Opportunities at EFSA come from two specific areas: recruitment and procurement. Much of the focus in 2004 is on recruitment – especially of the scientific staff required to carry out the important increase in risk assessments entrusted to the Authority. By increasing staff numbers, EFSA will be able to grow and function as foreseen by its founding Regulation. A recent decision by the Council of Ministers will relocate the Authority to Parma in Italy.

Networking and collaboration is also important as the Authority is committed to finding leading experts in a wide range of food-related scientific fields. Experts from all over Europe will be engaged in the Authority’s comprehensive work programme, with annual and multi-annual components, some of which will require the use of external scientific services.