President Alar Karis awarded 203 people with state decorations during the Republic Day celebration. Among them were 38 scientists.
Academic Tarmo Soomere received the Order of the National Coat of Arms, 3rd Class. He is a professor and scientist at Tallinn University of Technology. His work as President of the Estonian Academy of Sciences has been very significant.
The Order of the White Star, 3rd Class, was awarded to academics and top scientists. For example, Professor Maarja Öpik from the University of Tartu studies soil ecosystems. Lauri Mälksoo is an expert in international law.
Many scientists received the Order of the White Star, 4th Class. For example, Professor Tuul Sepp from the University of Tartu studies animal ecology. Biochemist Vello Tõugu from Tallinn University of Technology researches biochemistry.
In the field of social sciences and humanities, professors Allan Puur and Tiia Tulviste were recognized. They study demography and psychology.
Ülle Liiber from the University of Tartu received the Order of the White Star, 5th Class. She helps develop geography education.
Doctors and healthcare workers received the Estonian Red Cross decoration. For example, Katrin Elmet is an anesthesiologist at the University of Tartu.
The Cross of the Cross of Mary Land, 4th Class, was awarded to German historian Matthias Thumser. He has studied Estonian and Baltic history.