Dr. Javier Francisco Dominguez-Orive,
Secretariat General of the European Commission
Wednesday, 2nd April 2025, 13.30-15.00
KEYNOTE SESSION I
Challenges with Veterinary Medicine & Specialisation from stakeholders' perspective
Lecture “Knowledge, skills and competencies for veterinarians in politics and official public sector posts”
ABSTRACT
Veterinarians play a vital role in shaping policies and strategies that address animal health, public health, environmental and agri-food sustainability. With their unique expertise, veterinarians are increasingly called to contribute to politics and official public sector roles, such as positions within the European Commission, the Council or the European Parliament. To excel in these roles, a comprehensive set of knowledge, skills, and competencies is essential.
This abstract explores the multidisciplinary competencies required for veterinarians in political and public sector contexts. These include a robust understanding of veterinary science, public health, and One Health principles, complemented by skills in policymaking, strategic communication, and stakeholder engagement. Additionally, competencies in leadership, regulatory frameworks, crisis management, and cross-sector collaboration are critical for influencing policies that align with scientific evidence and societal needs.
As specialists, veterinarians must also be adept at navigating complex legislative landscapes, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and addressing global challenges such as antimicrobial resistance, food security, and climate change. The European Board of Veterinary Specialisation (EBVS) underscores the importance of developing these capabilities to prepare veterinarians for impactful careers in political and public sector roles. This focus aligns with the broader mission of enhancing the profession’s contribution to societal health, safety, and welfare.
By integrating veterinary expertise with skills in governance and public administration, the veterinary profession can contribute to innovative solutions for global challenges, demonstrating its indispensability in the interconnected fields of health and policy.
BIOSKETCH
Dr. Javier Francisco Dominguez-Orive has university degrees in Veterinary and Food Science and Technology from the University of León in Spain. He also holds a master’s degree in Food Science and Technology from the University of Ghent (Belgium) and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Bradford in the United Kingdom.
Until 2018, he was employed by the Food Standards Agency in the United Kingdom, where he was Veterinary Director and Head of the Science and Evidence division. Since 2018 he is working for the European Commission in Brussels, where he started in the Directorate General for Health and Food Safety working on animal health and animal welfare; later he moved to the unit dedicated to the multilateral relationships, involved in work related to Codex Alimentarius, WHO and WTO.
Nowadays, he works for the Secretariat General of the European Commission, on topics related to agriculture, One Health, food safety and animal welfare.