The Academy of Sciences elected seven new members. The elections took place on Wednesday. The fields of production technology and innovation studies were left without new members, as none of the candidates received enough votes.
There were a total of nine different fields where new academicians were sought. These fields were physics, innovation studies, clinical medicine, mathematics, soil science, music interpretation, sociology, artificial intelligence, and production technology. There were a total of 29 candidates.
Academy President Mart Saarma said that Estonia can be proud of its new members. These members do good scientific work and also help society. He also expressed joy over the election of the new music interpreter.
In the field of physics, Heikki Junninen was elected. He is a professor at the University of Tartu. Junninen said that Estonia does not pay enough attention to air quality. He believes that climate change is an important topic.
In the field of mathematics, Rainis Haller was elected. He is a professor at the University of Tartu. Haller said that the title of academician does not change his work but gives him more responsibility. He wants to help young scientists.
In the field of clinical medicine, Joel Starkopf was elected. He is a professor at the University of Tartu. Starkopf emphasized that he wants to improve Estonia's healthcare. He believes that treatment should be science-based.
In the field of soil science, Maarja Öpik was elected. She is a professor at the University of Tartu. Öpik said that funding for science in Estonia is too low. She wants scientists to be more involved in society.
In the field of music interpretation, Ivari Ilja was elected. He is the rector of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre. Ilja believes that in Estonia, too little attention is paid to facts and content.
In the field of sociology, Veronika Kalmus was elected. She is a professor at the University of Tartu. Kalmus is concerned about the job security of young scientists. She wants to help solve social problems.
In the field of artificial intelligence, Meelis Kull was elected. He is a professor at the University of Tartu. Kull believes that it is difficult for companies to seek advice from scientists. He believes that artificial intelligence will help solve this problem.
The fields of production technology and innovation studies were left without new academicians.