74th Management Board Meeting: Board is updated on the renewal of the Scientific Committee and Panels, the Prometheus project and EFSA`s coordination of the EU agencies network
The Management Board expressed its strong support for EFSA's scientific work as an essential part of the regulatory decision-making process. Discussions included an update on the renewal of EFSA`s Scientific Committee and Scientific Panels and a progress report on the Prometheus project and future steps. The Board was also informed about activities for EFSA`s coordination of the EU agencies network.
Renewal of EFSA`s Scientific Committee and Scientific Panels
In June 2017, EFSA launched a call for expressions of interest for scientific experts to join its 10 Scientific Panels and Scientific Committee for the period 2018-2021. The call, which closed on 8 September 2017, attracted a total of 985 eligible applications, a slight increase compared to the previous call in 2014.
The renewal of the Panels in 2018 is the first procedure for which EFSA is expected to implement new rules on conflicts of interest developed following the adoption of EFSA`s new independence policy on 21 June 2017.
The Board was informed of campaign activities and channels used to promote the call and the timeframe for the next steps. The deadline for the Management Board`s endorsement of the Panel and Scientific Committee members is 21 March 2018.
EFSA`s PROMETHEUS project
The Management Board was updated on the progress made and the next steps for EFSA`s PROMETHEUS project (PROmoting METHods for Evidence Use in Scientific assessments). The project is a major initiative to strengthen the approach EFSA`s scientists take to select, appraise and integrate evidence in scientific assessments. This effort involves developing harmonised methodologies and guidance documents for risk assessment across the EU and internationally.
Further projects related to this initiative include an EFSA colloquium on the integration of evidence in Lisbon (October 25-26) and the establishment of a quality management system for EFSA’s scientific processes.
EFSA`s coordination of the EU agencies network (EUAN)
EFSA informed the Management Board on activities related to its chairmanship of the network of agencies since March 2017 and the important achievements to date.
EFSA is leading work on the establishment of a joint procurement portal and an extended Secretariat for the network, the Shared Support Office in Brussels, to assist future EUAN Chairs in their operations.
EFSA hosted the Heads of Agencies from 45 EU Agencies across Europe on 5-7 July to discuss common strategic initiatives. The event, which was well attended by members of the network and EU institutions, looked at improving cooperation and joint use of resources including IT tools, procurement and other services. A second high-level EUAN meeting is planned for February 2018.
Trusted science for safe food
The Board acknowledged the progress made on EFSA’s new stakeholder engagement approach (SEA), including the first meeting of the Stakeholder Bureau in Brussels on 19 September.
Reporting back from the Advisory Forum meeting in Tallinn on 3-4 October, the chair noted the importance of scientific cooperation and the Board expressed its strong support for EFSA’s scientific work as a cornerstone of the EU food safety system.
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Audiocast and documents
- Welcome by the Chair
- Adoption of the agenda
- Board members’ ADoIs and ODoIs
- EFSA performance report
- Update from the Scientific Committee
- Update on PROMETHEUS project
- Experts’ employers survey
- Renewal of the EFSA Scientific Committee and Scientific Panels
- Scuola per l’Europa
- EFSA coordination of the EU agencies network
- Amendments to Art. 36 list
- Feedback from the Audit Committee
- AoB