Science Meets Policy: From Regulation to Practice – Turning WGS into Action for Foodborne Outbreak Investigation
Background
The Science Meets Policy conference series highlights the EU’s ongoing support for the use of whole genome sequencing (WGS) data in foodborne pathogen surveillance and outbreak investigation. Since its launch in 2020, substantial progress has been made, including strengthened laboratory capabilities among Member States and the establishment of the joint EFSA–ECDC One Health WGS system, which has been operational since 2022.
Following the second edition in 2023, which highlighted the importance of methodologies and standards, as well as the absence of a legal framework, a notable milestone was reached with the adoption of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/179 concerning the sharing of WGS data on foodborne pathogens associated with foodborne outbreaks. This Regulation will enter into force on 23 August 2026, ahead of the forthcoming event.
Building on previous successes, EFSA and the Inter-European Union Reference Laboratories (EURLs) Working Group on Next Generation Sequencing are once again joining forces to host the third edition of the Science Meets Policy conference. The event will focus on key technical and policy challenges, highlighting practical approaches to support competent authorities in implementing the new regulatory framework effectively. It will also explore how food business operators can contribute to data sharing and work collaboratively with these authorities.
Objectives of the event
The event aims to:
- Engage with competent authorities of EU countries on the practical implementation of mandatory requirements under Regulation (EU) 2025/179;
- Connect with food industries as crucial data holders and highlight the contribution of their WGS data to food safety;
- Share examples of collaboration between countries’ competent authorities and food industries across the EU;
- Clarify regulatory and technical requirements for WGS data generation and sharing to enable a clear understanding from food industries;
- Discuss financial challenges, especially for food industries with limited resources.
Structure of the event
The event will commence at lunchtime on the first day and conclude at lunchtime on the second day and will consist of plenary presentations as well as a moderated discussion.
During the first afternoon session, attention will be given to the new regulatory framework for WGS data sharing at EU level, including discussion of the EFSA–ECDC One Health WGS system and considerations regarding laboratory accreditation. This will be complemented by examples illustrating collaboration between competent authorities and the food industry.
On the following morning, the agenda will focus on the pivotal role of the food industry as a principal data holder. Presentations from food industry representatives will address practical experiences, as well as regulatory and technical challenges and financial implications. The event will conclude with a moderated panel discussion featuring both competent authorities and industry representatives, designed to identify opportunities, challenges and key takeaways regarding the sharing and use of WGS data.
Who should attend?
The event is intended for representatives of food industries, competent authorities, EU and national institutions, reference laboratories, food industry associations, and other stakeholders with expertise or interest in WGS data supporting food safety in the framework of foodborne outbreak investigation.
On-line registration
The registration form is available at: https://events.efsa.europa.eu/event/ar/1063/science-meets-policy-from-regulation-to-practice
Please note that registration may close once the maximum number of participants has been reached or, at the latest, on 13 May 2026 at 12:00 (CEST).
Following the closure of registration, applicants will be informed whether they have been selected to participate.
Organisational details
The event will be held in Rome, Italy, from 12:00 to 18:00 (CEST) on 2 September 2026 and from 09:00 to 14:00 (CEST) on 3 September 2026. Further details will be communicated to selected participants. The event will be conducted in English, and no interpretation will be provided.
There is no fee for participation; however, participants are required to cover their own travel and accommodation expenses.
Contact
Please do not hesitate to contact the organising committee at events [at] efsa.europa.eu for further information.