Food authority told to step up cooperation

An advisory group has called for more data to be shared between the European Food Safety Authority and member states to improve scientific cooperation and innovation.

The Advisory Forum Discussion Group on Scientific Cooperation, established in 2013, recommended that a research funding programme should be established based on broad thematic areas, on top of Efsa’s regular grants for specific topics. This funding should be targeted at innovative projects that otherwise would not receive funding, the group, which comprises representatives of Efsa member states and national agencies, said.

Through the thematic grants, organisations would be encouraged to team up and submit joint applications to be funded, a statement released by the group explains. This would increase networking opportunities between the organisations and promote more cooperation on science, group members hope.