EUROPEAN FOOD INFORMATION COUNCIL

Their core work

EUFIC is a Brussels-based non-profit that bridges the gap between food science and the public, specializing in science communication, consumer engagement, and risk communication across the European food system. In H2020 projects, they consistently serve as the partner responsible for translating complex research findings into accessible information for consumers, policymakers, and industry. Their work spans food quality and safety communication, consumer behavior research, and multi-stakeholder dialogue facilitation — making them a go-to organization when EU consortia need credible, independent communication of food-related science to non-expert audiences.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 period (2015-2018), EUFIC focused on traditional food quality topics — olive oil authenticity, underutilised crops like quinoa and legumes, food packaging innovation, and building consumer data infrastructure (RICHFIELDS). From 2018 onward, a clear shift emerged toward microbiome science, personalized nutrition, and international coordination of food system research, with four microbiome-related projects starting between 2018 and 2021. Their most recent projects (FOODSAFETY4EU, IHMCSA) signal a move toward platform-building for risk communication and international standards harmonization.

EUFIC is positioning itself as the communication and public engagement partner for Europe's growing microbiome and personalized nutrition research agenda, with increasing involvement in international coordination actions.

How they like to work

EUFIC operates exclusively as a participant — they have never coordinated an H2020 project, which is consistent with their role as a specialized communication and engagement partner rather than a research leader. With 329 unique consortium partners across 44 countries, they are a highly networked hub organization that rarely works with the same partners twice, making them a connector across diverse European research communities. Their typical consortium contribution is well-defined and modular: science communication, consumer research, and dissemination — making them easy to integrate into any food-related consortium.

EUFIC has collaborated with 329 unique partners across 44 countries, giving them one of the broadest networks in the European food research landscape. Their Brussels base and pan-European mandate mean they connect equally well with Western, Southern, and Northern European research groups.

What sets them apart

EUFIC occupies a unique niche as an independent, non-profit science communication organization — they are neither a university, nor a company, nor a government body, which gives them credibility as a neutral bridge between researchers and the public. Few organizations in Europe can match their depth of experience in consumer-facing food science communication across so many different topic areas simultaneously. For consortium builders, EUFIC is a proven, low-risk partner that brings professional communication infrastructure and consumer engagement methodology to any food-related project.

Highlights from their portfolio

• FOX
  Largest single EC contribution (EUR 484,750) for work on modular and mobile food processing units — an unusually hands-on innovation project for a communication organization.
• IHMCSA
  International coordination action for human microbiome research representing EUFIC's expansion into global health science communication and standards-setting beyond food.
• CIRCLES
  Six-year project (2018-2024) on controlling microbiomes in food systems, reflecting EUFIC's deepest long-term commitment to the microbiome research agenda.