Service description

We grant permits for the medical research use of forensic sample materials.
For forensic written materials, such as autopsy documents and death certificates, permits are applied for—depending on the subject matter and time period—from Findata, the National Archives of Finland, or Statistics Finland.

Data permits for written forensic material

Data permits for forensic autopsy documents (autopsy reports, statements on cause of death, and examination certificates) are applied for from

  • Findata for documents from the year 2010 onwards
  • The National Archives of Finland for documents prior to 2010

Use of materials held by the National Archives

Death certificates for scientific research and statistical analyses are provided by

  • The National Archives of Finland for the years 1936–1965
  • Statistics Finland from 1966 onwards

Further information on Statistics Finland’s data services and data use permits
Forensic sample materials

We may disclose forensic sample materials for medical research purposes. The sample materials consist of tissue samples taken during forensic autopsies to determine the cause of death, as well as microscope slides. We grant permits for sample materials collected from 2010 onwards. Permits for the use of earlier sample materials are handled by the Licensing and Supervisory Authority.
Tissue samples are stored permanently, whereas microscope slides are retained for five years.

The use of forensic autopsy samples in medical research is possible once it has been ensured that the samples are no longer required for determining the cause of death and that the police have not prohibited their use for purposes other than cause-of-death investigations. The decision requires a favourable opinion from a competent ethics committee.
You may apply for a permit from THL using a tissue permit application form. All activities must comply with the Tissue Act and the conditions set out in THL’s permit decision.

Act on the Medical Use of Human Organs, Tissues and Cells 101/2001 (Finlex)

Important information about the service

In connection with autopsies, bodies as well as removed organs, tissues, cells, and other samples may be used for medical education with permission from Fimea. The permit may be applied for by the healthcare operating unit, institution, or the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare responsible for performing the autopsies.
Further information and instructions for applying for a permit from Fimea

Who the service is intended for

Research groups and medical research organisations.
The service is not available to private individuals or consumers.

Fees

Decisions regarding tissue permits and data extraction are subject to a fee.
The fee for a decision granting permission to use tissue samples is EUR 750, and EUR 50 for a decision concerning the extension or amendment of a previously granted permit or the addition of members to a research group. In addition, a fee is charged for data extraction or for the working time of THL personnel used for research activities, as well as any delivery costs.
The fees are based on Section 2 of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health Decree on Chargeable Services of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (106/2025).

How to contact us 

You may request the tissue permit application form by email at
oikeuslaakinta.hallinto(at)thl.fi
General questions related to data permits:
tietoluvat(at)thl.fi