Our governance

EUFIC’s governance is grounded in transparency, inclusivity and scientific integrity. Our governance structure ensures independence from funding sources, upholding trust in our mission to provide accurate, impartial, science-based information.

EUFIC is led by a Director General and governed through a robust framework that includes the General Assembly, Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and a Scientific Advisory Board.

Balanced representation for impact

The individuals serving on our governance bodies are selected based on their expertise and represent four sectors that are key to fulfilling our mission:

• Science: the scientific community - researchers and academics
• Practitioners: healthcare and science communications practitioners
• Private sector: companies from the agri-food chain
• Civil Society: non-governmental organisations, community groups, etc

The scientific voice - from the scientific community and the healthcare and science communication practitioners – has the majority of voting rights in the General Assembly and Board of Directors. This reflects the centrality of science in all EUFIC’s activities.

All representatives serving on EUFIC governance bodies fulfil their roles in their personal capacity and without remuneration and are committed to EUFIC’s operating principles and code of conduct. Each year, they sign a declaration of interest to avoid potential conflicts of interest, reinforcing our commitment to impartiality and ethical governance.

General Assembly

As EUFIC’s highest decision-making body, it ensures the organisation's legal obligations and approves the overall strategy. The General Assembly brings together representatives from all key stakeholder categories (10 Science, 7 Practitioners, 7 Private Sector, 4 Civil Society). These representatives and 2 EUFIC staff have the right to vote. In addition, there are two Honorary seats for external observers without voting rights. The General Assembly meets annually to fulfil its legal obligations. The EUFIC Scientific Advisory Board, members' representatives and our staff are invited to this annual meeting.

Board of Directors

The Board oversees the strategic planning and decision-making according to the mission, vision and values of the organisation. It comprises 12 experienced individuals, representing all four key stakeholder categories (4 Science, 3 Practitioners, 3 Private Sector, 2 Civil Society). The Board meets four times per year and delegates the day-to-day running to EUFIC's Director General and the Senior Leadership Team. 

Executive Committee

Stemming from the Board, the Committee acts on its behalf to address pressing issues not requiring a Board voting. It is composed of a Chair, 2 vice-Chairs and a Treasurer, representing the different stakeholder categories.

Scientific Advisory Board

The Advisory Board advises on EUFIC’s scientific direction, research and outreach programmes. It consists of 6-12 leading experts from diverse geographies and disciplines relevant to EUFIC’s work. It meets twice a year or ad-hoc.