On 17 September 2026, Finland’s health data ecosystem and the Finnish Health Data Space will be presented at Hilton Kalastajatorppa in Helsinki, highlighting new opportunities for international research, innovation, and clinical development.
Finland is strengthening its position in the global health data landscape by building a research environment that is both highly competitive and grounded in high-quality data. This creates new opportunities for international research collaboration, innovation, and clinical development.
At this event you will hear how Finland is advancing the Finnish Health Data Space – a national model that brings together data infrastructure, permit processes and collaboration into one coherent framework. This approach enables secure use of health data for research and innovation, creating conditions for AI-driven healthcare and cutting-edge science.
As a concrete step toward a more coherent research environment, this event also marks the launch of FinTrials, Finland’s national collaboration model for clinical trials. FinTrials provides a single-entry point for pharmaceutical companies, patient organisations, and clinical researchers wishing to sponsor, participate in, and conduct clinical trials in Finland. It streamlines national processes, enabling faster study set-up, improved patient recruitment and smoother collaboration.
Programme:
Opening remarks
Petri Lehto, Senior Lead, Sitra
Päivi Sillanaukee, Special Envoy for Health and Wellbeing, Ministry of Social Affair and Health
Advancing the Finnish Health Data Space
Olli Kallioniemi, Professor, University of Helsinki / representing Sitra
Kimmo Porkka, Professor, University of Helsinki / representing Sitra
Pillar projects driving the implementation of FHDS
Andrea Ganna, Associate Professor, Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Senior group leader, Human Technopole, Associate Faculty, ELLIS Institute Finland
Risto Renkonen, Professor of Glycobiology, University of Helsinki, Chief Physician, Helsinki University Hospital
Kimmo Porkka, Professor, University of Helsinki
Panel discussion
Moderator: Maria Ritola
Mervi Siltanen, Acting Director, Findata
Arto Vuori, Director of Information Services, Kela
Tarja Laitinen, Senior Medical Advisor, University of Helsinki
George Davey Smith, Professor, University of Bristol
Commentary
Professor George Davey Smith, University of Bristol
Introducing FinTrials – Finland’s national collaboration model for clinical trials
Mervi Ahlroth, Project lead, FinTrials project / CEO, FINBB
Panel discussion / FinTrials in practice: Unlocking value across key stakeholders
Moderator: Mervi Ahlroth, Project lead, FinTrials preparatory phase / CEO, FINBB
Terhi Hirvonen, Director of Clinical Operations, Nordics, GSK
Marketta Liljeström, Senior Specialist, Engagement and Public Affairs, Cancer Patients Finland
Essi Sarkkinen, Chair of FINCRO network
Closing remarks
Päivi Sillanaukee, Special Envoy for Health and Wellbeing, STM
