Category: Academic chapter

In conjoint analysis (CA), one generates a set of product profiles that vary systematically in terms of their attributes and attribute levels. These product profiles are then presented to consumers, who will state their preferences in a rating, ranking or choice task. After presenting the conceptual background of CA methods, this chapter introduces the basic principles and some of the recent advances in the methodology in experimental design, data collection, data modelling and results interpretation. A step-by-step guide is proposed, followed by an illustrative case study and practical recommendations based on the authors’ experience. Finally, we give a selected review of trends within the sensory and consumer science literature, and we discuss future perspectives and research areas of CA in the field of sensory and consumer science.

Significant volumes of materials from fish, seaweed and other marine organisms are poorly utilized and may be well suited for application as fertilizers and soil amendments. Brown seaweed contains significant amounts of potassium and calcium, and bone-rich residues from white fish are rich in nitrogen and phosphorus. Together, such materials are a good starting point for a well-balanced complete fertilizer, applicable for arable and feed crops. At NORSØK, several studies have been carried out in recent years with such materials as soil amendments. Whereas fish residues have a remarkably rapid and positive effect on crop growth, seaweed residues have a remarkable residual effect. Potentially toxic elements, especially arsenic and cadmium, need consideration when brown seaweeds are applied to soil, but we have not revealed increased uptake of these elements in crop plants grown in soil amended with seaweed.

This chapter delves into the crucial step of biomass pretreatment and its significance in a biorefinery. It begins by introducing a comprehensive definition of a biorefinery and the importance of pretreatment in biorefining. Various pretreatment methods, their advantages, disadvantages, and accompanying structural modifications to the biomass are explained. The general focus is on the impact of pretreatment on enzyme hydrolysis, an essential step in biomass conversion to renewable sugars for producing various bioproducts, including biofuels and biopolymers such as bioplastics. The chapter further discusses how pretreatments, if not balanced, could also contribute to downstream processing challenges, such as the generation of inhibitors. The chapter provides a comprehensive guide to grasping the necessity of pretreatment in biomass utilization for sustainable biorefining.

In an era where consumers are no longer passive recipients but active participants in shaping products, services and knowledge, traditional consumer research methods are being reimagined. This chapter explores the intersection of design thinking, co-creation and citizen science as a dynamic methodological triad for consumer research. These approaches share a commitment to inclusivity, empathy and iterative learning, principles that resonate strongly with contemporary demands for more responsive and responsible innovation.
Design thinking offers a human-centred framework for problem-solving that emphasises empathy, ideation and prototyping. Co-creation extends this by inviting consumers and stakeholders to collaboratively generate value, while citizen science introduces participatory models from the scientific domain, enabling laypeople to contribute meaningfully to data collection, analysis and interpretation. Rooted in innovation research, participatory design and science and technology studies, these methods have evolved as interdisciplinary responses to the growing demand for more inclusive, user-driven and socially responsive approaches to knowledge creation and problem-solving. Together, these methods not only enrich the research process but also democratise it, bridging the gap between experts and end-users and fostering deeper engagement, trust and relevance.
This chapter outlines how these methodologies can be integrated and adapted for consumer research, offering practical insights and case examples to guide researchers in designing more inclusive, innovative and impactful studies.