Estonian genetic data project collects 100,000 DNA samples

On 21 December, the Institute of Genomics announced that the first part of the Estonian goverment-backed project -- to collect the DNA samples from 100,000 Estonians -- is accomplished. On the same day, the goverment said it had allocated an additional €2.3 millions, helping the project continue in 2019, with an aim to give another 50,000 people a chance to give their DNA samples.

Run by the University of Tartu's Institute of Genomics, the general purpose of the initiative is to boost the development of personalised medicine in Estonia. Using the Illumina Global Screening Array, the data will be used to generate the personalised genetic reports for the participants. This genetic data will then be linked with the Estonian National Health Information System, to enable physicians to take people's personal genetic information into account when assessing the health risks of the patient. 

Click here to read full article. 

Additional information:
Annely Allik, University of Tartu Institute of Genomics, Head of Communication, annely.allik@ut.ee