Food safety group calls on scientists
15 Apr 2014
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is asking high-calibre scientists to join its team of risk assessment experts.
The organisation was set up in January 2002, following a series of food crises, and it relies on the expertise and judgement of hundreds of scientists to provide EU decision-makers with advice needed to protect consumers, animals and plants.
Applications are being invited from scientists with expertise in plant health and protection, genetically modified organisms, animal health and welfare, feedstuffs, food chain contaminants, biological hazards, and nutrition.
Working for EFSA is hard work, and it should be hard work, but the rewards make it worthwhile
Prof Anthony Hardy
EFSA is also renewing membership of its Scientific Committee, which is responsible for overarching issues such as harmonisation of risk assessment approaches and new methodologies.
The Authority’s Scientific Committee and its Scientific Panels are each composed of up to 21 scientists from across Europe and cover a broad spectrum of disciplines.
It said these experts - from universities, research institutions and national food safety authorities – bring an abundance of scientific knowledge, critical thinking and practical decision-making experience.
Professor Anthony Hardy, chairman of the Scientific Committee, said: “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’s experts volunteer their time and are often required to give complex scientific advice at short notice. Sometimes they may even find themselves in the public eye because of the particular nature or sensitivity of the issue they have been asked to assess.
Professor Joe Perry, chairman of the Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms, said: “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.
Further details are available on EFSA’s website.
