"It gives me a great sense of worth to know that my work can add to the world's knowledge, even if it's a small contribution."
Zhou Wen — Researcher at the Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and PhD supervisor at University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS). Her research focuses on human olfaction — including perception, chemosignals, and the emotional and cognitive effects of smell.
Since childhood, she has been fascinated by the mysteries of science — especially how the human brain interprets the world. In graduate school, her advisor introduced her to the field of olfaction — a sense closely tied to emotion. It became a gateway for her to explore long-standing questions about how we perceive, interpret, and emotionally respond to the world.
Fifteen years ago, she founded the first human olfactory lab in China. In 2019, her lab developed the Chinese Smell Identification Test, which not only assesses olfactory function but also helps predict the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's.
Through studying this ancient and mysterious sense, she hopes to offer insights into perception, emotion, and consciousness.
Outside the lab, she enjoys anime — its characters' bravery, selflessness, and perseverance constantly reignite her original dreams. While research is often a difficult path, she's learned to find peace amid the struggle. "Think deeply, be courageous, and stay resilient."
Join Dr. Zhou in uncovering the mysteries of smell — a sense that connects memory, emotion, and mind.
Produced by Bureau of International Cooperation, Chinese Academy of Sciences
