Tekla Engelhardt is a food chain safety expert and Head of the Center of Food Chain Laboratory at the University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest. Her work focuses on food microbiology, microbial risk assessment, laboratory leadership and data-driven solutions in the food chain. She has extensive experience in accredited laboratory operations, international research collaborations and food safety digitalisation. She is actively involved in education, student supervision and European expert working groups, contributing to evidence-based decision-making and innovation in food safety.