New biobank legislation entered into force in Finland on 1st of September 2013. The purpose of this legislation is to support research that uses human-derived samples, to promote transparency in the use of samples, and to safeguard the privacy and integrity of the samples in dealing with biobanks.
The first biobanks start their operations already in 2013 and 150 experts came together to hold a seminar during the European Biotech Week to discuss key issues such as data protection. The focus of the seminar concentrated on the estab- lishment of new biobanks and their importance as potential research tools.