Facilities
 

Monell owns and occupies over 90,000 square feet of space in the University City Science Center, near the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. There is convenient access to campus libraries, specialized research equipment, lecture halls and auditoriums, recreational facilities, and cultural events.

Monell's two adjoining buildings contain well-equipped laboratories for research in physical-organic chemistry, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, endocrinology, neurophysiology, nutrition, psychophysics, and behavior. The on-site library contains a large collection of literature on the chemical senses; the Center's staff also has privileges at the libraries of the University of Pennsylvania.

Monell recently completed the renovation and expansion of two research facilities. These modern laboratory complexes will facilitate understanding of our uniquely individual sensory worlds by intimately connecting the sciences of molecular biology with human sensory perception.

A 10,000 square foot Molecular Biology Research Wing, completed in 2005, contains a cutting-edge open laboratory for investigation of the genomics and proteomics of taste and smell. The Molecular Biology Wing also houses a heavy equipment corridor, shared technical facilities, office space and a conference room.

The renovated 20,000 square foot Human Chemosensory Research Facility will open in fall 2007. In addition to individual labs designed to meet highly specific research needs, this facility will house two environmental chambers with high-capacity airflow and ventilation for studies of odor perception and adaptation, as well as an olfactometer research laboratory. Shared core facilities will include two subject reception areas, individual and group testing rooms, a laboratory dedicated to preparation of test solutions and food samples, and a phlebotomy suite.

Clinical research projects are an important part of the Center's program. Scientists at the Monell-Jefferson Chemosensory Clinical Research Center (CCRC) seek to characterize and understand the causes of taste and smell disorders and to develop treatment strategies. As part of this program, the Monell-Jefferson Taste & Smell Clinic, located at Thomas Jefferson University in downtown Philadelphia, evaluates individuals with problems in taste and smell. This clinic operates in conjunction with physicians from Jefferson ’s Department of Otolaryngology.

Other clinical research projects are carried out in collaboration with physicians and research scientists at nearby universities and area health care institutions.