The Joint Institute for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (JIFSAN) is a cooperative effort of the FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) and Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and the University of Maryland, College Park. The creation of a jointly-administered multidisciplinary research unit within the University was designed to foster the missions of FDA and the University through the creation of an intellectual partnership to increase the quality of research and public policy studies and to produce more efficient use of research resources. JIFSAN provides opportunities for undergraduate and graduate education in the form of internships, cooperative education, research experiences, and public service. JIFSAN also provides opportunities for professional and technical development and its expanding outreach and educational programs for industry and the public through the use of innovative technology. JIFSAN's activities include the formation of strategic alliances and partnerships with private industry and commodity groups and professional organizations to support research and development; and educational outreach.