Terms of Engagement

for Research Experts and Contributors

These Terms of Engagement (“Agreement”) set forth the expectations, responsibilities, and mutual commitments between you (“you” or “Expert”) and the World Taste & Smell Association (WTSA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to advancing sensory science, public health, and inclusive design (“we,” “our,” or “WTSA”). This Agreement governs your participation in any WTSA-related research, programmatic activities, interviews, workshops, clinical protocols, expert panels, or co-creation initiatives (“Engagements”).

Your participation helps us drive cross-sector collaboration, evidence-based innovation, and equitable access to sensory wellness. By agreeing to these terms, you affirm that you are contributing in alignment with WTSA’s mission and with full understanding of the responsibilities outlined herein.

1. Definitions

  • Engagement: Any form of interaction or contribution involving you and WTSA, including interviews, workshops, advisory input, surveys, clinical trial design, speaking engagements, or co-authorship.

  • Confidential Information: Any non-public or sensitive information shared during the Engagement, including research-in-progress, funding conversations, or third-party collaborations.

  • Intellectual Property (IP): Any original research, insights, content, tools, or methodologies created as a result of or during your Engagement with WTSA.

  • Sensitive Health Data: Any personally identifiable health information covered under HIPAA or similar national/international regulations.

  • MNPI (Material Non-Public Information): Not applicable to WTSA unless bound by external legal contracts. Experts are expected to avoid any sharing of MNPI governed by third-party relationships.

2. Purpose of Engagement

WTSA operates in the public interest. All Engagements are designed to:

  • Advance scientific knowledge and public education.

  • Foster inclusive, sensory-informed design and product development.

  • Support clinical and community-based research in flavor, smell, and neuro-inclusive health.

You agree to participate in an individual and voluntary capacity, not as a representative of an employer or institution unless expressly authorized.

3. Eligibility and Ethics

You confirm that:

  • You are not restricted by any contractual or institutional obligations preventing your participation.

  • You have obtained necessary permissions or waivers if representing an institution.

  • You will disclose any potential conflicts of interest prior to the Engagement.

  • You will not participate in ways that violate any code of conduct, law, regulation, or ethical standard.

  • You will not use this platform to promote or endorse commercial products unless part of a WTSA-approved program or study.

4. Use of Contributions and IP Rights

Unless otherwise agreed in writing:

  • Contributions made during the Engagement may be used by WTSA for research, education, advocacy, and content development (e.g. reports, white papers, podcasts, training modules).

  • WTSA retains a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use contributions in service of its nonprofit mission, with attribution where appropriate.

  • Experts retain rights to their individual ideas, data, and research unless formally transferred.

  • WTSA will not commercially exploit any expert contribution without further agreement or co-authorship discussions.

5. Confidentiality

You agree to:

  • Keep all non-public information obtained through WTSA confidential unless otherwise released by WTSA in writing.

  • Not disclose or use any Confidential Information to benefit third parties or for competitive purposes.

  • Respect any embargoes on shared research data, publication timelines, or sponsor commitments.

WTSA likewise agrees to protect any proprietary information you share under mutual nondisclosure (upon request).

6. Compensation

If compensation is offered:

  • It will reflect fair market value for your time and contribution, as budgeted in the relevant grant or program.

  • Honoraria, stipends, or reimbursements will be processed in accordance with WTSA’s fiscal policy and IRS regulations.

  • Compensation does not constitute employment, and you will be treated as an independent contributor.

7. Adverse Events & Sensitive Data

For clinical research or health-related programs:

  • You agree to comply with all applicable IRB, HIPAA, and informed consent protocols.

  • If discussing medical cases or patients, you will avoid sharing identifiable health information unless part of a WTSA-governed and IRB-approved protocol.

  • If an adverse event is disclosed, you consent to WTSA’s legal obligation to report it to relevant health authorities or sponsors, as applicable.

8. Media and Public Use

  • WTSA may use transcripts, recordings, or summaries of your participation in internal analysis or public-facing materials with your consent.

  • You may request review of direct quotes or attributions prior to public release.

  • WTSA will never share your data or content with external vendors without your permission.

9. Post-Engagement Conduct

  • WTSA welcomes long-term collaboration. However, we ask that you not use confidential knowledge or internal strategies for independent commercial benefit or to compete with WTSA initiatives.

  • If you wish to build upon work created during your Engagement, we ask that you notify WTSA in writing and attribute the project accordingly

10. Disputes and Jurisdiction

  • This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York, United States.

  • WTSA will strive to resolve any disputes amicably and collaboratively.

  • Any formal dispute will be resolved in New York courts unless otherwise negotiated.

11. Term and Termination

This Agreement is effective upon your acceptance and will remain in effect unless otherwise extended or terminated in writing by either party. You may decline to participate or withdraw from an Engagement at any time. Confidentiality and IP clauses survive termination.

12. Transparency and Inclusion

WTSA is committed to equity, transparency, and accessibility. We encourage your feedback and welcome diverse perspectives that help us improve our frameworks and uphold ethical best practices in public health and sensory science.

Acknowledgement

By participating in a WTSA Engagement, you agree to these Terms of Engagement and commit to supporting an inclusive, ethical, and scientifically rigorous community of practice.