methods for evidence use in scientific assessments.

Furthering impartiality, methodological rigour, transparency and responsiveness when using evidence

Scroll

New approach

EFSA has developed a methodological framework to strengthen the approach its scientists take to select, appraise and integrate evidence in scientific assessments.The process clearly shows how we decide which evidence is used (or not used) and how, the reasons for all decisions taken, and how this impacts on the results.This will improve communication of the results to decision-makers, other scientists and our stakeholders.

principles

  • Impartiality
  • Responsivenes
  • Openness
  • Excellence

  • Impartiality

    How free the process for dealing with data and evidence is from preconceptions due to prior knowledge of the results of the available studies

  • Responsiveness

    Timeliness and effectiveness of the assessment in answering the original question

  • Openness & Transparency

    Engaging with relevant parties.

    Increasing clarity & reproducibility of the assessment.

  • Excellence in Scientific Assessments

    Outstanding scientific credentials of the experts responsible for the assessment and use of sound scientific methodological approaches for collecting, appraising and integrating evidence

EFSA’s food safety role

making better use of evidence

  • New evidence i
  • i
  • i
  • i
  • i
  • New evidence
  • New evidence i
  • i
  • i
  • i
  • i

using evidence better

  • New evidence

    NEW Evidence the cycle continues

  • question

    EFSA chiefly provides scientific advice in response to questions related to food and feed safety. For example: Is a pesticide safe? Will a GM crop affect the environment? Other questions may concern the potential benefits of nutrients for consumers or measures to control plant pests. Decision-makers use our advice to inform their policy making, regulatory decisions and control measures. The questions are often broad and complex.

  • collect data

    Relevant data are collected for the assessment.

  • Appraise evidence

    Strengths and weaknesses of evidence are assessed

    Evidence Video

  • Analyseand integrateevidence

    Data are examined and combined taking into account their relative strengths, weaknesses and related uncertainty.

  • step 1: plan

    • Details the strategy for the assessment upfront, indicating the scope of the assessment and all the individual questions that need considering to answer the main question.
    • Describes the evidence needs and the approach to follow for collecting, appraising, analysing and integrating evidence.
    • The method is tailored to produce fit-for-purpose assessments depending on the urgency of the request, data availability and objectives of the assessment.
    • Ranges from the simplest methods (e.g. relying upon expert knowledge) to the most complex (e.g. systematic literature review)
    • Triangle
    • Triangle
    • Triangle
    • Triangle

  • step 2: conduct

    Carrying out the assessment as far as possible in line with the strategy. Data are selected, appraised and integrated according to pre-defined criteria and methods are tailored to the objectives and context of the assessment

    • Triangle
    • Triangle
    • Triangle
    • Triangle

  • step 3: verify

    Corroborating the assessment process with the strategy

    • Triangle
    • Triangle
    • Triangle
    • Triangle

  • step 4: report

    Documenting and explaining the process, results and conclusions and ensuring accessibility of methods and data.

    • Triangle
    • Triangle
    • Triangle
    • Triangle

Our new approach involves a 4-step process designed to fulfil these principles: impartiality, transparency and openness, excellence in scientific assessments and responsiveness.

Result

Fit-for-purpose, evidence-based scientific advice for decision-making that contributes to consumer confidence in EU food safety.

  • Triangle
  • Triangle
  • Triangle
  • Triangle
  • Triangle
  • Triangle
  • Triangle
  • Triangle
  • Triangle
  • Triangle
  • Triangle
  • Triangle

promoting methods for evidence use in scientificassessments