Marco Kirm

Marco Kirm (born December 27, 1965) is a Professor in Experimental Physics at the University of Tartu, Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Physics since February 12, 2024. Previously, he served as Professor (2018-2024), Visiting Professor (2017-2018), Vice Rector for Research (2012-2017), and Director of the Institute of Physics (2009-2012). He has held positions at Hamburg University (1997-2004) and completed his PhD at Lund University in 1995.

His research focuses on radiation physics of wide gap materials, investigation of electronic excitations and their dynamics using luminescence spectroscopy across wide time, temperature and energy ranges (VUV-XUV), luminescence and energy transfer processes, creation of radiation defects, ultrafast relaxation processes, and applications in ultrafast scintillators (e.g., PET tomography). He also develops light-emitting optical materials for phosphors (including wLEDs), scintillators, and laser materials, as well as diagnostics of thin dielectric films using optical methods.

His recent publications demonstrate continued leadership in luminescence spectroscopy, with a focus on Pr³⁺-doped materials, nanocrystals, and time-resolved studies of ultrafast emissions. His work spans fundamental physics of electronic excitations to applied research in scintillator development and optical materials for various applications.

• The University of Tartu Badge of Distinction (2022)
• Baltic Assembly medal for the development of cooperation between Baltic States (2013)
• Award by Tartu Ülikooli Raefond (2007)
• Grant from the Alice and Knut Wallenberg Foundation, Sweden ($137,500) (1995)
• Post Doctoral Fellowship (1,179,000 SEK) awarded by STINT, Sweden (1996-1999)

Professor Kirm has supervised two postdoctoral researchers and leads multiple major research projects, including the Estonian-Finnish FinEstBeAMS beamline at MAX IV Lab, the MAX-TEENUS Council, and the NAMUR+ Council. He serves as a principal investigator on significant grants totaling millions of euros for research in sustainable hydrogen technologies, materials science, and advanced optical materials. His leadership extends to the Estonian Academy of Sciences (since 2018) and various international scientific committees.

He chairs several major research infrastructure initiatives and coordinates large international collaborations, particularly in synchrotron radiation research and materials science. His work bridges fundamental physics with practical applications in medical imaging, lighting technology, and radiation detection.