Innovative Training Network on PER and polyfluorinated alkyl substances towards the Future Of Research and its Communication in Europe 3

Innovative Training Network on PER and polyfluorinated alkyl substances towards the Future Of Research and its Communication in Europe 3

The PERFORCE3 European Training Network (ETN) is a multi-partner joint doctoral student research training network with the overall aims of educating 15 Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) and improving the understanding of, and eliminating the risks associated with, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). PFASs comprise more than 4700 substances and are of high global concern due to poorly defined risks to the environment and human health. PERFORCE3 brings together world leaders in a range of disciplines (physical, synthetic, environmental and analytical chemistry, pharmacokinetics, epidemiology, toxicology, remediation science and chemical policy) with state-of-the-art technologies, to provide high quality training and research environments. ESRs will undertake individual, personalized, yet interlinked research projects, which combine training in both academic and nonacademic sectors in order to provide them with a comprehensive set of transferable skills. To meet the aims of the network, PERFORCE3 uses a supra-disciplinary approach outlined in seven work packages (WPs). Each ESR will gain deep-learning through their individual research projects within the areas of analytical tools and exposure science (WP1), toxicology and epidemiology (WP2), as well as green chemistry, remediation and policy in a WP focusing on solutions to PFAS contamination problems (WP3). As well as the in-depth knowledge gained in their own research areas, ESRs will benefit greatly from the orthogonal and complementary training opportunities within the ETN. All ESRs will gain training in translation of research results for regulatory and/or stakeholder uses (WP4) and theoretical training in their respective disciplines (WP5). Management and communication for the network will be facilitated through WPs 6 and 7. The results of PERFORCE3 will greatly improve the understanding of a globally ubiquitous contaminant class, leading to improved environmental and human health risk assessments.