Are you interested in translating science into real-world impact?
The Monell Science Entrepreneurship Program for Healthy Aging (MSEP-HA) is a unique opportunity for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to gain hands-on training at the intersection of biomedical research, aging, and entrepreneurship.
Hosted by the Monell Chemical Senses Center, a nonprofit research institute in Philadelphia dedicated to the study of taste, smell, chemical irritation, and appetite, this program is grounded in a rich, interdisciplinary scientific environment. With more than 40 PhD-level scientists, Monell leads cutting-edge research spanning receptor biology to human health and disease. Its collaborative community includes biophysicists, sensory psychologists, chemists, neuroscientists, biologists, and geneticists, all working together to answer fundamental questions about how the chemical senses shape behavior, health, and the environment.
Loss of smell is not only a natural part of aging for some, it can also serve as an early warning sign for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease. This growing area of research presents a major opportunity to develop innovative tools, such as standardized smell tests, that can transform both clinical care and scientific discovery. MSEP-HA prepares trainees to lead in this emerging space.
This intensive 3-week Fall program brings together a diverse cohort of rising scientists for 100+ hours of immersive training in:
The biology of aging and sensory science
Translational research and product development
Intellectual property, regulatory pathways, and reimbursement strategies
Identifying market needs and commercialization opportunities
Dates: October 22 – November 11, 2026
Locations: University City Science Center and Monell Chemical Senses Center (Philadelphia, PA)
The program culminates in the development and presentation of an Insight Brief at the Monell Insiders Meeting (formerly the Coporate Partners or Sponors Meeting), where participants present their commercialization concepts to an expert panel and industry audience.
Participants receive funding for travel and housing, mentorship from academic and industry leaders, and access to a robust professional network. MSEP-HA is committed to supporting a diverse cohort of future leaders in science and entrepreneurship.
If you're ready to bridge the gap between science and innovation and help shape the future of healthy aging, MSEP-HA is your launchpad.
We seek highly motivated undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral researchers who are interested in applying scientific expertise to real-world challenges in aging, health, and innovation.
Eligibility
Current undergraduate or graduate student (PhD, MD, or equivalent) or postdoctoral researcher in a relevant field (e.g., neuroscience, biology, chemistry, psychology, public health, engineering, or related disciplines)
Demonstrated interest in aging, neurodegeneration, sensory science, or translational biomedical research
Desired Qualifications
Applicants should demonstrate:
Interest in entrepreneurship and translation
Curiosity about how scientific discoveries move from concept to commercialization, including exposure or interest in areas such as product development, intellectual property, or market applications
Commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration
Ability to engage across scientific, clinical, and business domains, aligned with the program’s focus on integrating research, industry, and community perspectives
Engagement with real-world impact
Interest in addressing unmet needs in aging and health, including areas such as early detection of conditions like Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
Strong communication and teamwork skills
Willingness to participate in discussions, workshops, and collaborative activities, culminating in a final Insight Brief presentation.
Program Expectations
Selected participants must:
Fully participate in the 3-week intensive program (October 22 – November 11, 2026)
Engage in seminars, workshops, and networking activities across both academic and industry settings
Develop and present a final Insight Brief at the Monell Insiders Meeting
Actively contribute to a collaborative cohort environment and program evaluation efforts
Applicants should submit the following documents:
For questions, please reach out to AcademicAffairs@monell.org.
Monell Chemical Senses Center shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.
The Monell Center is an independent non-profit science institute that conducts basic research on the chemical senses. A leader in scientific discovery, Monell's world-class scientists advance understanding of taste and smell to benefit human health and well-being. The Center’s outstanding interdisciplinary research programs incorporate approaches that range from molecular biology to behavioral neuroscience, from analytical chemistry to comparative sensory ecology and clinical work with human patients.
