Erik Abner
Research fellow of functional genomics, University of Tartu
PhD: Barcelona Pompeu Fabra University, Biomedicine, "Identification of HIV-1 reactivating quinoline compounds as bromodomain inhibitors", 2016.
Research area: genetics of human diseases, virology, micropeptides
Mission in EYAS: My goal is to popularize the scientific way of thinking in the general populace, to educate on the peculiarities of the functioning of modern science and to explain the usefulness of our work in society at large. I also wish to inspire the next young generation in Estonia to become scientists and to teach them how to ask the right questions about the world around them.
Kaur Alasoo
Lecture of Bioinformatics, University of Tartu
PhD: University of Cambridge, computational biology, "Regulation of gene expression in macrophage immune response", 2017.
Research area: genetics and molecular mechanisms of complex diseases
Mission in EYAS: Supporting underrepresented minorities in Estonian research and facilitating research-intensive biotech entrepreneurship in Estonia.
Jaan Aru
Associate professor, University of Tartu
PhD: Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, psychology and brain research, "Distilling the neural correlates of conscious perception", 2014.
Research interests: brain research, AI.
Mission in EYAS: Propagating science and scientific thinking in society. I want to show young people that scientists are cool people and do interesting things. I am always ready to answer all questions that young Estonian scholars may have about academic life.
Juhan Aru
Tenure-track assistant professor, EPFL
PhD: ENS Lyon, mathematics, "The Geometry of the Gaussian Free Field Combined with SLE Processes and the KPZ Relation", 2015.
Research interests: random geometry, stochastic processes.
Mission in EYAS: play my part in assuring that the contribution of our whole is larger than the sum of its individual parts. I hope that our varied backgrounds and ways of thinking will help us approach freshly the questions about the nature and the role of sciences & scientists, both at our workplace and in the society.
Anastasiya Astapova
Associate Professor of Folkloristics, University of Tartu
PhD: University of Tartu, Folklore, “Negotiating Belarusianness: Political Folklore betwixt and between” Department of Estonian and Comparative Folklore, 2015
Institute for Russian Literature, Russian Academy of Sciences, Philology, "Contemporary Student Jokes: Plots and Themes", 2016.
Research interests: humor, political folklore, nationalism, migration, conspiracy theories, vaccine hesitancy
Mission in EYAS: Bring academic and public attention to issues important to Estonian society, including the language and integration policies as well as how these function on a daily basis; contribute to the increasing international and public image of Estonian science.
Mai Beilmann
Associate Professor of Empirical Sociology, University of Tartu
PhD: University of Tartu, Sociology, "Social Capital and Individualism-Collectivism at the Individual Level", 2017.
Research interests: social capital, political and civic participation, participation, wellbeing and vulnerability of children and youth.
Mission in EYAS: Educating the general populace about how (social) research is done and why it is important to participate in (social) research.
Juhan Hellerma
Research Fellow, Tallinn University; Visiting Research Fellow, University of Tartu
PhD: University of Tartu, philosophy "Mapping Time: Analysis of Contemporary Theories of Historical Temporality", 2020.
Mission in EYAS: I want to ensure that the dialogue between science and society is meaningful and multilayered. I would also like to contribute to the promotion of career opportunities for young researchers and help them think about how to share their research with the public in an engaging way.
Marju Himma
Associate Professor in Journalism Studies, University of Tartu
PhD: University of Tartu, "Skill performance of Estonian online journalists: assessment model for newsrooms and research", 2018.
Research interest: Journalism studies, science communication, and information disorders.
Mission in EYAS: I will promote effective and deliberative science and research communication among young scholars. Additionally, my aim is to initiate a discussion over alternative academic career paths among young researchers, since I can contribute my experience as a pracademic (practitioner and academic).
Madis Järvekülg
Researcher, Tallinn University Baltic Film, Media and Arts School
PhD: Tallinn University, audiovisual arts and media studies, "Facebook as a digital music platform: Communicative reorganization of Estonian music cultures", 2022.
Research interest: music industries, social media, digital culture, media evolution.
Mission in EYAS: I represent and value the diversity of academic work, the interests of interdisciplinary academic fields such as media studies, research forms based on discovery and curiosity, the specifics of artistic research, as well as qualitative research methods and the corresponding best practices in research ethics. I advocate for the principle of transparency in academic institutions and processes.
Mario Kadastik
Senior Researcher / Research Director, National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics
PhD: Tallinn University of Technology, particle physics, "Doubly charged Higgs boson decays and implications on neutrino physics", 2008.
Research interests: experimental particle physics.
Mission in EYAS: My main mission is to make sure that both current and future researchers have the best environment to work towards Estonia becoming a knowledge-based society. In that light I actively partake in science policy making, especially by inclusion of top international research labs for research cooperation as well as education and training. In addition I’m keenly interested in enhancing the cooperation between public research and private sector, as a more knowledge based and R&D intense private sector would give added value to the society.
Mihkel Kama
Assistant professor, University College London
Associate professor, University of Tartu
PhD: University of Amsterdam, "Intermediate-mass young stars", 2013.
Research interests: the formation processes and diversity of planets.
Mission in EYAS: Advance the role of scientific thinking in society, support the professional development of academics, and enrich the Estonian science vocabulary.
Karin Kogermann
Associate Professor / Senior Researcher, University of Tartu
PhD: University of Helsinki, pharmacy, "Understanding Solid State Transformations During Dehydration: New Insights Using Vibrational Spectroscopy and Multivariate Modeling", 2008.
Research interests: solid state, drug-excipient interactions, process analytical technology, design and preparation of nanocarrier systems, antimicrobial drug delivery systems, bacterial (wound) infections, antibiotic action mechanisms.
Mission in EYAS: Help to increase the public awareness and understanding of science and pharmaceutical sciences in Estonia, promote the development opportunities for young researchers and strengthen the collaboration between young researchers in different scientific fields.
Heisi Kurig
Research Fellow, University of Tartu
PhD: University of Tartu, chemistry, "Electrical Double-Layer Capacitors Based on Ionic Liquids as Electrolytes", 2011.
Research interests: electrochemistry, physical chemistry, energy storage, gas sorption, hydrogen, neutron scattering methods.
Mission in EYAS: Being an ENTA member gives me a chance to contribute actively in developing towards to a scientific fact based society. In my opinion, one of the key objectives of ENTA is to make the Estonian young scientists’ opinion heard and increase the influence of science-based argumentation in different decision making processes in our society.
Vladimir Kuts
Tallinn University of Technology
PhD: Tallinn University of Technology, "Novel digital twin development methodology for the robot cell connectivity in a smart industry environment", 2019.
Research interests: digital twins, human-robot interaction and virtual reality in the industry.
Mission in EYAS: Popularization of Estonian science and international mobility, advising young researchers about possible career-paths after finishing their doctoral studies.
Rainer Küngas
Chief Technology Officer, Stargate Hydrogen OÜ
PhD: University of Pennsylvania, chemical engineering, "Factors Governing the Performance and Stability of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Cathodes Prepared by Infiltration", 2012.
Research interests: heterogeneous catalysis, solid state electrochemistry, fuel cells, electrolysis cells, battery materials, ceramics processing, application of Design of Experiments statistical tools to industrial processes.
Mission in EYAS: Demonstrate that it is possible to do high quality research in an industrial setting. Promote the industrial career as a viable alternative for young researchers and PhD students in Estonia. Improve collaboration between young researchers and entrepreneurs.
rainerkungas@gmail.com
Profile in Estonian Research Portal
Twitter@rainerkungas
Triin Laisk
Associate Professor, University of Tartu
PhD: University of Tartu, medicine, "Genetic variation as a modulator of susceptibility to female infertility and a source for potential biomarkers".
Field of Research: female health, genetics of fertility and infertility, genetic epidemiology.
Mission in EYAS: As a member of the EYAS, I would like to bring scientists closer to people and the society, help spread evidence-based information, and set an example for other scientists with both my experiences and actions.
Innar Liiv
PhD: Tallinn University of Technology (Estonia), informatics, "Pattern Discovery Using Seriation and Matrix Reordering: A Unified View, Extensions and an Application to Inventory Management", 2008.
Research interests: e-government and data science, computational social science, information visualization, and data mining technology transfer to industrial and governmental applications.
Mission in EYAS: sparking discussion about future of work, professions and researchers, supporting big data-driven policy making; technology transfer to industrial and governmental applications; entrepreneurship.
Kerli Liivand
Senior Researcher, National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics
PhD: University of Tartu, Chemistry, "Influence of electrospun separator materials properties on electrochemical performance of electrical double-layer capacitors", 2013.
Research Areas: Electrochemistry, Metallurgy, Circular Economy, Energy Conversion and Storage, Heterogeneous Catalysis, Battery Materials, Materials Recycling/Upcycling.
Mission at ENTa: Advocate for the funding and development opportunities of young researchers. Promote interdisciplinary research and development collaboration between different institutions.
Kristiina Mark
Researcher, Estonian University of Life Sciences
PhD: University of Tartu, Botany and Mycology, "Diversification and species delimitation of lichenized fungi in selected groups of the family Parmeliaceae (Ascomycota)", 2016.
Research interests: symbiosis biology, lichen and its symbionts’, incl. microalgae biology, physiology and ecology.
Mission in EYAS: I would like to contribute to improving science communication and outreach activities in society but most importantly with Estonian youth. I further hope to promote natural sciences, encourage and recognize environmental consciousness and scientific thinking.
Lili Milani
Research Professor, University of Tartu
PhD: Uppsala University (Sweden), molecular medicine, "Gene Expression in Cancer Cells: Detection of Splice Variants, Allele-specific Expression and DNA Methylation", 2009.
Research interests: human genetics, disease genetics, pharmacogenetics, epigenetics.
Mission in EYAS: inspire future scientists, work towards better science funding and networking opportunities for young scientists in Estonia, and reduce unnecessary bureaucratic barriers.
Kerli Mõtus
Associate Professor, Estonian University of Life Sciences
PhD: Estonian University of Life Sciences, veterinary epidemiology, "Epidemiology, Impact on Herd Health and Control of Bovine Herpesvirus 1 in Estonian Dairy Cattle Herds", 2012.
Research interests: veterinary epidemiology, dairy and beef cattle, mortality, euthanasia, risk factors and causes.
Mission in EYAS: contribute in topics essential for young scientists (financing, career development, popularising science and sharing with community).
Miina Norvik
Research Fellow in Finnic languages, University of Tartu
PhD: University of Tartu, Finnic languages, "Future time reference devices in Livonian in a Finnic context", 2015.
Research area: Finnic languages, areal typology, structural features of languages.
Mission in EAYS: My goal is to make sure that the voice of the linguists is also represented. I want to contribute to popularizing science among youth and the general public. I regard highly important advancement of interdisciplinary communication and collaboration.
Kärt Ojavee
Senior Researcher, Estonian Academy of Arts
PhD: Estonian Art Academy, art and design, "Active Smart Interior Textiles: Interactive Soft Displays", 2013.
Research interests: sensing textiles, responsive environments, calm technology, textile displays, spatial textiles, haptic materials in architecture, living materials.
Mission in EYAS: represent the interests of designers and artists whose work is based on practice led research. In the future I would like to contribute to finding opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations.
Ester Oras
Associate Professor, University of Tartu
PhD: University of Cambridge (UK), archaeology, "Practices of Wealth Depositing in the 1st – 9th Century AD Eastern Baltic", 2014.
Research interests: archaeological sciences, analytical chemistry, organic residue analysis, ancient foodways and health, prehistoric migrations.
Mission in EYAS: multidicipliary reseach, the role of young scholars in academia and society, funding opportunities for young researchers.
Sander Pajusalu
Associate Professor, Tartu University. Medical Geneticist and Head of the Genetics and Personalized Medicine Clinic, Tartu University Hospital
PhD: Tartu University, Medicine "Genome-wide diagnostics of Mendelian disorders: from chromosomal microarrays to next-generation sequencing", 2017.
Research area: Clinical genomics, Inherited diseases
Mission in EAYS: I stand for interdisciplinarity and against arbitrary borders between different fields in science. I wish that everyone – both researchers and society – would benefit from the best research. I want to help Estonia to develop into a more evidence-based and research-based society.
Sille Pihlak
Researcher at Timber Architecture Institute PAKK, Estonian Academy of Arts
PhD: Estonian Academy of Arts, Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, "Prototyping Protocols, Protocolling Prototypes: A Methodological Development of Somatic Modularity for Algorithmic Timber Architecture in Estonian Context", 2020.
Research area: Sustainable architecture, modularity in timber structures, design in infrastructure, artistic research
Mission in EYAS: I wish to expand the scientific potential behind artistic research, strengthen the research driven architecture and build bridges between science and private enterprises.
Gert Preegel
Researcher, Tallinn University of Technology
PhD: National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, "Cyclopentane-1,2-dione and Cyclopent-2-en-1-one in Asymmetric Organocatalytic Reactions", 2016.
Research interests: organic chemistry, industrial chemistry.
Mission in EYAS: improve the career prospects of young researchers and promote evidence-based decision making in society.
Marju Raju
Researcher, Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre
PhD: Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, "Some aspects of singing development, the song creating process and favorite songs of Estonian children", 2015.
Research interests: Music psychology, development of singing (infants and toddlers)
Mission in EYAS: promote the position of young scientists in the society and promote scientific thinking.
Kadi Liis Saar
Research Fellow, University of Cambridge
PhD: University of Cambridge, "Advances in biophysical characterisation through micron scale flow engineering", 2019.
Research Area: Biophysical Chemistry & Machine Learning
Mission in EYAS: Advancing technology transfer and fostering the emergence and growth of knowledge-intensive companies, especially in the field of biotechnology. More broadly, bringing science closer to society and making it accessible and appealing to the youth in order to cultivate a society that is driven by knowledge and evidence.
Tuul Sepp
Associate Professor of Animal Ecology, University of Tartu
PhD: University of Tartu, animal ecology, "Hematological Health State Indices of Greenfinches: Sources of Individual Variation and Responses to Immune System Manipulation" 2012.
Research interests: animal ecology, animal physiology, evolutionary biology, urban ecology, aging in the wild.
Mission in EYAS: popularising science outreach activities among scientists, improve the opportunities for young scientists with families.
Andra Siibak
Professor of Media Studies, University of Tartu
PhD: University of Tartu, media and communication, "Self-presentation of the 'digital generation' in Estonia", 2009.
Research interests: Internet use, social media, audiences, privacy, generations, digital literacy, mediation of internet use.
Mission in EYAS: developing science communication, popularisation of science in particular. I would like to see to that (young) scientists are provided with a chance to gain additional knowledge on how to communicate their scientific results intelligebly, appealingly, accurately and through various mediums to different audiences. Furthermore, I also believe it to be crucial that (young) scientists would immediately have a chance to practice their newly learnt skills.
Jaak Sikk
Lecturer, Estonian Academy of Music and Theater
PhD: Estonian Academy of Music and Theater, contemporary improvisation, "The Influence of Stimulus Based Imagery on the Process of Improvising Freely", 2020.
Research interests: improvisation, imagery, potential self
Mission in EYAS: As an artistic researcher and practitioner, the in-depth experience of putting philosophical and neurocognitive models into performance happens on a daily basis. I am motivated to create new value that derives from the border area of theory and practice. Also the interdisciplinary and inter-institutional collaboration is a high priority for me.
Tõnn Talpsepp
Associate professor of financial technology, Tallinn University of Technology
PhD: Tallinn University of Technology, financial economics: "Investor behavior and volatility asymmetry", 2010.
Research area: behavioral finance, financial technology
Mission in EYAS: Advocate scientific and data based approach to decision making; help young scholars at the beginning of their academic career and people interested in continuing their studies at doctoral level.
Martin Thalfeldt
Assistant professor in building service systems, Tallinn University of Technology.
PhD: Tallinn University of Technology, Civil and Environmental Engineering, "Total Economy of Energy-Efficient Office Building Facades in a Cold Climate", 2016.
Research area: Energy-efficiency and indoor climate of buildings; design of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; real-time building performance assessment.
Mission in ENTA: I wish to promote interdisciplinary research and development within and between universities and the industry. I also consider it important that young researchers are supported when transforming from supervisee to supervisor.
Aare Tool
Lecturer of Music Theory, Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre.
PhD: Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, musicology, "The Modes of Limited Transposition and Form in the Music of Eduard Oja", 2016.
Research interests: music theory, music analysis, Estonian music.
Mission in EYAS: active presence of humanities in the Young Academy will contribute to our better understanding of the relationship between various fields of study and open up new perspectives for cooperation.
Kaspar Tootsi
Research Fellow, Orthopaedic surgeon; University of Tartu and Tartu University Hospital.
PhD: University of Tartu, “Cardiovascular and metabolomic profiling of osteoarthritis”, 2017.
Research area: orthopaedics, metabolomics, cardiovascular diseases.
Mission in ENTA: I wish to popularize science-based medicine to combat harmful pseudoscientific narratives. I stand for increasing the importance of scientists and science-based decision making in society.
Toomas Vaimann
Research Professor, Tallinn University of Technology
PhD: Tallinn University of Technology, Energy and Geotechnology, "Diagnostics of Induction Machine Rotor Faults Using Analysis of Stator Signals", 2014.
Research area: electrical machines, diagnostics of electrical machines and drive systems, condition monitoring, prognostics.
Mission in EYAS: My mission in EYAS is to promote and encourage engineering as a knowledge-intensive applied science field. I stand for the financial and development possibilities of young researchers.
Heli Valtna
Senior Researcher, University of Tartu; LightCode Photonics OÜ founder and CEO
PhD: University of Tartu, physics "Superluminally propagating localized optical pulses", 2010.
Research area: wave optics, design and characterization of ultrawideband optical wave fields.
Mission in EUAS: I believe in wisdom and desire of young researchers to contribute to evolution of Estonian ecosystem of science, higher education and knowledge based economy to make it sustainable, self-renewing and visionary. Forthcoming 30-40 years of professional career poses both responsibility and opportunity to shape the future.
Hardi Veermäe
Senior Researcher, National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics
PhD: University of Tartu, theroetical physics, "Dark matter with long-range vector-mediated interactions", 2017.
Research area: high energy physics, cosmology, gravitational wave astronomy.
Mission in EUAS: My aim is to contribute to the development of Estonia as a science oriented nation and making Estonia a more attractive destination for all researchers. I also wish to focus on popularising scientific thinking and exact sciences in Estonian society.
Aro Velmet
Assistant professor of European history, University of Southern California; Visiting research fellow, University of Tartu
PhD: New York University, history and French studies, "Pasteur’s Empire: Bacteriology, politics, and transnational science, 1890–1945," 2016.
Research area: History of science, technology, and medicine, colonialism, empires, transnational governance, gender studies, history of computing and information politics, cultural history
Mission in EYAS: To represent the interests of scholars in the humanities and in science and technology studies. Contributing to scientifically informed policymaking in Estonian society and critical scientific thinking in Estonian media. Improving gender equality, non-discrimination and humane labor conditions in science.
Alumni and Supporting Members
Alumni
Anneli Veispak, member 2017‒2019
Peeter Espak, member 2017‒2021
Äli Leijen, member 2017‒2021
Priit Purge, member 2017‒2021
Elmo Tempel, member 2017‒2021, 2021 member of the Estonian Academy of Sciences
Els Heinsalu, member 2017‒2022, president 2017‒2019
Eva Näripea, member 2017‒2022
Hannes Tõnisson, member 2017‒2022
Hendrik Voll, member 2017‒2022
Kajar Köster, member 2017‒2022
Katrin Tiidenberg, member 2017‒2022
Kristo Karjust, member 2017‒2022
Leho Tedersoo, member 2017‒2022
Ringa Raudla, member 2017‒2022
Helen Eenmaa, member 2018‒2023
Maarja Grossberg-Kuusk, president 2021‒2023
Supporting Members
Kristo Karjust
Leho Tedersoo
Äli Leijen
Katrin Tiidenberg
Kajar Köster
Helen Eenmaa
Maarja Grossberg-Kuusk