New science strategy published by EFSA

The publication of EFSA’s new science strategy for 2012–2016 highlights how the authority has grown over time into its pivotal position within the European food safety system and lays out the vision for its scientific development for the next five years.

The main objectives of the science strategy are:

• To further develop EFSA’s scientific excellence and other core values, such as openness, transparency, independence and responsiveness; to optimise the use of European risk assessment capacity across the EU.
• To develop and harmonise risk assessment methodologies and approaches to assess risks associated with the food chain; and to strengthen the scientific basis for risk assessment and risk monitoring.
• The science strategy was the subject of an extensive consultation process involving EFSA’s scientific committee, its advisory forum, staff, its stakeholders as well as a public consultation.

EFSA’s director of science strategy and coordination, Hubert Deluyker, said: “The quality of our science is central to everything we do and with this ambitious strategy, EFSA can continue to enhance its support of the European food safety system in the years to come.

“Looking forward, along with our partners, our role is one of leadership in the development of state of the art risk assessment methodologies in key areas while meeting the needs of risk managers in the most effective way. Our relationship with the Member States will continue to be critical both from a data collection and information exchange perspective — ensuring a high calibre of evidence can be applied to risk assessment — and from a capacity building perspective where EFSA strongly supports the development of risk assessment skills across Europe.”

Source: EFSA

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