WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue’s Institute for a Sustainable Future has announced the development of the Indiana PFAS Network, a statewide initiative designed to coordinate research, inform policy and strengthen public understanding of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals.”
The network was spearheaded by Jennifer Freeman, Assistant Vice President for Research Development and Professor of Toxicology, and Marisol Sepúlveda, Professor of Forestry and Natural Resources, who co-lead PFAS-related research efforts within the institute. Together with partners around the state, they have built a collaborative framework that connects scientists, state agencies, policymakers and community stakeholders across Indiana.
PFAS are a class of synthetic chemicals widely used in industrial and consumer products that persist in the environment and have been linked to potential human health and ecological risks. They are found in air, water, soil and biological systems and can accumulate over time, raising concerns for communities across the state.
The Indiana PFAS Network brings together interdisciplinary expertise from multiple colleges and departments at Purdue, along with partners from other Indiana universities, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. The goal is to align research efforts, identify knowledge gaps and translate scientific findings into actionable solutions for Indiana.
Freeman notes how the Indiana PFAS Network was the logical next step for expansion of PFAS-related initiatives across the state.
“The initiative builds on the institute’s broader PFAS Strategic Research Team, which has advanced research, outreach and public engagement on PFAS through statewide assessments, webinars and partnerships with organizations such as the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and the Hoosier Environmental Council.”
Sepúlveda emphasized the importance of a coordinated approach. “PFAS represent a highly complex, multi-faceted problem that requires an interdisciplinary approach. Addressing it will require the expertise of not only scientists, but also legislators, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders working together.”
Recent efforts connected to the network include the publication of the Indiana Statewide PFAS Assessment, which outlines current scientific understanding, exposure pathways and recommendations for reducing risks across the region and a paper in the journal Environmental Research detailing occurrence, bioaccumulation, and exposure assessment across Indiana.
The network also convenes stakeholders through meetings and events, including statewide gatherings that highlight emerging research, regulatory developments and collaborative opportunities. These forums are intended to foster dialogue and accelerate progress on mitigation, monitoring and policy responses.
The Indiana PFAS Network is grounded in a commitment to protect the health, safety and natural resources of communities across the state. By advancing research and fostering collaboration, the network supports informed decisions that safeguard Indiana’s water, land and residents from the long-term impacts of PFAS contamination.
Media contact: Tara Greene, greenet@purdue.edu