In line with its Founding Regulation 178/2002, EFSA established in May 2003 a Scientific Committee and eight Scientific Panels responsible for providing independent scientific advice on all matters related to food and feed safety. By end 2005, EFSA’s Scientific Committee and Panels will have delivered over 300 scientific opinions in their respective areas of competence. Every three years, membership of the committee and panels is renewed.

The recruitment call is open to scientists from the 25 Member States* who are appointed for a renewable three-year term of office. Applicants should demonstrate experience in carrying out scientific risk assessment and proven scientific excellence in one, or preferably several fields in EFSA’s remit. Experience in peer reviewing scientific work and publications is also welcome.

Dr. Djien Liem, Acting Director of Science affirmed: “It is critical that EFSA continues to attract and rely on the work of scientists with the highest level of expertise in order to ensure that the Authority provides the best scientific advice. The renewal of EFSA’s Scientific Committee and Panels is fundamental to our achieving our goals and we hope that this call will provide further opportunity for the Authority to expand its scientific network, including a broader involvement of scientists from the new Member States.”

The call for expressions of interest was published November 23 2005 in the Official Journal of the European Communities, in selected scientific journals and on the Authority’s website. This call will also be disseminated through the network of EFSA’s Advisory Forum.