Dr. Toshi Matsuda | Psychophysics | Best Researcher Award

Research Scientist from Nagoya City University Medical School, Japan

Dr. Toshi Matsuda is a distinguished medical researcher and clinician with over three decades of experience in otorhinolaryngology, particularly in the areas of olfactory and gustatory sciences. His academic and research contributions reflect a career deeply rooted in sensory perception, with significant translational applications in clinical diagnostics. Dr. Matsuda earned both his M.D. and Ph.D. from Nagoya City University Medical School in Japan and later extended his research expertise internationally through a research fellowship at the Smell and Taste Center, University of Pennsylvania. He has contributed extensively to the evaluation and development of sensory testing methods, notably co-authoring key studies on the validation of electrogustometry and olfactory identification techniques. His editorial role for the Japanese version of the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) and his current affiliation with Sensonics International, Inc. underscore his commitment to bridging research with practical healthcare solutions. With numerous peer-reviewed publications in both English and Japanese, Dr. Matsuda has impacted clinical protocols for diagnosing sensory impairments. His work continues to influence the scientific community and clinical practitioners alike. Despite a focus on a niche area, his consistency, cross-cultural research engagement, and contributions to sensory diagnostics mark him as a respected figure in his field.

Professional Profile

• Scopus Profile

Education

Dr. Toshi Matsuda pursued his entire academic medical education at Nagoya City University Medical School in Nagoya, Japan. He earned his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) in 1987, laying a strong foundation in clinical medical practice. Driven by a growing interest in scientific research, he subsequently completed his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in 1995, specializing in medical sciences with a focus on sensory physiology and otorhinolaryngology. His doctoral research, aligned with his later career pursuits, explored aspects of olfactory and gustatory functions, which would become central to his research and clinical work. The integration of clinical training and research expertise has allowed Dr. Matsuda to maintain a unique dual perspective, combining evidence-based medical practice with empirical investigations. This educational background has also facilitated his seamless transition from clinical fellowships to research fellowships and eventually to leadership roles in sensory diagnostics. His education at Nagoya City University Medical School, a respected institution in Japan, provided the critical knowledge and analytical tools that have guided his lifelong contributions to sensory science. These academic milestones were the launchpad for a successful interdisciplinary career bridging medicine, research, and translational application in the field of otolaryngology.

Professional Experience

Dr. Toshi Matsuda’s professional journey spans over three decades of integrated clinical practice and scientific research in otorhinolaryngology. He began his medical career as a Clinical Fellow at Toyohashi Municipal Hospital from 1987 to 1988, followed by a clinical fellowship at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Nagoya City University Medical School until 1991. These formative clinical experiences grounded his future research pursuits in real-world patient care. Between 1993 and 1997, Dr. Matsuda broadened his professional horizon internationally as a Research Fellow at the Smell and Taste Center, Department of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center in Philadelphia, USA. This period was instrumental in advancing his expertise in chemosensory science. He then returned to Japan, serving as a Research Associate at Nagoya City University Medical School. In 2006, Dr. Matsuda became the Editor of the Japanese Version of the UPSIT (University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test), and in 2018, he joined Sensonics International, Inc. as a Staff Scientist. His professional experiences reflect a seamless blend of clinical, academic, and translational science roles, and his continued association with both academic institutions and private industry underscores his ability to contribute to evidence-based diagnostic innovation.

Research Interest

Dr. Toshi Matsuda’s research interests focus predominantly on olfactory and gustatory perception, specifically in the clinical evaluation and validation of sensory function tests. His work has contributed to advancing diagnostic methodologies for smell and taste disorders, conditions often overlooked despite their critical importance in overall health and quality of life. He has consistently explored the physiological and pathological mechanisms underlying chemosensory disturbances, particularly in patients with chronic sinusitis, elderly populations, and individuals with neurologically related sensory impairments. Dr. Matsuda has also contributed significantly to the development and cross-cultural adaptation of diagnostic tools, such as the Japanese version of the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT), helping localize globally accepted tests for the Japanese population. He remains interested in electrogustometry, a technique used to assess taste thresholds via electrical stimulation, and continues to examine its validity and clinical utility. His collaboration with leading researchers in the U.S. and Japan underscores his commitment to scientific rigor and interdisciplinary research. By combining physiology, diagnostic technology, and cross-cultural considerations, Dr. Matsuda aims to enhance the accuracy and accessibility of sensory disorder diagnoses, thereby contributing to improved patient outcomes in otolaryngology and general healthcare.

Research Skills

Dr. Toshi Matsuda possesses a comprehensive set of research skills grounded in both laboratory and clinical methodologies, particularly within sensory physiology and otorhinolaryngology. He is proficient in designing and conducting electrogustometric and olfactometric studies, which involve quantitative assessments of taste and smell sensitivity. His research has incorporated electrode-based stimulation, threshold determination, and cross-comparative validation techniques, particularly in relation to bipolar electrode use and stimulus duration effects. Dr. Matsuda is skilled in both qualitative and quantitative data analysis, with experience in conducting clinical trials and patient surveys, particularly among elderly and sinusitis-affected populations. His technical expertise includes cross-cultural test standardization, notably his role in translating and validating the Japanese version of the UPSIT. Dr. Matsuda also has experience in academic publishing, peer collaboration, and interdisciplinary research, contributing to joint publications with international experts. His ability to work across languages and research cultures, particularly in English and Japanese contexts, supports his ongoing success in cross-national studies. Furthermore, his work at Sensonics International demonstrates his capacity to apply research findings to product development and public health diagnostics. Collectively, his skills reflect a methodical, patient-centered, and innovation-driven approach to medical research.

Awards and Honors

While specific named awards are not mentioned in the available biographical sketch, Dr. Toshi Matsuda’s career achievements reflect a legacy of professional recognition and scholarly contribution. His selection as a Research Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania, one of the leading institutions in olfactory research, demonstrates early-career recognition of his scientific potential. His appointment as Editor for the Japanese version of the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) is another form of peer acknowledgment, highlighting his trusted role in ensuring diagnostic accuracy and cultural relevance. His long-term engagement as a Staff Scientist with Sensonics International, a major player in sensory testing tools, suggests continued confidence in his scientific leadership and translational expertise. While formal honors and awards are not detailed, Dr. Matsuda’s publication record, collaborative projects, and enduring presence in academic and industry settings indicate a career marked by respect within the scientific and clinical communities. Recognizing his contributions with a formal research award would offer deserved validation for his consistent and impactful work in the field of chemosensory science and diagnostic innovation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Toshi Matsuda is a seasoned medical researcher and clinician whose career is defined by dedication to the advancement of olfactory and gustatory diagnostics. His dual qualifications (M.D. and Ph.D.), international research collaboration, and editorial role in localizing sensory testing tools highlight his contributions to both academic medicine and public health. His work has provided clinical clarity in diagnosing sensory impairments, particularly in under-recognized populations such as the elderly and individuals with chronic sinus conditions. Though his research field is specialized, it is of growing importance, especially in the context of neurological and post-viral sensory deficits. While his achievements are substantial, increased visibility through formal metrics (such as citations or awards), broader interdisciplinary integration, and mentorship roles could further strengthen his candidacy for major international recognition. Nevertheless, his lifelong commitment to improving sensory diagnostics through research and application, along with his cross-cultural scientific collaborations, make him a deserving candidate for consideration in the Best Researcher Award category. His profile represents the ideal blend of clinical insight, research rigor, and translational relevance.

Publications Top Notes

1. Title: Effect of Stimulus Duration on the Electrogustometric Threshold
   Authors: Matsuda, T. and Doty, R.L.
   Year: 2025

2. Title: Electrogustometry: Validation of Bipolar Electrode Stimulation
   Authors: Matsuda, T., Mysore Ganesh, P., Brown, B., Grosso, V., and Doty, R.L.
   Year: 2023

3. Title: Postoperative olfaction in chronic sinusitis: smokers versus nonsmokers
   Authors: Sugiyama, K., Matsuda, T., Kondo, H., Mitsuya, S., Hashiba, M., Murakami, S., and Baba, S.
   Year: 2002

4. Title: Clinical assessment of olfactory disturbance in chronic sinusitis patients
   Authors: Kondo, H., Takagi, S., Mitsuya, S., Murakami, S., Sugiyama, K., and Matsuda, T.
   Year: 2000

5. Title: A study of the relationship between the T&T olfactometer and the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test in a Japanese population
   Authors: Kondo, H., Matsuda, T., Hashiba, M., and Baba, S.
   Year: 1998

6. Title: Methods of taste testing
   Authors: Ikeda, M., Nishimoto, K., Furuta, S., Matsuda, T., and Maetani, T.
   Year: 1997

7. Title: The Usefulness and Limitation of the Smell Identification Test as an Olfactory Function Test in the Nagoya Area, Japan
   Authors: Kondo, H., Matsuda, T., Hashiba, M., and Baba, S.
   Year: 1997

8. Title: Clinical evaluation of usefulness of Smell Identification Test (International Version) in Japanese elderly subjects
   Authors: Oyama, M., Furuta, S., Baba, S., and Matsuda, T.
   Year: 1996

9. Title: Regional Taste Sensitivity to NaCl: Relationship to Subject Age, Tongue Locus and Area of Stimulation
   Authors: Matsuda, T. and Doty, R.L.
   Year: 1995

10. Title: Taste Perception and Survey for oral cavity conditions in a residence of elderly persons
    Authors: Matsuda, T., Baba, S., Yamamoto, T., et al.
    Year: 1991

11. Title: Concentration of ceftizoxime (CZX) in middle ear tissue: Intravenous injection vs drip infusion
    Authors: Suzuki, K., Itaya, S., Matsuda, T., et al.
    Year: 1991

12. Title: Conservative or Surgical Treatment of Cholesteatoma
    Authors: Suzuki, K., Itaya, S., Matsuda, T., et al.
    Year: 1991