Ethical, Legal and Societal Perspectives
Tórshavn, Faroe Islands | 2–3 June 2026

Program (pdf)

As health data and biobank resources become increasingly accessible for research across borders, new opportunities emerge — alongside important ethical, legal and societal questions.
This workshop brought together stakeholders from across the Nordic region to explore how such research can be conducted collaboratively across the Nordic countries and beyond, while maintaining trust, legal clarity, and respect for participants. The programme was designed to facilitate dialogue between different national perspectives and professional backgrounds, with a focus on real-world challenges and practical experiences.

Workshop Format and Content
The workshop was structured around three thematic sessions addressing key dimensions of cross-border research using health data and biobank material.
The first session focused on legal frameworks and data access procedures, examining how national governance structures, regulatory requirements, and practical processes influence the feasibility of Nordic collaboration.
The second session addressed informed consent in practice, exploring how consent models function when biobank material is reused for new research purposes, and how participant expectations are interpreted across different contexts.
The third session focused on ethical and societal aspects, including trust, transparency, and the use of Nordic data in broader international research settings.
Each session combined presentations with plenary discussions based on concrete case scenarios. Discussions were guided by session chairs and structured around comparative questions, allowing participants to reflect on similarities and differences across countries.

Who Should Attend
The workshop was aimed at professionals working with biobanks, health data, and research infrastructure, researchers, patient representatives, as well as those engaged in governance, ethics and policy. It was particularly relevant for members of the Nordic Biobank Network and welcomed other stakeholders who can help broaden the perspectives discussed.

Organisers
The workshop was organised by the Faroese Health Authority in collaboration with the Nordic Biobank Network (NBN).
Funded by NordForsk.

Copenhagen, Denmark | 14-16 September 2026

The Nordic countries have a rich history of pioneering, innovation, and global leadership in health research and healthcare. With so many new areas of discovery in precision and personalised medicine, it is timely and critical that Nordic stakeholders convene to discuss the current challenges and opportunities.

Nordic Biobank Network will hold a steering group meeting and organize side events. Many in the network have also contributed to the conference programme.

NBN Workshops:

• Are Nordic Biobanks Prepared for Emergencies?

• The Ethical and Legal Landscape in the Nordic Countries (by invitation only)

• Strengthening Nordic Research Collaboration in Biobank, Registry, and Precision Medicine Research