02. Sep 2020

PERFORCE-North will provide additional support to the recently initiated PERFORCE3 Innovative Training Network (ITN); Call: H2020-MSCA-ITN-2019. The Innovative Training Network on PER and polyfluorinated alkyl substances towards the Future Of Research and its Communication in Europe (PERFORCE3) is a multi-partner joint doctoral research training network with the overall aims of educating 15 Early Stage Researchers (ESRs), advancing the current understanding of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), and providing innovative solutions to PFAS contamination problems. PERFORCE3 is a European Training Network (ETN) that brings together world leaders in a range of relevant multiple disciplines (physical, synthetic, environmental and analytical chemistry, pharmacokinetics, epidemiology, toxicology, remediation science and chemical policy) with state-of-the art technologies, to provide the highest quality training and research environment.
Two of the 15 ESRs will be located in Tromsø, hosted by both NILU and UiT, focusing on the Arctic aspect of human exposure to PFAS. In addition to their scientific focus, all the ESRs will gain systematic training in the translation of research results for regulatory and/or stakeholder uses (outreach) and in their respective disciplines, with an emphasis on PFASs. D. Herzke from NILU and T. Sandanger from UiT will fulfill a number of roles within PERFORCE3, and Trude Borch (APN) will strengthen the policy aspect of the project. Our participation in this training network has great strategic value for the FRAM Centre as a whole, due to the high quality output by world leading research groups focusing on a highly relevant research topic as well as ensuring the role of the FRAM Centre in shaping of future policies. The FRAM Centre funding will ensure the best results possible and increase the likelihood of the two PhDs completing their project on time.