Today, the inauguration ceremony of Mart Saarma as the President of the Estonian Academy of Sciences was held. The insignia of office were presented by the President of the Republic of Estonia, Alar Karis.
In his inaugural speech, Mart Saarma addressed the challenges facing the Academy emphasizing that Estonian society is experiencing difficult times, with rising defense spending due to the war in Europe, an ageing population and increasing social spending. " At the same time, we are confronted with global climate change, the threat of new pandemics, and a rise in age-related diseases. On top of all this, Estonia’s economy is stagnating. This brings me to the conclusion that, in addition to advancing fundamental research, the Academy must play a more prominent role in promoting applied sciences and innovation."
Mart Saarma emphasized that the Academy's core responsibilities include promoting science, spreading scientific thought, and introducing and explaining scientific achievements and new technologies to the public. In the near future, the key areas of science and innovation will include new medicines and medical technologies, green technologies, artificial intelligence, new agriculture and new foods, new materials and new energy sources.
President Saarma highlighted that artificial intelligence is one of the biggest innovations we must not overlook, and its implementation in Estonian companies could serve as the key to driving the expected technological transformation. „All the signs point to the fact that we should now invest heavily in the development of artificial intelligence in Estonia. This should be done in a new way, so that discoveries from basic research can be applied quickly. This will require close cooperation between universities and companies and, in my view, a special national programme. Innovations in artificial intelligence will rapidly find their applications and the corresponding products and services will swiftly reach the global market."
The Academy of Sciences should play a much more active and visible role in the design and implementation of national research and development policies. "The Academy must certainly establish regular contact with the Estonian government, the Riigikogu, and the European Parliament. There is an increasing need to base important political decisions on science and to be informed about emerging technologies."
Mart Saarma proposed three options for ensuring stable and predictable funding for research and development, which is of utmost importance for Estonia's future progress. First, if Estonia were to take a loan and invest an additional €50 million annually in research and development, it would double the country's national funding within ten years. Second, there is a need to establish funds dedicated to supporting research and development. Third, there are international funds available globally and in neighboring countries from which Estonian scientists and companies can apply for research grants.
President Alar Karis said in his speech that a self-respecting country that values knowledge is inconceivable without an academy of sciences. As society undergoes broader changes, the academy's process of self-reflection must be continuous. "The transformation of society is also evident in the fact that at different times, various societal groups require the academy's attention and support. Sometimes it is necessary to advocate vocally for scientists, to help politicians make informed decisions, or to provide momentum for entrepreneurs.The only constant is the need to always engage with the people."
Tarmo Soomere, former President of the Academy of Sciences, said in his speech that Estonia is one of the smallest nations and countries in the world with a properly functioning and state-supporting Academy of Sciences. "The process of establishing academies in the world continues, with emerging young countries considering whether to create their own. In this context, the Estonian Academy of Sciences acts as a benchmark—its success or failure may serve as a crucial example for others in shaping the future of their own countries. If a small nation's academy proves beneficial, it could encourage others to establish their own, justifying the decision. However, if our academy fails to deliver or becomes a burden, countries similar to ours may reconsider the value of such an institution—one that consolidates, develops, and represents cutting-edge scientific knowledge. "
Speakers included Kaarle Hämeri, Chancellor of the University of Helsinki; Member of Academy Andres Metspalu, Professor of Genomics and Biobanking, University of Tartu; Juha Huiskonen, Director of the Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki; Andres Keevallik, Rector Emeritus, Tallinn University of Technology; Jūras Banys, President of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences and Ivars Kalviņš, President of the Latvian Academy of Sciences.
Mart Saarma was elected as the Academy's tenth President on 9 October 2024 and began his five-year term of office on 8 December. He is Research Director of the Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki and was elected a member of the Estonian Academy of Sciences in 1990 in the field of molecular biology. His primary research interests include the development of the nervous system and the mechanisms of neuronal cell death, as well as the use of nerve growth factors in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Photo gallery of the festive event (by Reti Kokk)