Risk assesment training programmes are available across Europe and internationally, and demand is high. However, the wide range on offer can make it difficult to identify high-quality programmes. The xORA web platform aims to close this gap.
xORA stands for eXcellent One Health Risk Assessment Education and is a project of risk assessment institutions from nine EU Member States. The DTU National Food Institute is involved in its planning and implementation. The project is funded by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
"xORA Education has the potential to become a game changer in the field of food safety risk assessment. This platform provides a comprehensive hub for learners, course providers, and evaluators, ensuring access to top-quality, accredited courses across the EU. As a learner, enrolling in courses evaluated by field experts, xORA Education gives you the confidence of receiving an Excellent Label, a true mark of quality and expertise,” says Tine Hald, Professor and Research Leader of Epidemiology and Risk Modelling at the DTU National Food Institute.
A shared platform for learning and networking
xORA is an online marketplace for training and further education formats. Training providers – such as universities and public authorities – can present their courses and connect with learners via the platform.
A peer review system guarantees that training formats linked to the platform fulfil the quality standards of the xORA seal.
The web platform was officially launched at the end of January 2025. In addition to EFSA, more than 70 participants from at least 15 EU countries took part in the online event.
A joint European effort to strengthen risk assessment
The xORA initiative is part of the efforts of EU risk assessment authorities and EFSA to create a long-term common framework for the education, training and further training of risk assessors - initially in food safety and risk assessment. It promotes the One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. The platform encourages collaboration across disciplines and borders, fostering a new generation of risk assessors equipped to handle complex, global challenges.
The following target groups are a particular focus: learners and employers of risk assessors, reviewers and course providers of trainings.
Course providers opportunities
Course providers can upload details about their courses—in English—on the platform and apply for the xORA seal of quality. These training programmes include online, hybrid, and in-person formats of varying durations. There are no restrictions regarding the language of instruction.
High standards for course reviewers
Reviewers who evaluate the training programmes themselves need to fulfil two mandatory and/or one additional criteria:
- at least 3 years of working experience in the relevant One Health field;
- MSc or PhD in a releavant field
- Optional: teaching experience as an additional criteria. xORA is concerned with the quality of teaching and teaching materials, but you are also welcome to apply if you do not have teaching experience
Review process in short
Each training programme is assessed by two reviewers independently of each other and according to publicly accessible criteria of the xORA quality seal. The evaluations are collected and proposed for discussion to the xORA Steering Group and they make the final decision.
After a successful review, the xORA quality seal is issued and the training programmes are published on the xORA Web platform.
In future, the xORA website is aiming to increase the number of courses and enable all interest groups (learners) to quickly find out about the range of high-quality training and further education pro-grammes in the field of risk assessment.
The project is expected to play a key role in strengthening Europe’s food safety systems, ensuring that future policies are informed by well-trained, scientifically grounded professionals. xORA team is currently working on a large launch event for learners, which will be situated at the beginning of next year, 2026.
Call for Registrations
From now on, course providers can register on the site and register their courses to receive the quality seal here - xoraeducation.eu/BecomeCourseProvider
You can also help us to evaluate other courses with your expertise and improve your working portfolio by becoming xORA reviewer.
Subscribe to xORA’s newsletter to stay informed about new courses, events, and upcoming initiatives. Write to secretariat@xoraeducation.eu. Subscription is free of charge.
Read more
For more information, visit the xORA website or LinkedIn.
