Karin Kustassoo

Karin Kustassoo is a Visiting Research Fellow at the Institute of Philosophy and Semiotics, University of Tartu, Estonia. She holds a PhD from Leiden University (2018) and has held academic positions since 2011 including roles at Protestant Theological University (Netherlands) and University of Copenhagen. Her expertise spans History of Philosophy, Phenomenology, and Systematic Philosophy with a focus on Martin Heidegger, Søren Kierkegaard, and existentialist thought.

Education:

• PhD in Philosophy, Leiden University (2012–2018)
• MA in Philosophy, University of Copenhagen (2009–2012)
• MA in Humanities (Philosophy), University of Tartu (2006–2008)

Research Interests: Explores existentialist traditions, phenomenological methods, and the philosophical developments in early 20th century continental thinkers. Specializes in analyzing Heidegger's engagement with Kierkegaard and religious life.

Recent Projects:

• Principal Investigator: 'Ways to understanding: (religious) disagreements and the possibility of agreement on the basis of young Heidegger’s phenomenology' (2020–2022)
• Editor of Studia Philosophica Estonica since 2021

Awards: Recognized with a national research award for her doctoral work on Kierkegaard’s role in Heidegger’s early lectures.