Local research, international impact: molecular nanotechnology at the University of Tartu

Veikko Linko is an Associate Professor of Molecular Nanotechnology at the University of Tartu. Veikko’s role in Tartu has enabled him to build a research group to examine DNA-based nanostructures and collaborate with partners from across Europe.

Veikko Linko was at a crossroads when he first discovered Tartu.

“I was looking to continue my research, while also starting something new,” he says.

Knowing how challenging the academic job market is, leaving Finland to pursue a career abroad felt risky. But when a former colleague told him about the opportunities at the University of Tartu, Veikko began to warm to the idea.

“He recommended it and told me all the good things,” Veikko recalls. So, when a project-based role opened up in his field, he decided to apply.

But what truly convinced Veikko was seeing Tartu for himself.

“When I was interviewed for the position, I visited the city for the first time,” he recalls. “It made a huge impression – I really liked the place.”

Veikko’s mind was made up.

“And so, here I am,” he smiles.

A perfect setting

Veikko’s research focuses on DNA – though not in a conventional sense.

“We are not using DNA as a carrier of genetic material,” he explains, “but as a kind of a construction material for building custom nanostructures.”

It’s an approach with huge potential for application across different fields – from medicine to energy.

Veikko’s current work aims to improve drug delivery by exploring ways DNA materials can support different therapeutic functions, as well as assessing their stability.

“It's a relatively new field,” he points out, “so, it's been very interesting to see how it has evolved.”

Tartu is the perfect setting for that evolution to take place.

“We have excellent biolabs for biological research,” Veikko says. Still, he adds, cutting-edge research doesn’t happen in isolation.

“So that’s where collaboration comes into play.”

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An international scientific network

Being in Tartu has enabled Veikko to build connections with other researchers from across Europe.

One prominent example is the BioHYBRITE doctoral network, which brings together 12 institutions from six countries to train a new generation of scientists in DNA-RNA-protein nanotechnology.

“There are around 20 different labs taking part,” Veikko says, adding that Estonia’s status as one of the EU’s “Widening” countries makes the University of Tartu an especially attractive partner.

“People really want to collaborate, and the EU also wants to widen its operations to include countries like Estonia.”

Veikko sees project-based collaborations as a real strength – actively embracing the opportunities it creates. He takes particular satisfaction from contributing to multinational research projects with work conducted locally in Tartu.

“I'm collaborating with groups from Ireland and Scotland and also preparing a proposal with partners in Germany and Austria,” he says.

“This whole scientific network is very international.”

Developing the next generation

Veikko’s own research certainly keeps him busy – but his role still allows him time to help develop the next generation of scientists.

“I currently supervise two PhD students and some master’s students here,” he says, adding that he also supervises students at universities back home in Finland.

His teaching responsibilities in Tartu mostly involve guest lectures and intensive courses. He’s also taught at international summer schools including “one in Germany and one in Finland over the past three years,” both of which have been real highlights.

For now, however, Veikko’s priorities are clear: “Leading the research line, applying for funding and supervising.”

A city filled with music

Outside the lab, music has been central to Veikko’s Tartu experience.

“Music is very close to my heart,” he says – and there’s never a shortage of live performances to check out.

“He points to the Vanemuine Concert Hall as “a great place to listen to some music,” and, slightly further afield, the Viljandi Guitar Festival is a firm favourite.

Veikko is also a big football fan and has adopted local side Tartu JK Tammeka as his Estonian team – regularly attending their matches at the Coop Stadium.

But it’s the simple things about Tartu that he likes most.

“Just walking around is so great – especially in summer. I truly appreciate how green the city is. I really enjoy life here.”

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A place to develop

In the three years since moving to Estonia, Veikko has already achieved a lot.

Among his proudest achievements is securing the prestigious research funding that will help him and his colleagues in Tartu “become even better connected to other European research groups.”

He’s also earned a five-year personal research grant from the Estonian Research Council (ETAG) – providing even more space to continue developing his work.

Relocating to Tartu may not have been the most obvious choice, and the Estonian academic system is a little different to the Finnish one. But Veikko has no doubt the decision has paid off.

“Whenever there is a chance, you have to take it,” he says.

And as his work in this emerging research field gains momentum, Veikko sees a bright future ahead.

“We’re beginning to build and get noticed here,” he smiles.

It feels like things are just getting started.