Although the EU-funded Odeuropa project officially concluded in December 2023, its impact continues to grow, solidifying its role as a leading force in olfactory heritage and sensory mining. As a proud partner of this groundbreaking initiative, EURECOM is delighted to share some key updates from Odeuropa’s ongoing journey.
Odeuropa at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka
One of the most exciting developments is Odeuropa’s selection to represent the European Union at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan. As one of only three research projects chosen for the EU pavilion, this recognition underscores the project’s significance in the field of cultural heritage and AI-driven sensory exploration.
EURECOM's professor Raphael Troncy, along with two other members of the Odeuropa consortium -Cecilia Bembibre, and Inger Leemans- will be in Osaka for one week in late April to present lectures, conduct smellwalks, and explore Japan’s ‘100 most significant cultural smellmarks.’ Even beyond the experts' physical presence, Odeuropa will continue to engage visitors throughout the Expo via an AI-powered visual avatar, ensuring ongoing interaction and education about Europe’s olfactory heritage, exhibiting an array of historical scents
SmellWise: A new doctoral network on olfactory heritage
Building on its commitment to advancing olfactory research, Odeuropa has spearheaded the SmellWise Doctoral Network—an ambitious initiative submitted for EU funding under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie program. SmellWise aims to train 12 PhD candidates over three years (2026-2029), equipping them with expertise in scent culture, perfumery, AI-driven odor analytics, and olfactory storytelling.
The goal is to bridge the gap between academia, fragrance industries, and cultural institutions, fostering a new generation of professionals who will shape the future of olfactory heritage. The outcome of this highly competitive grant application is expected this Spring 2025—and we remain optimistic!
Showcasing multisensory AI at WAICF 2025
Odeuropa’s pioneering work in AI-driven scent analysis was also featured at the World AI Cannes Festival (WAICF) 2025. Pasquale Lisena presented a live demonstration titled “Multisensory AI with Odeuropa” showcasing the Odeuropa Smell Explorer—an innovative tool that integrates AI and historical data to visualize the presence of olfactory references in artworks. This event reinforced Odeuropa’s interdisciplinary approach, blending technology, cultural history, and sensory research.
A lasting impact
Despite the formal conclusion of the project, Odeuropa’s influence continues to expand. From new exhibitions and research collaborations to cutting-edge AI applications, the work initiated by this pioneering initiative remains at the forefront of olfactory heritage studies. EURECOM is proud to be a part of this journey, and we look forward to furthering the legacy of Odeuropa in the years to come.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to explore the world of scent and cultural heritage!
