“We have attracted very highly qualified scientists from across Europe that will make a difference to Europe’s food safety system,” said Dr Tobin Robinson, Head of EFSA’s Science Strategy and Coordination Department. “Many of the new members come from universities and research institutes, meaning that there is a growing awareness of EFSA’s work in academic circles”.

The Authority’s Scientific Committee and Panels are renewed every three years, with current members either replaced or re-appointed. Experts are selected through a rigorous procedure, based on proven scientific excellence and independence.

The inaugural meetings of the experts’ three-year mandate will take place at the beginning of July at EFSA’s premises in Parma. During these meetings, experts are informed about EFSA strategy, risk assessment, the Authority’s policy on independence and implementing rules. Each Panel will also meet separately to discuss its future work programmes and elect its Chair and vice-Chairs.

EFSA’s Management Board will appoint some additional experts to replace those that did not accept the appointment or who were not nominated at the March meeting of the Management Board. Their CVs and declarations of interest will be published by the first inaugural meeting on 1-2 July.

Profiles of Scientific Committee and Panel members

• Strong expertise present in universities and other public research institutes throughout the European Union as well as from governmental bodies.
• EFSA is placing greater reliance on working with experts from similar food safety organisations which pursue public health interest objectives.
• Composition: 47% come from universities (up from 41% three years ago), 46% from public research institutes and government bodies, 5% are retired from such institutions.