The President of the European Research Council, Professor Maria Leptin, visited Estonia to explore the country's research landscape and discuss the growing success of Estonian scientists in securing prestigious ERC grants. In conversation with Trialoog’s editor Silver Tambur, she reflected on Estonia’s achievements, the role of scientific freedom, and her personal leadership journey.
Science
When British wildlife photographer Jack Perks visited TalTech, it wasn’t just a guest lecture or a quirky nature story – it was a significant step in redefining how technology and ecology intersect. His visit bridged underwater fieldcraft with cutting-edge AI, helping fine-tune TalTech’s fish monitoring systems and inspiring the next generation of students to see IT as more than just code.
International researchers bring new ideas and fresh perspectives to Estonian science. But can our research and working environment offer enough support to attract talent to Estonia – and, just as importantly, to make them stay?
Collaboration between humans and machines is no longer a vision of the future – it is happening here and now. Robots are lending a helping hand in therapy, digital twins are taking their place in factories, and the line between science and everyday life is becoming increasingly blurred with each passing day.
At an international meeting held in Tartu, the development of hydrogen skills gained new momentum – experts, researchers, and entrepreneurs from five countries came together to find solutions for integrating hydrogen technologies into everyday economic and educational systems.
Collaboration with Schneider Electric Eesti AS is elevating the education at TalTech’s Tartu College to a new, more hands-on and real-world level.
The Engineering Academy´s opportunities for project-based and problem-based learning inspired AS Estonian Cell to seek solutions to challenges together with students. How did we get there, and what did this experience bring?
We live in an era where people are living longer, but with this comes an increase in the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases – such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Current treatments only provide temporary relief and do not reach the root cause of the disease.
The preparations for establishing TalTech’s fiber optic communications and sensor lab began long ago, but the lab, opened in early March, has gained a new significance in light of the recent cable damage in the Baltic Sea.
When exploring what exciting work TalTech has done in the space sector, the usual response is always the satellites Koit and Hämarik. However, the work with Koit and Hämarik is by no means the only space-related project at the university.