FinnGen: an expedition into genomics and medicine

FinnGen is a research project in genomics and personalized medicine. It is large public-private partnership that has collected and analysed genome and health data from 500,000 Finnish biobank donors to understand the genetic basis of diseases. FinnGen is now expanding into understanding the progression and biological mechanisms of diseases. FinnGen provides a world-class resource for further breakthroughs in disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment and a outlook into our genetic make-up.

Nature publication: Atlas of immune cells explains how genetic variants cause disease

Study cohort

FinnGen has collected and correlated genome and longitudinal health data of more than 500 000 Finns, which is almost 10% of the Finnish population.

Participation

The FinnGen study utilises samples collected by a nationwide network of Finnish biobanks. The study is based on combining genome information with digital health care data from national health registries.

Everybody benefits

The genome data produced during the project will be owned by the Finnish biobanks, and remain available for researcher purposes. The medical breakthroughs that arise from the project will eventually benefit health care systems and patients globally.

Collaboration is the key

The collaborative nature of the FinnGen research project is exceptional compared to many other studies. The study involves all the same actors as drug development. With this open cooperation, we hope to speed up the emergence of new innovations.

Data freeze 13 results and summary statistics now available!

Results can be browsed online using the FinnGen web browser and the summary statistics downloaded

This data freeze consists of >500,000 individuals, more than 21.3 M variants and >2,750 health endpoints. To get more information about how to access the results and summary statistics, please follow this link:

Access results

Engaging FinnGen communication resource available!

Scroll through the website to learn about the FinnGen project, its goals, processes and its impact in Finland and around the world.

Can you imagine what genetic diversity looks like in large populations or visualise where genes are located on chromosomes in relation to each other? We teamed up with Aalto University to produce a resource that uses data visualisation to tell the FinnGen story to a wider audience.

Enter the scrollytelling website

Screenshots from the scrollytelling website.

News

Atlas of immune cells explains how genetic variants cause disease

Using data from more than 1,100 Finnish blood donors participating in FinnGen, researchers have created an atlas of over 10 million immune cells that links disease-associated genetic variants to the genes they control. The approach combines chromatin accessibility and gene expression data to reveal how genetic variation contributes to disease risk, helping researchers identify the molecular mechanisms underlying hundreds of diseases and health-related traits.

Abstract digital illustration of DNA-like sequences represented by rows of coloured rectangular blocks and fine lines, with glowing purple, blue, turquoise and yellow elements against a dark blue background.

1.10.2026

Genetic discoveries may help patients find the right blood pressure medication faster

A variant found in 1 in 30 Finns may protect against the dry cough that often leads patients to stop taking ACE inhibitors, a common blood pressure medication. The study also identified a genetic predictor of intolerance to another blood pressure drug class, bringing personalized hypertension treatment closer.

A digital blood pressure monitor and different medical pills on a white table.

10.8.2026

Genetic information helps predict the onset and progression of glaucoma

Polygenic risk scores can identify individuals at substantially increased risk of developing glaucoma and those whose disease is likely to progress more rapidly. A new screening model based on these findings will soon be tested in Southern Finland.

A woman with light hair looks into an eye examination device while a healthcare professional performs an eye test in a clinical setting.

2.7.2026

FinnGen brings together the nation-wide network of Finnish biobanks.

Every Finn can be a part of the FinnGen study by giving a biobank consent.

Samples available

629 000

Samples needed by 2023: 520 000

Current data freeze

520 210

combined genotype and health registry data