New Direction of Educational Cooperation Between Consumer Insight Consulting and Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology
In 2025, Consumer Insight Consulting launched an important stage of its training activities by establishing a partnership with the Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology (Politechnika Bydgoska im. Jana i Jędrzeja Śniadeckich).
This collaboration resulted in two specialized training programs — for students and academic staff — aimed at developing competencies in sensory analysis, consumer research, and ISO requirements.
This combination of business practice and scientific expertise created a platform for knowledge exchange, skill building, and strengthening the university’s teaching programmes.
- Training for Students:
“Verification of the Sensory Panel and Methods of Sensory Analysis”
Training Objective
The purpose of the training was to introduce the fundamentals of professional sensory analysis and equip students with the competencies needed to work in panels evaluating food products.
Training Scope
Verification of the Sensory Panel
- characteristics and predispositions of assessors,
- verification tests and sensory selection tools,
- the role of the sensory panel in product development.
Fundamentals of Sensory Analysis
- functioning of the senses and factors influencing evaluation,
- principles of a neutral evaluation environment.
Sensory Methods
- difference tests: triangle, duo-trio, ranking,
- descriptive tests,
- data analysis and interpretation,
- practical exercises on samples.
Good Practices of a Sensory Laboratory
- sample preparation,
- standardization of evaluation conditions.
Outcomes for Participants
After completing the training, students:
✔ were able to conduct basic sensory tests,
✔ understood the role of the panel in the R&D process,
✔ learned practical tools used by sensory analysts,
✔ could consciously analyse evaluation data and results.
Training Format
Workshops, sensory exercises with samples, case studies, and short theoretical modules.
Target Group
Students of food technology, biotechnology, and production engineering programmes.
- Training for Academic Staff:
“Consumer Research as a Tool for Shaping Product Success on the Market, Including ISO 11136:2014”
Conducted on 17 October 2025 as part of the project
MODERN UNIVERSITY = COMPETENT GRADUATE (funded by the European Funds).
Training Objective
The aim of the training was to provide comprehensive knowledge on consumer research, its application in product design, and the requirements of ISO 11136:2014.
Training Scope
The Role of Consumer Research in the Food Industry
- the consumer’s role in product success,
- application of research across the product life cycle,
- differences between sensory analysis and consumer research.
ISO 11136:2014 in Practice
- requirements of the standard,
- designing hedonic tests,
- selection of research groups and evaluation environment.
Consumer Research Methods
- monadic, comparative, and preference tests,
- hedonic scales, CATA, and new approaches,
- analysis and interpretation of results.
Marketing and Qualitative Methods
- designing focus groups,
- scenarios and moderation techniques,
- selecting research methods to fit project objectives.
Consumer Expectations and Market Trends
- changing food preferences,
- purchasing behaviours,
- directions in new product development.
Outcomes for Participants
Lecturers gained skills in:
✔ planning tests in accordance with ISO 11136,
✔ applying qualitative and quantitative methods,
✔ interpreting consumer data in practice,
✔ combining sensory knowledge with marketing and product design.
Training Format
Expert lecture, case analysis, discussion panel, mini design workshop.
Target Group
Lecturers in food, technology, marketing fields, and PhD students.
Received Recommendations
Following both training sessions, Consumer Insight Consulting received very high evaluations and recommendations from students and academic staff of the Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology.
Participants particularly highlighted:
⭐ high substantive quality,
⭐ practical industry examples,
⭐ the ability to combine sensory science with marketing research,
⭐ engagement and professionalism of the trainer — Agata Markiewicz,
⭐ the possibility of immediately applying the acquired knowledge in teaching and professional practice.
We also received formal references regarding our training and cooperation from
Dr Eng. Katarzyna Gościnna, Faculty of Agriculture and Biotechnology.
Summary
The cooperation with the Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology opened a new chapter in the educational activities of Consumer Insight Consulting. The combination of industry experience with academic needs allows us to deliver high-quality training, support competence development, and build a bridge between science and market practice.
We thank the Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology for their trust, engagement, and openness to joint initiatives.
We hope this is just the beginning of further collaboration.