Established in 2007, MSAC extends the expertise and builds on the significant contributions of scientific advice provided through the Mars Nutrition Research Council which operated from 1998-2007. The MSAC is composed of highly recognized researchers from all over the world and operates as an independent, external source of expert advice to Mars, Incorporated.

The MSAC's role as a principal source of scientific advice is to advise Mars, Incorporated in four areas: Strategic Guidance, Scientific Advice, Program and Project review, and Scientific Communications. Specifically the MSAC may be called upon to help advise in the following:

• Provide strategic advice to Mars, Incorporated for assuring the quality and relevance of the research programs, and of the evidence underlying its scientific decisions.
• Contribute to the formulation of strategic plans intended to guide research and development efforts, to produce scientific data and new product leads.
• Provide objective, candid assessments of the outcomes of Mars, Incorporated research and development efforts, recommending changes as needed.
• Highlight scientific advances and research results relevant to Mars products and services.
• Identify new areas of scientific research that, if pursued, hold promise for improving existing products or producing leads for new products.
• Keep abreast of developments in health policy, health research policy, and science research funding trends that may impact Mars, Incorporated.
• Provide rapid feedback to Mars on critical scientific questions and issues.
• Recommend experts capable of addressing questions or issues raised by Mars staff.
• Review ongoing or proposed research projects and programs.
• Recommend members for scientific review panels established by the Company to review ongoing or proposed research projects and programs.
• Advise on criteria and standards against which proposed research projects are reviewed.
• Provide external peer review as requested.
• Review information, materials, and messages developed by Mars, Incorporated and its divisions for accuracy in representation of scientific evidence.
• Contribute to efforts by the Company to create and maintain open and mutually beneficial interactions with a range of constituencies - scientists, human and animal health professionals, professional societies, policymakers, regulators, the public, and others - about scientific issues of shared interest and concern.

The MSAC is led by an Executive Committee and is composed of "pods" or working groups. The Executive Committee is comprised of the MSAC Chair, MSAC Executive Director, pod chairs who are external members of the MSAC and Mars Associates (Global Director of Scientific Affairs, Global Director of External Affairs, President of Mars Symbioscience, R&D Director Europe, Waltham R&D Director, and General Counsel - Technology). The Executive Committee advises the Chair and Executive Director on all matters related to the operation of MSAC, recommends changes in focus, composition, and modus operandi necessary to increase the Council's effectiveness and relevance to the Mars; and serves as liaison with the Director and other Mars management staff as appropriate.

All MSAC members are assigned to specific working groups or "pods" which meet during MSAC meetings to consider specific questions related to food, snack food, health and wellbeing, veterinary, and plant science/sustainability business interests. The pods are co-chaired by one MSAC consultant and one Mars Associate who also serve as a member of the Executive Committee. The pods focus is to: (i) focus on specific scientific expertise related to aspects of the MSAC's broad purview; (ii) address scientific or policy issues that emerge from the MSAC's deliberations; or (iii) accelerate consideration of issues judged to be of immediate relevance and importance to the Mars, Incorporated Members may include external scientists (not members of the MSAC), as required to provide expertise not represented among Council Members. Currently the pods are as follows: Biomedical, Pet Care, Human Nutrition and Health, Plant Science, and Sustainability. More pods are expected in the future.

The Council meets in person once or twice a year with additional meetings to be held as dictated by the demands of the MSAC's work and by the needs of Mars, Incorporated.