The scientists were among 732 eligible applicants for the positions -- a 7 percent increase compared to the last renewal carried out in 2006. This is the second renewal of EFSA’s Scientific Committee and Panels since the European food safety watchdog was established in 2002.

“The response is an excellent indication of the high level of interest of the European scientific community in EFSA’s work,” Management Board Chair Diána Bánáti said. “We are encouraged by the fact that 79 % of current Panel members reapplied for the positions.”

The Board endorsed EFSA’s Preliminary Management Plan for 2010 which has cooperation with Member States, stakeholders and others associated with the food chain as one of its main priorities. The Plan also envisages full engagement at international level so that EFSA is constantly aware of global food safety challenges and can play a pivotal role in the exchange of information and data and in risk communications.

The Board also adopted the preliminary draft budget for 2010, amounting to EUR 74.40 million -- a 2 percent increase on the 2009 budget, which will be largely devoted to additional activities in the two scientific directorates.