The European Food Safety Authority or EFSA is tasked with providing independent scientific advice
on risk assessment to the decision makers who regulate food and feed safety,
nutrition, animal health and welfare, plant protection and plant health across the European Union.
As part of this work, EFSA cooperates on a number of scientific activities with organisations in the EU.
Outsourcing scientific work is very important for EFSA. It gives us access to high-level
expertise and independent knowledge within the European Union and it gives us the possibility
to do so in a fair and transparent manner. In order to accomplish this, EFSA has made
available an increasing budget for this scientific co-operation with Member State organisations
over the last years.
EFSA outsources scientific activities through grants and procurements,
as set out in its Founding Regulation.
With regard to grants, EFSA provides a financial contribution to organisations to carry out
specific projects within the areas of EFSA's work.
In order to be eligible for grant funding, an organisation must be included in a list
of organisations set up in compliance with EFSA's Founding Regulation -
the so-called "Article 36 List." The List was established and EFSA updates a list of organisations
put forward by the Member States.
Organisations in the Article 36 list may apply to EFSA's grants calls which are advertised on its website.
EFSA purchases scientific services through EU public procurement procedures.
In contrast to grants, in procurement there is no pre-established list of competent organisations.
Any organisation in the EU that fulfils the requirements indicated in a procurement call
advertised on the EFSA website and in the Official Journal of the European Union,
can submit an offer.
Cooperation with organizations through grants and procurements affords EFSA many benefits,
as well as for grant and procurement recipients.
The work we carry out for EFSA contributes to EFSA's scientific work and raises of
course our own profile in the international scientific community.
Participating in grants and procurements helps us to strengthen our capabilities and also
allows us to establish partnerships and of course it fosters scientific co-operation.
We have our own budget but this is an additional possibility that provides a funding opportunity
for our organisation. I would encourage anyone working within the
remit of EFSA to apply for EFSA grants and procurements calls.
With regard to grants, the Article 36 list also helps to facilitate networking opportunities
between the organisations on the list. With the help of EFSA's Search Tool, organisations
can easily identify potential partners in different countries or partners with complementary expertise.
The work that we outsource through grants and procurements is crucial
for EFSA in preparing its scientific opinions. We encourage organizations within the remit
of EFSA's responsibility to apply to grants and procurements calls.
Please visit the EFSA website regularly to find opportunities for applying to EFSA's
grants and procurements calls.