Martin Zobel received lifetime achievement award in research. 16 more researchers from University of Tartu were recognised with annual awards

By the decision of the government of Estonia, this year’s lifetime achievement award was granted to Martin Zobel, Academician and Professor emeritus at the Faculty of Science and Technology, in recognition of his long-term excellence in research and development. The annual awards for research completed and published over the last four years in natural sciences, social sciences, medical and health sciences and humanities went to 16 researchers from the University of Tartu.

Estonian ecological research on the world map

Martin Zobel, member of the Estonian Academy of Sciences and Professor emeritus at the University of Tartu, is one of the most distinguished Estonian scientists in botany and ecology. As a result of his life’s work, the Estonian school of ecology has achieved widespread and high-level international recognition. Zobel has elevated Estonian ecological research to world-class status, as evidenced by articles in leading scientific journals such as Nature and Science. Martin Zobel’s scientific legacy lives on in his research and students. The amount of the lifetime achievement award is 65,000 euros.

Natural sciences

Glaciation of clouds

The annual award in natural sciences went to Associate Professor in Climate Physics Velle Toll, Associate Professor in Climate Physics Hannes Keernik, Specialist in Climate Physics Jorma Rahu, Research Fellow in Climate Physics Heido Trofimov, Professor of Climate Science Piia Post, and Research Fellow in Radar Remote Sensing Tanel Voormansik for the series of works “Detection of cloud glaciation due to anthropogenic air pollution”.

Velle Toll’s research was among the first in the world to show that anthropogenic air pollution can also cause cloud glaciation and snowfall. This knowledge helps us better understand the true extent of human impact on climate and why the rate of global warming may change over time.

Nanomaterials in energy conversion and storage devices

In natural sciences, the annual award was also presented to Professor in Colloidal and Environmental Chemistry Kaido Tammeveski, Associate Professor in Colloidal and Environmental Chemistry Ave Sarapuu, research fellows in colloidal and environmental chemistry Heiki Erikson, Marek Mooste, Jaana Lilloja-Lensment and Srinu Akula for the research cycle “Novel nanostructured electrocatalysts for low-temperature fuel cells and zinc-air batteries”.

Medical and health sciences

Genetics of women’s health

The annual award in medical and health sciences was presented to Professor of Genomic Epidemiology Triin Laisk for the series of works “Genetics of women’s health”. Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, yet its genetic risk factors have remained unclear so far. The research group of Triin Laisk has made a significant contribution to identifying the genetic risk factors for cervical cancer and to developing the world’s first genetics-based risk model. The results of this research can be applied directly in everyday clinical practice.

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Social sciences

People’s vulnerability in disasters

The annual award in social sciences went to Professor in Sociology of Risk and Resilience Kati Orru and Associate Professor of Communication Studies Sten Hansson for the research cycle “Vulnerability to disasters: analysis and solutions”. The research team has developed an original framework for analysing social vulnerability, created a social vulnerability triage system to support crisis management planning, and participated in international comparative studies. In Estonia, the research has considerable practical value: it strengthens crisis preparedness and supports policymakers, such as ministries and state agencies, including the Estonian Rescue Board, in making informed decisions.

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Humanities

Diversity of the Estonian language

The annual award in the humanities was granted to Helle Metslang, Professor emerita at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, for the research cycle “Usage-based diversity of the Estonian language and its development”. Helle Metslang’s research findings are based on the analysis of new language corpora, using innovative qualitative and quantitative methods. She is particularly interested in how people understand and use Estonian, how attitudes and norms have changed throughout history, and how these changes have been reflected in the language.

The awards were presented at a ceremony in the Estonian Statehood House on 18 February. See all recipients of the national research awards 2026 and read the news on the website of the Ministry of Education and Research (in Estonian).