EU Traineeship: Opening doors to a career in European food safety science at EFSA

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has provided an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at its annual traineeship program through its 'Science on the Menu' podcast. This serves as a gateway for young professionals worldwide to join one of the world's leading food safety bodies.

In the latest episode, trainees including Simone, Santiago, and Aeris shared their experiences within Italy’s 'food valley'. For Simone, whose background is in toxicology, joining the human nutrition team at EFSA has been a pivotal step in applying academic knowledge to real-world risk assessment tasks.

Beyond pure science, the EFSA traineeship encompasses diverse areas such as quality management, strategic planning, and communications. Santiago, a trainee from Argentina with a background in journalism, noted that the program provides deep insight into the administrative framework and operations that sustain food safety research.

Mariya Dokova, host and Communication Assistant at EFSA, emphasized that every trainee is supported by an advisor and mentor, fostering an inclusive learning environment where their ideas are valued as peers.

The program goes beyond daily tasks, offering professional growth through webinars and specialized training. Those interested in a future career in food safety are encouraged to visit the official EFSA website for more details and updates on upcoming application opportunities.