EFSA Calls for Experts to Join Risk Assessment Panels

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has put out a call to scientists to join its teams of risk assessment experts and make a difference to Europe’s food safety system. Applications are invited from scientists with expertise in: Plant health; genetically modified organisms; feedstuffs; animal health and welfare; plant protection; contaminants in the food chain; biological hazards; and nutrition.

EFSA was set up in January 2002, following a series of food crises in the late 1990s, as an independent source of scientific advice and communication on risks associated with the food chain.

EFSA relies on the expertise of hundreds of scientists to provide EU decision-makers with the advice they need to protect consumers, animals, and plants. The Authority’s Scientific Committee and its Scientific Panels are each composed of up to 21 scientists from universities, research institutions, and national food safety authorities across Europe and cover a broad spectrum of disciplines, helping to ensure the excellence of the Authority’s advice.

Professor Anthony Hardy, Chair of the Scientific Committee, commented: “Working for EFSA is hard work, and it should be hard work, but the rewards make it worthwhile and I would recommend it to anyone. EFSA to me is the cornerstone of risk assessment in Europe as far as food safety is concerned, and its core values of scientific excellence and transparency are my own core values. I’m very proud to be part of a system that helps to make Europeans’ food safer.”

Professor Joe Perry, Chair of the Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms, added: “There is a real need to do the work that EFSA does. Risk assessment is important, not just scientifically but for society. That’s one of the reasons that I went into it. Scientists are consumers too – everyone eats food – and many are parents, so it’s an opportunity to give something back as well as to have an interesting time meeting experts from different countries, and to do your best in challenging areas.”

Applicants should be able to demonstrate experience in scientific risk assessment and have proven expertise in one or more of the areas of EFSA’s remit. Those selected will be offered a three-year mandate from July 2015. Those interested are invited to apply on-line. Details are available at www.efsa.europa.eu