Sciensano

Sciensano is Belgium’s national institute for public health. Working from a One Health perspective — recognising the interconnection of human, animal and environmental health — it provides independent scientific expertise to inform evidence-based policy and protect public health at national and European level, with a central role in food safety, chemical risk assessment and surveillance. Within Sciensano, the Chemical and Physical Health Risks Directorate is the national reference for the risks of chemicals in food and consumer products, and acts as National Reference Laboratory for environmental contaminants, pesticides, food-contact materials, trace elements and nanoparticles in food.

Contribution to EmerGO

Sciensano helps decide which pollutants matter most, ranking them by how persistent, mobile and harmful they are. It shapes the project’s approach to monitoring and assessing the risks of emerging pollutants, and develops a digital platform that turns this data into clear guidance for regulators and industry. Sciensano also connects the project to policymakers, helping align its results with European regulations and standards.