria are crucial for advancing our understanding and developing better support systems for our community.
Whether or not you choose to participate, we encourage you to share this opportunity with others who might be eligible and interested. The more diverse perspectives included in research like this, the more comprehensive and applicable the findings will be for our entire community.
The University of Victoria Smell Study is conducted independently of Scent Recover. We’re sharing this information as a service to our community members who may be interested in participating in smell-related research. For questions about the study itself, please contact the research team directly through the link provided above.
