As food safety knowledge and activities have evolved, the objectives of the Federal agencies responsible for the safety and security of the food supply have as well. The research goals across these agencies provide both broad and focused strategic approaches depending on their respective regulatory responsibilities. However, there is a continued need to foster a culture of research collaboration between Federal and State government agencies, academia, and private industry to expand scientific capacity and ensure public health metrics are developed and achieved. With the establishment of transparent, collaborative processes for prioritizing science and research needs, Federal agencies can achieve a clear and consistent focus on food safety goals and leverage the regulatory and research capabilities of partners to help meet the highest priorities of protecting the U.S. food supply This symposium will include government speakers that will provide perspectives on how strategic directions and prioritization for research are conducted and discuss a current effort toward measuring outcomes. A common theme will be the discussion of strategic planning efforts by Federal agencies and how they can leverage and strengthen research capabilities of academic and industry partners to meet the highest priorities of protecting the U.S. food supply. The outcome of this symposium is important in light of the 2011 Food Safety Modernization Act which calls for a science-based, public health prevention-oriented food safety system, and the establishment of an infrastructure needed to support such a system. The intended outcome of this symposium is to inform academia and industry of potential research directions and opportunities as well as provide a forum for Federal agencies to highlight new efforts in prioritization and outcome measurement. The expectation is to create new collaborative and strategic efforts in food safety research.

Presentations