On 26 May 2026, a working meeting was held at our university to officially launch the research team’s work on a new, extremely important scientific project led by Prof. Urszula Czerniak, Ph.D.
This initiative is part of the ‘Science for Social Development’ programme (#naukaprzyszłościjużdziś), which is scheduled to run from 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2029. The full title of the project is: “A Two-Way Path to Health—Does the Environment Affect the Endocrine Function of Skeletal Muscles, thereby Regulating Adaptive Changes Induced by Physical Activity in a Group of Mature Women?” The Ministry of Science and Higher Education has allocated 1,986,380.00 PLN for the implementation of the project’s tasks.
What will we examine?
In our daily lives, we are constantly exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These synthetic substances are found in items such as waterproof clothing, food packaging and non-stick coatings. They are so persistent that they accumulate in the human body over many years. Studies show that their presence can negatively affect the cardiovascular and endocrine systems, as well as metabolism. The impact of PFAS on the human body is well documented. However, the role of skeletal muscles and their endocrine function in this process is unclear, as is the effect of physical activity on the redistribution or elimination of PFAS. This is why a research team from the Poznań University of Physical Education (AWF Poznań) decided to investigate this issue further. Participants will take part in a closely supervised 6-month training programme. The overarching goal is to develop practical exercise recommendations that support the health of mature women.
