Event
Join us to explore the Finnish health data ecosystem and the next steps for the FinTrials national collaboration model.
Location
Hilton Kalastajatorppa, Kalastajatorpantie 1, Helsinki
Schedule
Thursday 17.09.2026 at 08.00-12.00
See also
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 presents the progress of FinTrials, Finland’s national collaboration model for clinical trials. FinTrials is designed to provide a single-entry point for pharmaceutical companies, patient organisations, and clinical researchers wishing to sponsor, participate in, and conduct clinical trials in Finland. It aims to streamline national processes, enabling faster study set-up, improved patient recruitment and smoother collaboration.
We would be delighted to welcome you to this milestone event that brings together key stakeholders from Finland and abroad to discuss how multi-stakeholder collaboration, high-quality data, and shared infrastructures can accelerate research, innovation, and better health outcomes for all.
The event is organised in collaboration with Sitra and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.
08.00
09.00
09.15
Petri Lehto, Senior Lead, Sitra Päivi Sillanaukee, Special Envoy for Health and Wellbeing, Ministry of Social Affair and Health
09.30
Olli Kallioniemi, Professor, University of Helsinki / representing Sitra
10.00
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 Tomi Mäkelä, Executive Officer, iCAN flagship, University of Helsinki, Director, Finnish Cancer Center FICANKimmo Porkka, Professor, University of Helsinki / representing Sitra
10.40
Moderator: Maria Ritola Mervi Siltanen, Acting Director, Findata Arto Vuori, Director of Information Services, KelaTarja Laitinen, Senior Medical Advisor, University of Helsinki Alix Berton, Vice President, Head of Translational Sciences CVRI, BayerGeorge Davey Smith, Professor, University of Bristol
10.50
Professor George Davey Smith, University of Bristol
11.00
Mervi Ahlroth, Project lead, FinTrials project / CEO, FINBB
11.30
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
11.35
Päivi Sillanaukee, Special Envoy for Health and Wellbeing, STM
12.30
The event is currently full. You can register for the waiting list.Registration link
Specialist, DigiHealth – Transforming Healthcare with AI and Data
Coordinator, Programmes