The Mission

PFAS Hub is dedicated to translating complex PFAS research into accessible information for scientists, policymakers, industry professionals, and the general public. Understanding "forever chemicals" is essential for protecting human health and the environment.

This platform builds on the scientific legacy of the PERFORCE3 Innovative Training Network, a groundbreaking EU Horizon 2020 research program that brought together leading institutions across Europe to advance the understanding of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances.

The PERFORCE3 Legacy

The ITN PERFORCE3 (PER and polyfluorinated alkyl substances towards the Future Of Research and its Communication in Europe 3) was a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions funded project that ran from January 2020 to June 2024. Coordinated by Stockholm University, the program trained 15 Early Stage Researchers across 13 institutions in six European countries.

  • €4.16 million in EU funding for PFAS research
  • 27+ peer-reviewed publications advancing PFAS science
  • 15 PhD researchers trained in multidisciplinary PFAS expertise
  • 13 institutions across Sweden, Norway, Netherlands, UK, Switzerland, and Germany

Research Focus Areas

The PERFORCE3 network brought together world leaders in physical, synthetic, environmental and analytical chemistry, pharmacokinetics, epidemiology, toxicology, remediation science and chemical policy. Key research areas included:

  • Novel analytical methods for detecting and quantifying PFAS
  • PFAS toxicology and human health epidemiology
  • Alternative biodegradable fluorinated surfactants
  • Remediation technologies for contaminated environments
  • Policy recommendations for effective PFAS regulation

Project Timeline

January 2020

PERFORCE3 Launches

The Innovative Training Network officially begins with 15 PhD researchers across Europe.

2020-2024

Research & Training

Intensive research, workshops, secondments, and the PFASology podcast series created by early-stage researchers.

June 2024

Project Completion

PERFORCE3 concludes after 4.5 years of groundbreaking research, with 27+ publications and trained experts now working globally.

2026

PFAS Hub Continues the Mission

This platform continues to share PFAS research and knowledge with the global community.

Leadership

The PERFORCE3 program was led by distinguished researchers at Stockholm University:

Prof. Ian Cousins

Coordinator
Stockholm University

Prof. Jonathan Benskin

Assistant Coordinator
Stockholm University

Dr. Ana Cordeiro

Project Manager
Stockholm University