• HORIZON EUROPE / MSCA STAFF EXCHANGES

Connecting Science, Policy, and Society: An Integrated Approach to the Comprehensive Risk Assessment
of PFAS in Consumer Products
(OFF-PFAS)

A project funded by the Horizon Europe Programme
Call: HORIZON-MSCA-2026-SE-01
Type of action: HORIZON TMA MSCA Staff Exchanges
Start date: November 1, 2026

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  • PROJECT AT A GLANCE

A joint programme across five countries

The project combines international staff exchange with research spanning chemistry, environmental science, AI and industry.

48

months

Project duration

8

organisations

Academic and nonacademic

5

countries

Bulgaria, Greece, Norway, Turkey, Senegal

257

person-months

Planned staff exchanges

2,500

PFAS

Compiled into an information platform

  • WHAT OFF-PFAS WILL DO

From data to risk assessment and guidance

Four connected research stages will build evidence on PFAS in
consumer products and industrial settings.

01

Map the data

Compile data on ≥2,500 PFAS into a publicly accessible Information Platform with legislative tracking

02

Model PFAS

Develop AI/ML models for PFAS occurrence prediction, toxicity estimation and 5–10 year environmental fate simulation

03

Improve detection

Create and validate analytical methods for hidden PFAS detection using transformationbased approaches

04

Assess and advise

Analyse samples across consumer products from five countries and translate results into guidance reaching ≥50,000 citizens.

05

Staff development and project coordination support the work throughout (WP6).

  • TARGET GROUPS

Who the project will reach

Four audiences, each with its own objective and its own way of using the project’s results.

  • TARGET GROUP 1

Scientific community

Objective: make project results available quickly and openly so other researchers can build on the findings.

  • TARGET GROUP 2

Policy and regulatory audiences

Objective: provide timely, evidence-based input to EU and national PFAS regulatory processes.

  • TARGET GROUP 3

Industry and commercial actors

Objective: help companies assess PFAS risks in products and production processes.

  • TARGET GROUP 4

General public and citizens

Objective: improve understanding of PFAS and help consumers make informed choices.

  • WHY OFF-PFAS

A joint programme across five countries

OFF-PFAS aims to turn research outputs into practical uptake across policy, industry, society and science.

Regulatory uptake

Evidence considered by ECHA, DG ENV and other authorities in PFAS restriction decisions.

Industry adoption

Cosmetics and nutraceutical companies move towards PFAS-free practices.

New collaborations

At least four follow-up proposals and a sustained partner network.

Consumer awareness

At least 50,000 citizens reached with information for more informed purchasing.

Capacity building

PFAS research capacity strengthened in widening countries.

  • EXPECTED IMPACT

Scientific, societal and economic value

The project connects its research programme to European policy priorities and practical change.

SCIENTIFIC

AI-integrated PFAS assessment framework; new work on predictive environmental fate; at least 20 citations and replication in other contaminant classes.

SOCIETAL

Potential reduction in PFAS exposure through better regulation and informed consumer choices; support for SDGs 3, 6, 9, 12 and 17.

ECONOMIC

Faster industry transition to PFAS-free products; potential reduction in cleanup costs; new opportunities for monitoring tools and services.

  • POLICY ALIGNMENT
  • EU Chemicals Strategy
  • REACH PFAS restriction
  • Zero Pollution Ambition
  • Drinking Water Directive
  • EU Green Deal and SDGs
  • Food packaging restrictions
  • PARC and NORMAN networks
  • Stockholm Convention
  • NEWSLETTER

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