The Center for Truth in Science has selected two prestigious institutions to receive its inaugural research grants to complete a systematic analysis of the methodologies and results of the research studies that have been most frequently cited in the risk assessment, public policymaking, and judicial decisions on the toxicity and carcinogenicity of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on humans.

Due to the increased attention and widespread ramifications of the debate surrounding PFAS, the Center is funding two unique and independent studies into the existing literature on the subject to develop a more comprehensive analysis of the current state of fact-based scientific evidence on the compounds.  The grants have been awarded to SciPinion and the University of Rovira i Virgili – URV Foundation

Led by Sean Hays, SciPinion works to help businesses, government officials, and consumers parse through complex scientific issues too make better decisions.

“The risk assessment of PFAS compounds is a controversial topic and, as a result, decisions made on PFAS can be uncertain and subject to non-science pressures,” said Sean Hays, co-founder and president of SciPinion. “Our model is specifically designed to help decision makers reduce uncertainty and mitigate non-science pressures to support science-based decision making. When we learned of the mission of the Center for Truth in Science, we realized that we share a common goal.”

The University of Rovira i Virgili, located in southern Catalonia, is an internationally recognized research institution. Founded in 1991, URV has been recognized as a Campus of International Excellence by the Spanish Ministry of Education. The research team will be led by Dr. Vikas Kumar, leader of the Environmental Informatics and System Toxicology of the Center of Environmental Food and Toxicological Technology, and the grant will be managed by URV Foundation.

“Our pursuit of scientific knowledge is based on transparency and unbiased research. We support a culture of constructive critical review in science, which will help us to improve the way we conduct and report the research findings. Our shared pursuit of unbiased science makes us a natural partner,” said Dr. Kumar, “We hope this systematic analysis will help us to further identify data and research gaps to improve risk assessment and public policymaking, on the toxicity, including potential carcinogenicity, of PFAS.”

“The Center is proud to partner with such talented researchers to break through the noise surrounding the most contentious scientific questions facing our nation’s regulatory and legal systems and provide clarity on where current research stands and what more needs to be done,” said Joseph Annotti, president and CEO of the Center for Truth in Science. “PFAS have drawn the attention of federal and state regulators, and for good reason—their ubiquitous usage has brought them in contact with nearly every American. Despite the increased attention, however, questions remain on the scientific evidence regarding the potential hazards of the various types of PFAS compounds and how best to assess and manage any public health risks they pose through effective regulation.  It is our great hope that the results of these two independent reviews may help both regulators and litigators reach well-informed decisions.”

More information regarding these grant awards can be found here and here.