EUROPE – The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has appointed Carlos Gonçalo das Neves as its new Chief Scientist.
Das Neves, a Portuguese and Norwegian national, holds a PhD in Veterinary Science, his areas of research and teaching being animal health, biodiversity, emerging threats, and One Health.
“I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to join EFSA and its amazing network of scientists who make sure our food is safe, healthy and sustainable.
“As a strong One Health advocate, I hope that in my new role as EFSA’s Chief Scientist I can help to connect us all even better in this common mission for Europe and our planet,” he said.
He currently serves as the Director of Research and Internationalisation at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute (NVI) where he has worked for almost ten years. He is also a Professor at the Faculty of Health Sciences at The Arctic University of Norway (UiT).
Das Neves previously served as Head of Virology and Head of Food Safety & Emerging Threats at the NVI. Here he coordinated the research programmes on food safety and security and one health implementation, both in Norway and developing countries).
The Chief Scientist takes over from Marta Hugas, who retired earlier this year, and is expected to take up his new role on 1 November 2022. Marta served EFSA in various capacities for about 16 years.
EFSA notes that just like Hugas, Das Neves is expected to shape the Authority’s scientific strategy and act as its Scientific Ambassador, fostering cooperation and innovation both inside and outside EFSA.
“We are very excited to welcome Carlos Gonçalo das Neves as our new Chief Scientist. His international experience will be a strong asset for EFSA in our mission to build lasting partnerships in the fields of food safety, One Health and sustainability,” Bernhard Url, EFSA’s Executive Director said.
EFSA’s Chief Scientist is responsible for developing the Authority’s scientific strategic direction with the goal of keeping it relevant.
He is expected to act as EFSA’s focal point on scientific matters and facilitate the understanding of science as trusted science ombudsman and ambassador.
In addition, he should support the Executive Director in defining and setting the policy context and priorities in the respective area in line with EFSA’s overall strategy and objectives.
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