15 years of biodiversity hypothesis research

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You are warmly welcome to celebrate the first fifteen years of research on the biodiversity hypothesis! We will host a nature and health seminar at Oodi in central Helsinki and online on 12 May 2026 from 9:00 to 16:00. At this stage, we kindly ask you to save the date. Detailed programme and registration information will be published later.

The biodiversity hypothesis proposes that diverse natural environments and rich microbial exposure strengthen the human immune system and thereby protect against disease. The scientific formulation of the hypothesis was first presented in 2011, and it has since broadened and complemented the earlier hygiene hypothesis, which suggested that the rise in allergies could be explained mainly by increased hygiene.

The morning session of the seminar will be held in English and will cover scientific developments related to the biodiversity hypothesis over the past 15 years, featuring both international and Finnish keynote speakers.

The afternoon session will be held in Finnish and will showcase recent work by Finnish scientists, along with practical examples of how the biodiversity hypothesis is being applied.

The seminar is organised with the support of the Kone Foundation.