Potential future discussion items – horizon scanning

Balance of expertise on the Committee

Last updated: 26 January 2026

This is a paper for discussion. It does not reflect the views of the Committee and should not be cited.

27.             It has previously been agreed that the following types of specialist expertise are required by the Committee for some or all of its evaluations:

Analytical techniques

Bioinformatics

Biochemistry

Cell biology

Clinical practice

Dietary exposure assessment

Endocrinology

Environmental exposure assessment

Epidemiology

Human toxicology

Immunology

Mathematical Modelling

Mechanistic toxicology

Molecular biology

Neurotoxicology

Nutrition

Paediatrics

Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacology

Probabilistic modelling

Reproductive toxicology

Respiratory toxicology

Risk assessment

Statistical aspects of experimental design

Statistics

Systems biology

Toxicogenomics

Toxicological pathology

Xenobiotic metabolism

28.             It would not be necessary to have an individual member for each listed expertise as some people would have a combination of the required skills.  Additional key experts can also be invited to attend meetings for specific topics to supplement missing knowledge.

29.             As Members are aware recruitment to the FSA Scientific Advisory Committees is now carried out annually by a central team, starting in the Autumn, while this process was paused for 2026, it is envisaged that recruitment for 2027 will start later in 2026. The balance of expertise set out below is used to guide the process.

30.             Members are invited to comment on whether this list is still appropriate and if there are important gaps amongst the current membership or in light of possible future developments.