(C) EFSA

PARMA, Italy — The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has officially launched a series of high-priority calls for proposals and tenders aimed at bolstering the continent’s scientific defenses. The new initiatives, coordinated in Spain through the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN), target critical gaps in animal welfare monitoring, climate-driven plant pests, and the safety of food packaging.

As the European Union moves toward more data-driven regulatory frameworks, these calls—with deadlines spanning from mid-January to late April 2026—represent a significant investment in the "One Health" approach, linking environmental health with food safety.

Strengthening Animal Welfare via Data
At the forefront of the announcement is the BROWARD project, a grant focused on monitoring welfare and data-based risk assessment for both fast-growing and slower-growing broiler chickens. With a deadline of January 14, 2026, this project aims to harmonize how welfare is measured across the EU, ensuring that regulations are backed by robust, comparable evidence rather than fragmented data.

In tandem, EFSA has earmarked up to €500,000 for the technical development of the Animal Welfare Data Hub. This digital repository is envisioned as a central platform for the scientific community to integrate datasets and standards. Interested parties have until January 16, 2026, to submit bids for this 48-month contract. These moves come amid rising social sensitivity regarding the treatment of livestock and the growing public debate over alternatives to animal testing.

Climate Change and the Plant Health Frontier
Recognizing the escalating threat posed by global warming, EFSA is also seeking experts to develop generic simulation models to analyze the "climatic suitability" of emerging plant pests. As rising temperatures allow invasive species to thrive in previously inhospitable regions, these models will be vital for protecting European agriculture.

"The demand for predictive tools is no longer abstract," noted experts at the Spanish focal point. "Spain, for instance, has faced a convergence of pest pressure and drought that is actively reshaping the agricultural map." The deadline for this climate-modeling call is April 22, 2026.

Food Safety, Packaging, and Public Consultations
The 2026 agenda also dives deep into industrial practices. Two specific data collection calls are now open:

Electrical Stun Methods: Information on head-only electrical stunning in heavy pigs (Deadline: Jan 15).
Fresh Produce Packaging: Data on the packaging of unprocessed fresh products (Deadline: Jan 30), linking into the broader EU shift toward sustainable and recycled materials.
Furthermore, EFSA is inviting stakeholders to participate in public consultations regarding emergency authorizations for plant protection products (pesticides) and updated risk assessment guidelines for non-target organisms, such as soil microbes and terrestrial plants.

Career Opportunities and Eligibility
For individual professionals, EFSA is seeking a Scientific Data Officer to join its talent pool. This role is considered a "hinge" position, bridging the gap between raw data science and public policy. Applications for this post are open until January 19, 2026.

Important Note for Applicants: Participation in these grants is strictly limited to organizations included in the Article 36 List (competent organizations designated by Member States). Additionally, as EFSA observes its winter recess, the agency will remain closed until January 4, 2026. Responses to any technical clarifications or queries will resume starting January 5, 2026.