Introduction

FinBioNet - the Finnish Graduate School network in Life Sciences - was established in 1995 to support research collaboration and PhD training cooperation between the graduate schools in Finland in the field of life sciences. Since 2004, PhD students of FinBioNet graduate schools have contributed to this work by organizing their own PhD student symposia.

This year, the FinBioNet PhD symposium is organized by the students of TuBS and ISB, two graduate schools operating in Turku. The title - Life Sciences in Today´s Society – has been chosen to attract students from all FinBioNet graduate schools, representing the rather broad and diverse field of life sciences. The symposium addresses issues like ethics in research, current topics of career development and the employment of newly graduated PhD’s. Acclaimed scientists from home and abroad have been invited to give their viewpoints on ethical dilemmas scientists deal with daily. In addition, valuable information on PhD employment will be received from speakers representing both the academic world and pharmaceutical industry. Participating students will have an opportunity to present their work in a separate poster session.

Another aim of the annual FinBioNet meeting is to bring together the PhD students from all over the country, since sharing ideas and challenges and creating contacts are essential parts of the research training. This will be made possible through informal social program, where the students and invited scientists can spend time together. The symposium is worked up by students, for students. All young scientists are welcome to discuss ethical issues and to ponder on important career moves.