From 18 to 20 September, the Nordic Conference on Future Health took place in Trondheim, Norway, with around 450 participants. The event, organised by Biobank Norway, combined two previously parallel conferences: the third Nordic Society of Human Genetics and Precision Medicine Conference and the second Nordic Biobank Conference. A central theme was the importance of data in health research. Biospecimens and data are seen as closely linked elements that together form the basis for precise medical research findings. The use of artificial intelligence (AI), which is increasingly finding its way into research and can be used to detect diseases earlier and understand them better, was also a prominent topic in this context.
Closer cooperation
The Scandinavian countries are striving to work even more closely together. One aim is to establish a joint OMICS platform to make better use of genetic, epigenetic and metabolic data. They also plan to carry out large-scale sequencing projects following the example of the UK Biobank.
Sharing data – also with industry?
One highlight of the conference was an inspiring presentation by Dr. Camilla Stoltenberg, Director of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. Under the title 'Data – on health and beyond', she spoke about collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry and the current challenges in data sharing. Stoltenberg argued for more openness and transparency to promote medical progress with the help of all stakeholders and in a way that is open to technology. Using the example of the Government Pension Fund of Norway (‘Oil Fund’), she presented concrete models of how the use of data can contribute to the prosperity of the entire country while respecting ethical and legal standards.
GBN present with 'Biobanking Challenge’
The German Biobank Node (GBN) was represented with a creative contribution: PD Dr. Sara Nußbeck, National Node Director, presented the poster 'Explaining biobanking with a board game'. She demonstrated the board game 'Biobanking Challenge', which was specially developed in the 'Education and Training' working group and clearly communicates the complex process of biobanking. The game was very well received by conference participants, who were able to try it out on the spot and would like to see an English version.
European 10-year strategy
Another important contribution was made by Prof. Dr. Jens Habermann, Director General of BBMRI-ERIC. In his presentation 'Advancing Biobanking in Europe to Foster Genomic Medicine – a 10-year strategy and Nordic National Nodes’ Involvement', he presented the European strategy for the next ten years. He emphasised the important role of the Nordic countries due to their strong networks and comprehensive databases.
2026 in Copenhagen
The next Nordic Conference on Future Health will take place in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2026. The event promises to be another exciting look at developments in biobanks and precision medicine.
More information and links:
