### **Building Momentum: Insights from the EU Food Safety Forum 2024 in Rome** The second edition of the **EU Food Safety Forum**, held on **December 2-3, 2024**, at the CNR headquarters in Rome, marked another significant milestone for the EU Food Safety Platform. \ Introduced by **Antonio Moretti** and [Veronica Lattanzio](mention:855036da-5f63-4cf6-bcb9-b75f39c07552 "/u/veronica.lattanzio/") the Forum gathered policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, and young innovators to collaborate on enhancing the EU’s food safety landscape through innovation and multi-stakeholder engagement​. #### **Highlights and Discussions** **Science-Policy-Society Synergy**\ The opening session focused on the integration of scientific research with policymaking and societal needs. This approach emphasized a holistic strategy, ensuring food safety initiatives align with public health priorities and evolving consumer expectations​. We heard the voices of **Michele Picaro**, Member of the European Parliament and ENVI, Antonio Decaro, President of ENVI and Member of European Parliament, Giovanni Leonardi from the Italian Ministry of Health, Stef Bronzwaer from EFSA, and Lamia Somai from INSSPA, the Tunisian Food Safety Authority.\  **Future-Oriented Co-Creation**\ A co-creation session, led by EU Food Safety Platform experts [Nastasia Belc](mention:1c81fc9f-6aa7-4710-9afd-f3d0dcf60257 "/u/nastasia/") and [Pieternel Luning](mention:de506cae-9683-4f88-80bc-4213ecd9b445 "/u/pieternel/") , focused on updating the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (**SRIA**) to address emerging challenges. Stakeholders, working in 4 sub-groups, contributed insights on biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and ethical considerations in food safety, paving the way for forward-thinking strategies, by co-designing pathways and ideas for further projects.​\  **Networking and Knowledge Exchange**\ About 100 participants engaged in dynamic networking sessions, exploring best practices from ongoing 7 EU projects: **MyMatch, OnFoods, UpRise, Cipromed, HUMYCO, Watson** and **FoodCost**, thus providing input for new connections, also aimed at leveraging digital tools and data-driven approaches to enhance food safety across Europe.​\  The European Research infrastructures presentations complemented the scene, by providing an overview of resources and services offered by **MIRRI, METROFOOD-RI,** and **EUROFIR**, together with the networks **GHI – Global Harmonization Initiative** and **Catalyze** thematic network on food safety. Finally, **MEDFILES** and **LVA** remarked on the role of the technologies and industries in boosting the food safety systems in Europe. [Monika Tomaniova](mention:9b623749-69eb-40da-b8c3-914ec6dedb1f "/u/monika/") and *Mari Eskola* interactively conducted the session!**\ \ Youth Innovation and Empowerment**\ 6 selected Young researchers took center stage in the “**Youths in action for the Future of Food Safety in the EU**” session, showcasing their innovative ideas and participating in the “**Ask the Experts**” dialogue. \ \ \ Three young researchers **— Joana Oliveira, Tiina Mandel, and Melisa Jaramillo Zapata —won the pitch competition**. They will now have the chance to promote their ideas in the **Young Minds of Food Safety** podcast series, supported by our member **LVA Ltd**.\ \ This initiative highlighted emerging talent and encouraged cross-generational collaboration in shaping food safety solutions​ and cooperation. **Looking Ahead** This vibrant Forum underscored the \*\*EU Food Safety Platform’\*\*s commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability through collaborative efforts. \ \ As participants return to their respective fields, the lessons learned and partnerships formed in Rome are expected to drive impactful changes in food safety systems across Europe. \ The continued engagement of all stakeholders will be crucial in advancing the platform’s goals and ensuring a safer food future for all.\ \ Pics from the Forum: [https://fs4eu.humhub.com/s/fs4eu-for-all/cfiles/browse/index?fid=556](https://fs4eu.humhub.com/s/fs4eu-for-all/cfiles/browse/index?fid=556)