A call inviting European experts to apply for membership of selected Panels was published in December 2003 in the Official Journal of the European Communities, in selected scientific journals and on the Authority’s website. 241 Scientists responded to the call and following a rigorous and documented review process a shortlist of 37 potential candidates was endorsed by EFSA’s Advisory Forum. Subsequently the Management Board approved the nomination of 13 experts from this shortlist on the basis of their profile and the specific needs of the respective Panels.

Experts were appointed to the following Scientific Panels:

• the Panel on food additives, flavourings, processing aids and materials in contact with food (AFC);
• the Panel on additives and products or substances used in animal feed (FEEDAP);
• the Panel on plant health, plant protection products and their residues (PPR);
• the Panel on dietetic products, nutrition and allergies (NDA);
• the Panel on animal health and welfare (AHAW).

With their appointment these Panels jointly have expanded their expertise in the areas of food chemistry, environmental and mammalian toxicology, animal epidemiology and nutrition, microbiology, immunology, human and animal nutrition, and plant health. The Panels on biological hazards (BIOHAZ), contaminants in the food chain (CONTAM) and on genetically modified organisms (GMO) already had full membership of 21 experts and did not need additional expertise.

EFSA’s Deputy Executive Director and Director Science Herman Koëter said: “While we have made every effort to secure a proper geographical and gender balance, selecting the best available scientific expertise and competence in the areas defined has always been the Authority’s top priority. I am really pleased with the high level of scientific excellence of the newly appointed Panel members.”

The list of the new members appointed to the Panels has been published on the EFSA website.