Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL)

THL is an expert and research institute that provides reliable information for decision-making and activities in the field of health and welfare. Our goal is to promote the welfare, health and safety of the population.

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) is an independent state-owned expert and research institute that promotes the welfare, health and safety of the population.

THL’s duties are established in the Finnish legislation. Our key duty is to carry out research and expert work to

• prevent illnesses and social problems
• develop the welfare society
• support the social welfare and health care system and the social security system.

In addition:

• We serve as a statistical authority and maintain statistics and registers in our field.
• We provide social and health care services and forensic medicine services for which the state is responsible.
• We steer the national information management in social welfare and health care services, including the development of systems aimed at processing the health and welfare data of the Finnish citizens.

We operate in the administrative branch of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health

In terms of administration, THL operates under the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. The Director General of THL is Doctor of Medical Science Markku Tervahauta.
THL's management team

Our main funding sources include funding from the state budget, co-funded activities and services subject to a fee.
Read more about the funding of THL

We produce information and solutions for stakeholders

We provide our stakeholders with information and solutions to build a more equal, equitable and sustainable society.

We serve a wide range of different operators, including

• decision-makers in central government, municipalities, and wellbeing services counties
• local government officials
• social welfare and health care professionals.

We foster cooperation between different operators and good practices in the promotion of health and well-being.

We communicate on health and safety issues to the entire population.

Preconditions for success are created together

We cooperate closely with various operators, such as different organisations and both Finnish and international research communities.

THL is a recognised and desirable partner in projects involving domestic as well as international scientific cooperation. Each year, approximately 700 THL-produced articles are published in numerous scientific publications. Half of the articles are written in collaboration with international partners.

Read more about THL’s international activities