The EFSA Expert Database (Sérgio Potier Rodeia, Scientific

Cooperation Unit)

POLISH EFSA FOCAL POINT – ANNUAL EXPERTS SUMMIT

24TH April 2009, Gromada Hotel, Warsaw, Poland

The Expert Database: Background

• Decision for setting up a database of external scientific experts taken by EFSA and EU Member States in 04/2007;

• A key element in EFSA’s policy for the selection of scientific experts;

• The database will also be available to all EU Member States who may use it to select experts for own scientific projects.

The Expert Database: Objectives

• To effectively “pool” scientific excellence across Europe;

• To achieve a more effective and flexible response to EFSA’s increased workload;

• To help enhance transparency of the way in which experts are selected and invited to cooperate with EFSA;

• To assist Member States in their risk assessment work;

The Expert Database

DisciplinesEFSA is looking for experts in a wide range of disciplines… …e.g. food and feed safety, nutrition, toxicology, chemistry and animal health & welfare, plant protection & plant health;

Application process:Experts are invited to fill in an on-line form and make a declaration of interests (in order to ensure their independence)

Eligibility criteria: inclusion

University degree, or equivalent in one or more areas of expertise within the remit of EFSA;

Relevant professional experience i.e. in risk assessment, data collection on biological or chemical hazards, as appropriate;

Scientific articles in peer reviewed journals or other scientific documents / reports relevant to the expertise declared;

Ability to communicate and work in at least one Community language;

Completed an Annual Declaration of Interests.

Expert Database: selection

When a scientific need is identified, a list of potential experts is drawn up from the expert database;

Evaluation and final selection criteria are finally assessed by EFSA, leading to the identification of the most suitable candidate(s);

Experts receive travel and subsistence expenses and an indemnity for their contribution to EFSA’s work.

Current state-of-play

Application forms received as of 05/04/2009: 1439

Applications received (05/04/2009)

Applications received (others)

How to apply to EFSA’s EDB

Simply go to EFSA’s homepage:

http://www.efsa.europa.eu

… and follow the links!!!

For any questions or support:

edbhelp@efsa.europa.eu

THANK YOU

FOR YOUR ATTENTION!!!

EFSA's Expert Database