Supporting the Next Generation of Scientists
Engaging young scientists ensures the continuity and growth of our research community. It cultivates a pipeline of skilled experts to address current and future challenges. Young scientists bring new ideas, approaches, and perspectives that can challenge established norms, driving innovation and creativity in research. At ILSI Europe, we foster ECS professional growth while ensuring knowledge transfer and the sustainability of research initiatives, and contribute to the development of future leaders in food safety, nutrition, and sustainability.
ILSI Europe provides Early Career Scientists (ECS) with unique opportunities to learn, connect, and contribute to international research. By working alongside senior experts from academia, industry, and the public sector, ECS gain valuable experience, build their professional network, and showcase their scientific talent.
Who are Early Career Scientists?
Early Career Scientists (ECS) are postgraduate students or scientists from academia, industry or public sector who have received their highest degree (MSc or PhD) within the past ten years. They can participate in ILSI Europe Expert Groups like all other experts, collaborating alongside senior experts on critical scientific topics.
Why get involved in ILSI Europe?
Ways to be involved
If you are a PhD candidate, postdoctoral researcher, or early-stage professional in food, nutrition, health, or sustainability, there are many ways to get involved.
By joining Expert Groups, Early Career Scientists (ECS) collaborate with leading researchers to collect and analyze data, co-author peer-reviewed publications, and contribute to high-impact research that is shared at scientific events. Participation offers mentorship, skill development in project design, management, and scientific communication, and the chance to build a professional network with experts across academia, industry, and public sectors.
ECS are also often invited to present their work at ILSI Europe conferences or seminars, like the Early Career Scientists Event. These experiences provide a platform for growth, networking, and meaningful contribution to the field of nutrition, food safety, and health.
ILSI Europe also regularly offers internships for master students or secondments for post-docs and PhDs. By joining the ILSI Europe team, interns gain first-hand experience in scientific project management and communication.
Meet our early career community
Celebrating the Early Career Scientists who earned awards at our events for their outstanding research and presentations — showcasing the talent shaping the future of food, health, and sustainability science.
Adam Fogarasi
Best oral presentation at Early Career Scientists Event 2024
Guillaume Bayon-Vicente
Best poster at Early Career Scientists Event 2024
Leonie Lang
Best poster at the 5th Symposium on Nutrition for the Ageing Brain
Julia Rode
Best pitch presentation at the 5th Symposium on Nutrition for the Ageing Brain
Early Career Scientists Event series
The ILSI Europe Early Career Scientists (ECS) Event is a unique platform for young professionals to showcase their research, build valuable connections, and deepen their understanding of critical topics in food safety. It also provides an exceptional opportunity for industry leaders and academic experts to explore emerging talent and gain fresh perspectives on cutting-edge research in this vital field. Initiated by the ILSI Europe Food Contaminants Task Force in 2018, the Early Career Scientists Event is now a highly anticipated yearly event organised in collaboration with various universities accross Europe.
- 2018 - with University or Parma, Italy
- 2019 - with Liège university - Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, Belgium
- 2020 - with Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
- 2021 - with ILSI Brasil and University of Minho, Portugal
- 2023 - with Wageningen University, The Netherlands - under the patronage of the European Parliament.
- 2024 - with Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
- 2025 - with University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czechia - under the patronage of the European Parliament.
Be part of the ILSI Europe Community
- Check your eligibility
To be eligible to join an Expert Group as an ECS, the scientist must:- Reside in Europe
- Be able to communicate proficiently in English
- Have an affiliation with an academic or public institution, or with a member company of ILSI Europe
- Identify the Expert Group(s)
To be able to give a good quality contribution, find a scientific activity which aligns best with your expertise. You will find all the details about our current and upcoming Expert Groups in our scientific portfolio. We have a constant stream of new activities, so contact us if you have any questions on our upcoming activities. You can also consult open opportunities on our Career page. - Contact us!
If you are interested in joining one of our upcoming Expert Groups, send your CV and a motivation letter to the responsible Scientific Project Manager, or to Isabelle Guelinckx at iguelinckx@ilsieurope.be.