Samples come from biobanks

The FinnGen study plans to utilise 500 000 unique samples collected by a nationwide network of Finnish biobanks.

A biobank sample storage room, where samples are stored in large containers cooled with liquid nitrogen.

In biobanks, biological specimens are stored in a professional way

Biobank is a collection of biological samples and data gathered with the donor’s consent for future medical research and product development for healthcare and health promotion purposes.The difference between traditional sample collections and the new biobank concept is that samples collected in a biobank can be used for a variety of future research needs, not just for a defined specific research purpose. FinnGen is the first research project that brings together almost all Finnish biobanks.

Seven regional and three country-wide Finnish biobanks participate in the study. The biobanks have been established by universities, hospital districts and other research organizations.

The comprehensive use of existing sample collections in medical research has many benefits. Citizens do not have to be invited on multiple occasions to participate in surveys and donate new samples. Also, samples that have been collected at great expense can be used more efficiently for research purposes, aiding in the development of better treatments and medications.

Eleven Finnish biobanks shown on a map, four of which are operating in the whole of Finland, six biobanks in specific hospital district areas and one in the University of Oulu.

FinnGen research project is the first study where almost all of the Finnish biobanks are co-operating. The FinnGen study plans to utilize 500 000 unique samples collected from a nationwide network of Finnish biobanks.

After the completion of the study, the genomic data produced during the project will be owned by the Finnish biobanks, and remain available for researchers and companies.

FinnGen in brief

FinnGen is a large public-private partnership aiming to collect and analyse genome and health data from 500,000 Finnish biobank participants. FinnGen aims on one hand to provide novel medically and therapeutically relevant insights but also construct a world-class resource that can be applied for future studies.

FinnGen is one of the very first personalized medicine projects at this scale and the public-private collaborative nature of the project is exceptional compared to many ongoing studies. FinnGen brings together Finnish universities, hospitals and hospital districts, THL, Blood Service, biobanks, FINBB and international pharmaceutical companies and hundreds of thousands of Finns. Because collaboration is the key to achieving breakthroughs in disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, we welcome everyone on this journey into our shared heritage.