Grand Medal

Maris Laan is a Professor of Human Genetics and the Vice Dean for Research in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Tartu. She was a member of the senate from 2023 to 2026 and of the academic committee. She is also a member of the Estonian Academy of Sciences. Her research focuses on reproductive genetics and genomics – infertility and the genetic factors and biomarkers for pregnancy complications. Professor Laan’s research has yielded novel insights into genome dynamics of placental function and led to the discovery of new genes and biological pathways. Since the independent line of research was established nearly 25 years ago, she has collaborated closely with Tartu University Hospital, including in translational medicine.

Professor Laan is a passionate advocate and leader in her field, an internationally recognised scholar and an esteemed lecturer and mentor. She is particularly committed to inspiring young people to engage in research. As a supervisor, she has supported dozens of students and doctoral researchers, many of whom have gone on to distinguished careers in Estonia and abroad.

In addition to research and teaching, Professor Laan has significantly contributed to academic governance of the University of Tartu and the development of research in Estonia. As a member of the university’s decision-making bodies, she has worked consistently to strengthen research quality, enhance international competitiveness and foster the next generation of researchers. She has helped improve the quality of doctoral education, including through the development of intersectoral doctoral studies. Professor Laan has actively participated in projects shaping the future of the University of Tartu, including in establishing the Alma Tomingas centre and developing the concept of the centre of clinical studies. Her strategic vision, broad academic perspective and dedication have helped strengthen the standing of medical sciences at the university and across Estonia’s research sector.

Liina Lindström is Professor of Modern Estonian Language at the University of Tartu, the Head of the Department of Estonian at the Institute of Estonian and General Linguistics, the Head of the Centre for Digital Humanities, and a member of the University of Tartu senate.

Lindström has, over her long career as a linguist and lecturer, made a significant contribution to the research and advancement of linguistics at the University of Tartu, thereby promoting language awareness in Estonian society. She has led the development of the Institute of Estonian and General Linguistics, promoted international collaboration, and advocated for fostering the next generation of researchers. Her leadership is marked by a strong commitment to student wellbeing and enhancing the sense of community within the university by supporting members’ opportunities to contribute, take responsibility, and actively engage in academic life.

Liina Lindström’s research focuses on Estonian dialects, spoken language and linguistic variation. She has helped develop Estonian language resources and corpora and ensured that the collected data are digitally accessible and available for analysis by all. In this way, she has combined traditional linguistics with the opportunities offered by modern technologies.

She has led the advancement of digital humanities in Estonia and the modernisation of linguistic methods. She initiated the Center for Digital Text Scholarship, which helps expand studies in digital humanities and, among other things, develops the text-based data infrastructure required for artificial intelligence and large language models. She also participates in the Estonian Language Data Infrastructure consortium, which aims to ensure the systematic collection, preservation, and reuse of Estonian language data.

In her role as a member of the Research and Administrative Council of the Institute of the Estonian Language and the Estonian Language Council, Lindström has helped shape the national language policy. She has spoken out publicly on issues related to standard language ideology, the teaching of Estonian, and support for the South Estonian language. She has authored numerous high-level international publications and participated in the preparation of scholarly overviews of the Estonian language. Her dedicated work in advancing Estonian linguistics and digital humanities has produced outstanding results in Estonian linguistic research and highlighted the role of the humanities at the University of Tartu in Estonia.

Ruth Oltjer is a medical doctor, a promoter of research collaboration, and chair of the University of Tartu council.

She has been a member of the University of Tartu council and chaired its work since 2017. Under her guidance, the council has maintained clear direction and fostered a culture of constructive discussion, enabling it to consistently advocate for the university’s development, higher education and research funding, and the wellbeing of university members. Particularly noteworthy was her role in supporting university governance during the challenging period after the passing of rector Volli Kalm, and her participation in preparing the Estonian Code of Conduct for Research Integrity Agreement.

Ruth Oltjer’s impact extends far beyond the university. As a medical doctor and the founder and CEO of AS Chemi-Pharm, she has been one of the most prominent spokespersons for research-driven entrepreneurship. She has initiated collaborative projects that bring together researchers, entrepreneurs, and healthcare experts to translate research findings into practical use. She has consistently supported the advancement of research, higher education and innovation through business, public debate and civic organisations.

Ruth Oltjer’s work is characterised by a rare ability to combine strategic vision, initiative and care for others. In decision-making, she places great importance on people, collaboration, and long-term impact. She is a demanding yet fair leader who sees knowledge and development not as goals in their own right but as means for making society better. Her dedication, ability to think big, and genuine desire to work for the wellbeing of others have made her a valued partner, an inspiring leader and a distinguished ambassador for the University of Tartu.