OPPORTUNITIES FOR COOPERATION WITH EFSA
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) offers a wide range of collaboration opportunities for institutions, professionals and research teams working in the field of food safety. These opportunities include funding programmes and project calls, research and training initiatives, as well as career opportunities at EFSA, all aimed at promoting knowledge exchange and contributing to food safety in Europe.
EFSA-funded scientific activities
EFSA carries out risk assessment in cooperation with the scientific community of the EU Member States and allocates part of its budget to the funding of joint scientific activities.
This funding is implemented through different types of scientific actions, which may be carried out through grants or procurement procedures.
EFSA provides funding to organisations to support specific projects within its areas of work. These projects may relate to data collection, preparatory work for scientific opinions, the provision of scientific and technical support, or other initiatives aimed at addressing future challenges relevant to EFSA’s remit.
To be eligible for these calls, organisations must be included in the list of organisations cooperating with EFSA.
The following infographic provides detailed information on EFSA grants: EFSA grants: why, what and how.
For more information on all open grant calls (“calls for proposals”), please visit the EFSA website.
EFSA engages organisations to provide specific scientific research services. Any organisation may submit a tender, provided that it meets the requirements set out in the relevant public call for tender.
The following infographic provides detailed information on EFSA procurement: EFSA procurement: why, what and how.
Information on open calls for tender is available on the EFSA website.
Food Safety Research Platform
EFSA has developed a Research Platform with the aim of supporting new research projects, promoting consortia formation, and helping scientists identify public funding opportunities in the field of food safety.
This platform provides access to food safety funding programmes, upcoming calls announced within EFSA’s areas of competence, as well as information on ongoing research projects and research ideas.
EU-FORA – Risk Assessment Training
EU-FORA Fellowship Programme: a unique opportunity for professionals and organisations in food risk assessment
The European Food Risk Assessment Fellowship Programme (EU-FORA) is an initiative promoted by EFSA and a key instrument for strengthening scientific capacity and cooperation in food safety across Europe.
Selected fellows: professional development and high-level training
- The programme is aimed at professionals at an early or mid-stage of their careers in food risk assessment.
- It offers the opportunity to undertake practical training for 12 months in organisations cooperating with EFSA across Europe.
- Fellows have access to high-level training modules delivered in various European capitals, as well as an introductory training course at EFSA.
- The programme provides invaluable experience to develop skills and support professional development in the food safety sector.
Cooperating organisations: strengthening scientific capacity
- Organisations have the opportunity to host highly motivated professionals at an early or mid-stage of their careers.
- They can contribute to strengthening food risk assessment capacity within the EU and to fostering knowledge exchange across Member States.
- Participating organisations apply as part of a consortium, acting as either sending organisations or hosting sites, under a work programme aligned with EFSA’s remit.
More information on the call and further details are available on EFSA’s official website:
Join the EFSA Team
EFSA offers opportunities for professional career development in the following roles:
- EFSA Scientific Expert: Scientific experts are members of EFSA’s Scientific Committee or Scientific Panels, as well as of working groups established by EFSA to address specific issues.
- EFSA Staff Member: Employment with EFSA under different types of contracts, depending on the role and professional experience. Vacancies are published according to EFSA’s needs or through the establishment of reserve lists.
- Seconded National Expert: Officials from national authorities, public intergovernmental authorities and universities may work in EFSA’s scientific or administrative units as Seconded National Experts for periods ranging from 6 months to 4 years. Secondment is subject to approval by EFSA’s Executive Director.
- Visitor (Guest Programme): PhD students or employees of public administrations, public intergovernmental organisations, the public sector, independent universities or research bodies may work at EFSA under the Guest Programme for up to 12 months, except for PhD students, whose stay is limited to a maximum of 6 months. Visitors gain scientific experience through research activities or participation in specific projects.
- Young Professionals – Traineeship Programme: EFSA offers paid traineeships to young university graduates to gain their first professional experience related to their field of specialisation.