Monell in Brief
 
History: Established in1968 as the world’s first scientific institute for multidisciplinary research on taste, smell and chemosensory irritation. Initial guidance and financial support came from the Ambrose Monell Foundation and from federal and state agencies. Until 1978, Monell was based at the University of Pennsylvania. The two institutions continue to maintain a close relationship.
Location: Situated in the academic heart of Philadelphia’s University City Science Center, 3500 Market Street, bordered by the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University and numerous other academic and scientific organizations.
Function: Independent nonprofit basic research center.
Mission: To advance knowledge of the mechanisms and functions of the chemical senses: taste, smell and chemosensory irritation.
Size: Over 100 scientists and technicians, plus a small administrative staff.
Facilities: Owns and occupies over 90,000 square feet in two adjoining buildings on Market Street, with specialized laboratories, sensory testing facilities, a library and conference rooms. A Chemosensory Clinical Research Center in Center City Philadelphia is administered in collaboration with Thomas Jefferson University.
Types of Research: Multidisciplinary basic research exploring all aspects of the chemical senses through laboratory research and clinical studies.
Education: Monell’s trainees range from high school students in internship programs to recent PhD recipients to senior scientists from academia and industry seeking new skills or specialized training
Funding: About half of Monell’s funding comes from government agencies, with the remainder from foundations, corporate sponsorships, gifts and grants. The Ambrose Monell Foundation continues to support the Center’s efforts.
Corporate Sponsors: More than 50 companies from around the world help sponsor Monell’s research efforts through annual unrestricted grants.