Focus on genetics and public health
Folkhälsan Research Center is an internationally recognized institution specializing in biomedical and health science research, with dedicated programs in genetics and public health. Situated within Biomedicum Helsinki at the University of Helsinki's medical campus and Folkhälsan's main building, the center employs approximately 200 researchers and experts. In 2024, the center's funding was EUR 9.78 M, with external financing accounting for 44%.
Our research programs
Research in the Genetics Research Program involves projects on several rare genetic disorders and on genetic and lifestyle risk factors in diabetes and diabetic complications.
The projects within the Public Health Research Program focus upon major public health problems. These include projects focusing upon health and disease from a life course perspective as well as projects on health promotion and in social gerontology. Furthermore, risk factors for overweight and obesity are studied in a cohort of healthy teenagers.
Genetics Research Program
Our groups conduct research on various diseases. The goal is to identify genes that cause inherited diseases and genes that increase the risk of diseases that are partly genetic and partly influenced by lifestyle factors.
Public Health Research Program
The projects within the public health program focus on major public health challenges, exploring various aspects of health and diseases throughout life. Through our research, we aim to contribute to better well-being for children, young people, and families, as well as to enable more people to age actively and healthily.