A new study on virtual social labs implementation has been published in the Journal of Responsible Technology (2024), by Maria Schrammel and Ilse Marschalek of ZSI, Zentrum für Soziale Innovation GmbH, as a partner of the FoodSafety4EU project.
The FoodSafety4EU participatory process gave the stage for exploring, experimenting, testing and standardizing how to conduct successful social laboratories in a virtual mode, through the implementation of four FSOLabs, that have been successfully organized online and conducted by Social Lab Managers:
FSOLab 1: Niels van der Linden & Pieternel Luning – Wageningen University & Research
FSOLab 2: Michael Rychlik & Tamara Steltz -Technical University of Munich
FSOLab 3: Denisa E. Duta IBA BUCURESTI & Biancamaria Ciasca CNR ISPA
FSOLab 4: Line Friis Lindner ISEKI-Food Association
supported by Food Safety Hub Leaders:
Monika Tomaniová UCT Prague – Veronica Lattanzio CNR ISPA – Sarah De Saeger UGENT – Hanna-Leena Alakomi VTT.

Abstract:

In response to the challenges posed by the complex field of food safety, the FOODSAFETY4EU project established social labs. Due to COVID-19 pandemic the lab process, typically held in-person, had to be converted to the virtual space. This means that all workshops, meetings, and collaboration processes and the pilot activity implementation solely took place online. This resulted in the novel situation of teams collaborating virtually throughout the labs. Virtual collaborations were already on the rise before the pandemic, evidenced by an increase in virtual meetings and workshops.
This study examines the requirements and limitations for online settings to be effective in virtual social lab processes. It investigates virtual collaboration, team dynamics, and the use of online tools. Findings reveal advantages such as increased participation, but also drawbacks including technical issues and role accountability. Despite challenges, all four virtual social labs finally succeeded in engaging diverse stakeholders and achieving significant outcomes.

Download the publication below!

An interesting article published in Trends In Food Science and Technology presents the Self-evaluation Tool for Risk Communication (SET) as a result of collaboration between experts from the SafeConsume Horizon 2020 funded project and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Abstract:
Background: Food safety risk communication is part of the risk analysis methodology and plays an important role in the increasingly complex food system. Besides shaping consumer risk awareness, risk perception and risk behaviour, risk communication also affects the reputation of the food safety authorities, being especially important for securing operational stability and budget of the concerned organisations. A recent European study highlighted a high variance in risk communication preparedness of official institutions in EU member countries.
Scope and approach: This paper presents a benchmarking instrument, the Self-evaluation Tool for Risk Communication (SET), designed for food safety authorities. SET helps decision-makers to receive a quick assessment of their preparedness level for risk communication by comparing it with international best practices.
Key findings and conclusions: SET divides risk communication competencies into three domains: Human capacities, Organisational management, and Risk communication activities. Several elements are assessed in each domain, evaluated on a scale from 0 to 3. The results are delivered instantly, benchmarking the scores in terms of domains and the individual elements. The data wheel visualization highlights strengths and weaknesses and points out logical improvement options for the organisation.

Download the publication below!

Food Safety and Artificial Intelligence: how AI can truly transform strategies for preventing food risks?
The new discussion paper, edited by Agroknow in the framework of the EFRA EU project, gathers position statements by strategic players of the EU Food Safety scenario, including academies, research centres, industry professionals, and organizations.
The EU Food Safety Platform position statement highlights the role of AI in unravelling and managing
food safety risks in the future. This has been explored in the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda for Food Safety in Europe (FS4EU SRIA), recently released by the FoodSafety4EU project.

As a Science-Policy-Society interface, the EU Food Safety Platform underlines the need “for the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the interface between scientific advice and food risk management. AI based modelling and computational tools enable faster information gathering, synthesis, and analysis. Such tools will therefore facilitate evidence-based decision-making, also during food safety incidents, leading to improved crisis management, resource allocation, and response strategies.”

Download the report below!

Proficiency testing is one of the approved methods to evaluate a laboratory’s performance, as it allows laboratories to consistently audit the quality of their output by participating in inter-laboratory comparisons.
Discover the approach developed by our partner LCG AXIO !

The report outlines priority research areas that would advance the risk assessment and risk management work of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and support the protection of public health. They are listed under broad topic headings, and they include suggestions for major research projects as well as smaller desk research studies.

A new opportunity to shape the future of science and technology through interdisciplinary collaboration comes from the 2024 Open Call for new COST Action proposals.
The call is set to close on October 23, 2024, at 12.00 (noon) CEST.

COST Actions provide a gateway for dynamic research networks, spanning all scientific and technological domains, including emerging fields. With a bottom-up approach, individuals can propose networks aligned with their interests and ideas.

The Italian ‘Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati” – a FS4EU Supporting partner since 2022 – has announced a selection for master’s degree graduates in chemical disciplines for the creation of a list of eligible young candidates (< 32 years) to be involved in research projects.

The activities will mainly focus on the development of innovative methods and monitoring related to various contaminants (pesticides, persistent organic pollutants, metals, mycotoxins, veterinary drugs, allergens, biotoxins, etc.) in food, feed, and environmental matrices. The techniques to be used may vary but predominantly will involve liquid or gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The annual gross amount of the scholarship is 25,000 euros.

To apply, visit the following link: https://trasparenza.izsum.it//archivio22_bandi-di-concorso_0_118_0_1.html

Deadline for submitting applications: 16 February 2024.

INRAE is going to recruit: a permanent position will be opened for a Research fellow in the area of Microbiological Food Safety and Risk Assessment.
The PhD candidate will join the “Food Safety and Microbiology” unit (SECALIM) at INRAE, located in Nantes, France.
The fellow will be involved in scientific subjects with societal implications, and international projects, in a dynamic and fulfilling working environment, supported by a senior scientist.   

Click here for Job Application, opening on January 30, 2024
Deadline: March 5, 2024

The EU Food Safety Platform powers the EU Food Safety Systems of the Future!
INRAE is a FS4EU platform Supporting Partner since 2021.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has published the “Early warning tools and systems for emerging issues in food safety” report.

The technical report raises awareness of evidence-based innovative digital tools, providing essential background information to support their proactive use in food safety.

Early warning (EW) systems play a crucial role in mitigating food safety risks. Recognizing the importance of timely identification, national and international authorities now prioritize proactive systems.

Modern technologies, fueled by real-time data and advancements in AI and machine learning, offer tested digital tools for effective food safety early warning.

The call for the Selection of hosting sites and fellows for EFSA’s European Food Risk Assessment Fellowship (EU-FORA) Programme (EUBA-EFSA-2023-ENREL-01) is open.

In a strategic move to enhance preparedness for future risk analysis requirements, EFSA promotes the European Food Risk Assessment (EU-FORA) Fellowship Programme as a unique initiative, aiming at expanding the frame of experts specializing in food safety risk assessment in Europe. By encouraging active participation from research organizations as host organizations, the EU-FORA Fellowship Programme strives to foster a culture dedicated to comprehensive risk assessment, by involving young researchers in a dynamic training and research work programme.
Deadline for application: 14 March 2024
Find out the call information here!