PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) research in academia has become an increasingly important and hot topic due to their widespread use, environmental persistence, and significant potential health risks. These synthetic chemicals are commonly found in everyday products such as non-stick cookware, firefighting foams, water-resistant fabrics, and many industrial applications. Their strong carbon-fluorine bonds make them highly resistant to natural degradation processes, earning them the infamous nickname „forever chemicals”. Growing scientific evidence has linked PFAS exposure to a range of adverse health effects, including various cancers, immune system disruption, hormone interference, and developmental issues. As a result, academic researchers are intensively focusing on understanding the complex behavior and transport mechanisms of PFAS in different ecosystems, as well as on developing safer chemical alternatives. Current research trends emphasize improving detection methods with greater sensitivity, advancing innovative remediation technologies to clean contaminated sites, and conducting extensive epidemiological studies to assess the long-term human health impacts. This issue is critical for everyone because PFAS contamination has been detected widely across soil, drinking water sources, and the food supply chain, affecting millions of people worldwide. It poses a direct and ongoing threat to public health and biodiversity. Heightened regulatory scrutiny and growing public awareness are driving academic inquiry forward, aiming to better inform policy decisions, and protect vulnerable communities. Therefore, PFAS research not only advances scientific knowledge but also plays a crucial role in supporting environmental justice initiatives and achieving sustainable development goals on a global scale.