Nikolaus Kriz, D.V.M. has officially assumed the role of Executive Director of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), following his appointment by EFSA’s Management Board.

An Austrian veterinary surgeon with more than 30 years of international experience, Dr. Kriz has dedicated his career to science, public health, and European cooperation. He previously held senior positions at the European Medicines Agency. He has spent the past eight years at EFSA as the Head of Unit for Animal Health and Welfare and Plant Health, and, more recently, as the Head of Risk Assessment Services (ENABLE) Department.

Speaking on his first day in office, Dr. Kriz said his top priorities are to deliver high-quality scientific advice more quickly; to harness digital technologies and artificial intelligence for more streamlined risk assessments and enhanced data processing capabilities; and to strengthen partnerships with EU institutions, Member States, sister agencies, academia, and civil society.

Dr. Kriz also underlined the importance of EFSA’s staff and expert community, saying, “EFSA’s greatest strength is its people. I will invest in a culture that listens, empowers, and creates the conditions for excellence. A healthy, inclusive workplace is an essential asset”.

In recent comments at the European Parliament, Dr. Kriz committed to building on this foundation and ensuring that EFSA remains a trusted, transparent, and future-ready partner for policymakers and citizens alike. “I see EFSA as a house of open science: evidence-based, accessible, and trustworthy,” he said. Together, we will ensure Europe’s food safety system continues to be a global benchmark”.