An information session regarding the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the funding opportunities it offers was held on Wednesday 12^th March 2025 at Europe House in Valletta. The Technical Regulations Division (TRD) within the MCCAA together with the EFSA Focal Point (FP) Network representative in Malta organised the information session.

Welcome addresses were given by Ms Carmen Ciantar, Chief Executive Officer (MCCAA), followed by Ms Ingrid Borg, Regulatory Affairs Director (TRD-MCCAA) and EFSA Management Board (MB) Member. Mr Mark-Anthony Cassar, EFSA Advisory Forum (AF) Member and Ms Giannella Pisani, EFSA FP Network Representative, also delivered presentations on the work performed in their respective networks.

Several EFSA experts were invited to contribute to the agenda. Presentations regarding the concept of partnerships, the list of Article 36 Competent Organisations, EFSA’s scientific procurement and grant schemes and the EU-FORA Fellowship Programme were shared with the audience. Ms Nicole Cilia, Senior Manager Regulatory Affairs Directorate (TRD-MCCAA) shared her experience of participating in the EU-FORA Fellowship Programme as a fellow. Dr Ákos Józwiak, Head of Department at the University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest and Prof. Vasilis Valdramidis, Associate Professor at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, shared the experience of their respective organisations participating in the EU-FORA Fellowship Programme as hosting organisations. The participants who attended the information session consisted of policy makers from several governmental organisations, funding organisations and scientific experts.