A New Direction in Educational Cooperation
Consumer Insight Consulting & Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology
In 2025, Consumer Insight Consulting entered an important stage of its educational activity by establishing a strategic cooperation with the Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology (Jan and Jędrzej Śniadecki University).
As a result of this collaboration, two specialized training programs were delivered—for students and academic staff—aimed at developing competencies in sensory analysis, consumer research, and ISO requirements.
This combination of business practice and academic expertise created a space for knowledge exchange, competence building, and strengthening university teaching programs.
Training for Students
“Verification of the Evaluation Panel and Sensory Analysis Methods”
Training objective
The training aimed to introduce the fundamentals of professional sensory analysis and equip students with competencies required to work in product evaluation panels for food products.
Scope of training
The two-day program included, among others:
Verification of the evaluation panel
traits and predispositions of assessors,
screening tests and sensory selection tools,
role of the evaluation panel in product development.
Basics of sensory analysis
functioning of the senses and factors influencing perception,
principles of a neutral evaluation environment.
Sensory methods
difference tests: triangle, duo-trio, ranking,
descriptive tests,
data analysis and interpretation,
practical sample exercises.
Good practices in sensory laboratories
sample preparation,
standardization of evaluation conditions.
Learning outcomes
After the training, students:
✔ understand basic sensory testing methods,
✔ understand the role of the panel in R&D processes,
✔ learned practical tools for sensory evaluation,
✔ are able to independently perform correct organoleptic product evaluation.
Format
Workshops, sensory exercises on samples, case studies, and short theoretical modules.
Target group
Students of food technology, biotechnology, and production engineering.
Training for Academic Staff
“Consumer Research as a Tool in Shaping Product Success on the Market with Reference to ISO 11136:2014”
Delivered on October 17, 2025 as part of the project
MODERN UNIVERSITY = COMPETENT GRADUATE (funded by European Funds).
Training objective
The objective was to provide comprehensive knowledge of consumer research, its application in product design, and the requirements of ISO 11136:2014.
Scope of training
Role of consumer research in the food industry
role of consumers in product success,
application of research across the product lifecycle,
differences between sensory analysis and consumer research.
ISO 11136:2014 in practice
standard requirements,
designing hedonic tests,
selection of study groups and evaluation environments.
Consumer research methods
monadic, comparative, and preference tests,
hedonic scales, CATA, and new approaches,
data analysis and interpretation.
Marketing and qualitative methods
focus group design,
scenarios and moderation techniques,
selection of methods based on project goals.
Consumer expectations and market trends
changing food preferences,
consumer behavior,
new product development directions.
Learning outcomes
Lecturers gained skills in:
✔ designing tests compliant with ISO 11136,
✔ using qualitative and quantitative methods,
✔ interpreting consumer data in practice,
✔ integrating sensory knowledge with marketing and product design.
Format
Expert lecture, case study analysis, discussion panel, mini project workshop.
Target group
Lecturers in food science, technology, marketing, and PhD students.
Received recommendations
After the delivery of 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 level,
⭐ practical examples from the industry,
⭐ ability to combine sensory analysis with marketing research,
⭐ engagement and professionalism of the trainer — Agata Markiewicz,
⭐ opportunity to immediately apply the acquired knowledge in teaching and professional practice.
These recommendations confirm that our trainings bring real value to both the academic and business environment.
We also received official references regarding our training and cooperation from Dr. Eng. Katarzyna Gościnna of the Faculty of Agriculture and Biotechnology.
Summary
The cooperation with Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology opened a new chapter in the educational activities of Consumer Insight Consulting. Combining industry expertise with academic needs makes it possible to create high-quality training programs, support competence development, and build a bridge between science and market practice.
We would like to thank Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology for their trust, engagement, and openness to joint initiatives.
We hope this is only the beginning of further cooperation.
Develop your competencies in sensory and consumer research
Do you want to design products that truly meet market needs and are well evaluated by consumers?
Combining sensory and consumer research enables better decision-making, reduces risk, and supports more effective product development.
Explore our trainings and choose the area you want to develop – from the fundamentals of consumer research in the food industry to hands-on sensory workshops.
You can also implement the acquired knowledge directly in your organization and improve the quality of product decisions.