EFSA has selected over 170 top scientific experts to take up the baton of the Authority’s scientific panels in July. These experts play a leading role in providing independent scientific advice to protect EU consumers, animals and the environment.

EFSA’s Senior Science Coordinator, Dr Juliane Kleiner, said: “The high calibre scientific experts we’ve named today come from 24 countries and a wide array of scientific disciplines. Over one-third of the experts have never been on an EFSA panel before. I’m pleased also that we’ve attracted more women experts and young scientists than previously.”

Key role for academics and national experts

Dr Kleiner added: “EU Member States provide the largest share of our incoming experts, with 17% affiliated to national risk assessment bodies and 29% to other government or public research institutes.

“European universities provide another 44% underlining our continuing strong ties to the academic world.

“The remainder includes self-employed and retired scientists whose extensive experience and expertise help to ensure the continuity of EFSA’s panel system and the consistency of EFSA’s scientific advice.”

An open and wide-ranging campaign

Over 1,000 scientists applied to become EFSA panel members following a call for experts held in the summer of 2017. The 170-plus nominees were chosen after an exhaustive selection process and thorough screening of their declarations of interest.

For the first time since 2008 EFSA will renew all 10 of its scientific panels and its Scientific Committee simultaneously. Each of the 10 panels has an average of 17 members who will officially begin their new three-year mandates on 1 July.

EFSA has organised a series of introductory activities to bring them up to speed with the Authority’s working practices and the panels’ work programmes.

Dr Kleiner said: “EFSA's scientific experts are at the heart of our work. So we are looking forward to welcoming them in July and working with them over the next three years.”

You can find links to all the panel members’ CVs and declarations of interest below:

The appointment of three additional experts – one from each of the Animal Health and Welfare, Biological Hazards and Plant Health panels – is ongoing.