The Association for Olfaction Research (AOR) recognizes excellence, supports emerging talent, and celebrates outstanding contributions in olfaction and related interdisciplinary sciences. Our fellowships and awards program is designed to foster innovation, encourage translational research, and reward scientists, students, and professionals who advance the 5S framework — Smell, Sensors, Signal, Simulation, and Systems.
Fellow of Association for Olfaction Research (FAOR)
Fellowship of the Association for Olfaction Research (AOR) represents the society’s most prestigious membership grade, conferred through nomination and election.
Fellows are distinguished individuals who have demonstrated notable contributions to advancing olfaction science, genomics, bioinformatics, or allied disciplines, with at least five years of influential leadership, research, or teaching experience. Election to Fellowship recognizes professional excellence, strategic impact, and commitment to the society’s mission, while offering enhanced visibility, opportunities to shape initiatives, and exclusive recognition within the global AOR community.
Nominations must be supported by referees attesting to the candidate’s standing, and successful applicants will be formally elected at scheduled meetings of the Executive Committee, thereafter entitled to use the postnominal letters FAOR.
Other major Fellowships
AOR Research Fellowship A prestigious, competitive fellowship awarded annually to outstanding researchers and early-career scientists. Recipients receive funding support, mentorship from senior experts, access to collaborative networks, and opportunities to present their work at AOR events. This fellowship is ideal for projects involving olfactory receptor biology, sensor development, AI-driven odor modeling, or clinical applications of olfaction science.
Student Research Fellowship Targeted at talented undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students, this fellowship provides financial assistance, research guidance, and resources to pursue innovative projects in olfactory science. Selected students also get priority participation in AOR workshops, conferences, and international collaborations.
Translational Research Fellowship Focused on bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and real-world applications, this fellowship supports projects in areas such as diagnostic tools, digital olfaction devices, environmental monitoring systems, and therapeutic interventions based on chemosensory science.
Awards & Recognitions
- AOR Lifetime Achievement Award — Honoring senior scientists with exceptional, sustained contributions to olfaction research.
- Outstanding Young Researcher Award — Given to early-career scientists (under 40) demonstrating high-impact work.
- Excellence in Science Communication Award — For members who effectively popularize olfactory science through public outreach, writing, or digital media.
- Best Student Project Award — Presented annually to school and college students who excel in AOR-supported science initiatives.
Eligibility & Benefits
Fellowships and awards are open to AOR members (Student, Associate, and Full). Benefits typically include monetary grants, certificate of recognition, publication support, travel grants for conferences, and prominent feature on the AOR website and annual reports. Awardees also gain enhanced visibility within the global olfaction research community.
Nomination & Selection Process
Nominations for awards and fellowships are invited every year. Applications are reviewed by a distinguished Selection Committee comprising leading experts from academia and industry. Selection is based on scientific merit, innovation, societal impact, and alignment with AOR’s vision. Detailed guidelines and application deadlines are updated regularly on this page.