Kalle Kirsimäe, Professor of Geology and Mineralogy

Kalle Kirsimäe is an internationally renowned researcher and a promoter of geological science in Estonia. For years, he has led geology-related research and teaching at the University of Tartu. His contributions to the advancement of this scientific discipline of national importance and to maintaining its high level are invaluable. It is by no means self-evident that such in-depth work on Estonian geology is carried out specifically at the University of Tartu, and that a once small department has, thanks to Professor Kirsimäe, grown into the country’s most influential scientific centre in both fundamental and applied geological research.

Kalle Kirsimäe has taken it upon himself to bring young people into science. He has been involved in shaping and implementing national research programmes. He is a respected expert for both the private and public sectors, including ministries and the Geological Survey, and is a recognised thought leader in research-based policymaking.

Alongside all this, he continues to be successful in conducting fundamental research. His scientific interests began with the study of clay minerals and sediments and have expanded to global climate history research. For example, Kirsimäe is the lead partner in an international deep drilling programme investigating sedimentary rocks in Africa that are around two billion years old to understand the factors that influenced the formation of our atmosphere and hydrosphere.

Professor Kirsimäe is a highly regarded teaching staff member who maintains close contact with students from their first-year orientation events all the way to their doctoral degrees. In his teaching, he integrates the latest knowledge from chemistry and physics into geology. Among students and colleagues, he is a true legend, whose candid remarks and assessments are always taken very seriously.

Kalle Kirsimäe is determined and uncompromising, fights for the goals of his discipline and actively participates in public debate. He has a deep love for his alma mater and is wholeheartedly committed to its development.