[2] It is the biggest expert organisation under the ministry and its most important source of consultation regarding scientific knowledge.

[3] THL's scope of activity includes both public health and social welfare.

Own research generates new knowledge, but also makes it easier to absorb innovations from international science networks, and the institute then applies it for new development.

On the other hand, it monitors the welfare and health of the population, as well as factors causing problems, and develops and promotes measures to improve the situation.

Most of the expenses are covered by the Government through state budget, but about a third of activities are paid from other sources, mainly competed research funding.

Important sources are the Academy of Finland, Tekes – the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation, Framework Programs of the European Union, National Institutes of Health (USA), and ministries through their own budgets.