Olfaction & Medical Detection

The British Society of Perfumers is delighted to invite you to our upcoming virtual event, exploring the fascinating intersection of scent and science: “Olfaction & Medical Detection”.

This session will explore how scent—both biological and technological—is being harnessed to advance early disease detection. Our two expert speakers will share insights from their respective fields, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of perfumery, science, and health.

Dr Claire Guest OBE will discuss how dogs can be trained to detect various diseases in their early stages, often before symptoms appear.

Alain Frix will discuss how the electronic nose, currently under development, mimics a dog’s remarkable sense of smell to detect diseases early, often before symptoms appear, reduce costly treatments, and ultimately fit into a chip on your smartphone.

📅 : Wednesday, 8th October 2025
⏰ : 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (BST)
👉 Meet our speakers below!

Dr Claire Guest OBE
Chief Executive & Chief Scientific Officer, Medical Detection Dogs

Dr Claire Guest is a globally recognized leader in the field of medical bio-detection. With a background in psychology and animal behaviour, she has dedicated her career to exploring the extraordinary capabilities of dogs to detect human disease through scent. In 2008, she co-founded Medical Detection Dogs (MDD), a pioneering UK charity that trains both Bio Detection, to detect diseases such as cancer, malaria, and COVID-19, and Medical Alert Assistance Dogs, to assist individuals with complex medical conditions.

Claire’s research has led to major breakthroughs, including the first published proof that dogs can detect bladder cancer by odour. Her team has trained and placed over 200 assistance dogs, including the first to alert to hypoglycemia, PoTS episodes, and nut allergies. Her personal story, shared in her memoir Daisy’s Gift, recounts how her Labrador Daisy detected her own breast cancer, inspiring the foundation of MDD.

Claire is a frequent speaker at international conferences and a published author in peer-reviewed journals. Her contributions to science and public health have earned her numerous accolades, including an Honorary Doctorate, the CBI First Women Award for Science and Technology, and an OBE in 2023 for Services to Medical Knowledge, Public Health and Wellbeing. Claire is also Chair of the Trustee Board for The David Riddell CIO which focuses on mental health and suicide awareness, a Trustee of Assistance Dogs UK and a Board member for Assistance Dogs Europe.

Alain Frix

Chief Executive Officer, Allchemix

Alain Frix is a fragrance and flavour ingredients specialist, with over 35 years of experience at the intersection of science, sustainability, and global supply chains. He holds a Master’s in Molecular Biology from Université Libre de Bruxelles and a postgraduate diploma in Management from Solvay Business School, combining technical depth with strategic business insight.

Throughout his career, Alain has worked extensively with both natural and synthetic materials, with a strong focus on responsible sourcing, chemistry, and environmental impact. His hands-on experience includes visiting growing and distillation regions across the globe, giving him a unique understanding of agricultural practices and raw material production.

Alain is a passionate advocate for science-based, practical solutions to reduce fossil fuel dependence and supply chain emissions in the fragrance industry. He served on the Executive Committee of IFEAT (International Federation of Essential Oils and Aroma Trades) from 2007 to 2022, including multiple terms as Chair of its Scientific Committee. Through articles, lectures, and study tours, Alain continues to promote transparency, responsible innovation, and lower-impact practices across the sector.

📢Don’t miss out—register now to join us online!