Jan Pivoňka graduated from University of Chemistry and Technology Prague with a master's degree in fermentation chemistry and bioengineering and a doctoral degree with a focus on quality management systems and food safety. He has worked as a food safety auditor for over ten years and recently works as an assistant professor in this field at UCT Prague, where he is a member of the faculty's scientific council and academic senate.  He has worked for over 10 years for the Eurofins Scientific laboratory group, including 6 years as director for the Czech Republic. He currently works as a consultant for the Federation of the Food and Drink Industries of the Czech Republic in the area of quality and sustainable food production and consumption. He is a member of a number of expert committees in the field of food quality and sustainability of food production and is Vice-Chairman of the Society for Nutrition.