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Raul Vicente Zafra is a Professor of Data Science at the University of Tartu, Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Computer Science, where he has been working since 2013. His research spans computational neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and data science, with a particular focus on bridging biological and artificial models of intelligence. Education: PhD in Physics (2001-2006), University of the Balearic Islands BSc in Physics (1997-2001) Professor Zafra's research interests center on computational neuroscience and artificial intelligence, with specific expertise in brain-computer interfaces, reinforcement learning, neural modeling, and explainable AI. His work bridges the gap between biological and artificial intelligence systems, exploring how neural principles can inform machine learning algorithms and vice versa. He has made significant contributions to understanding neural coherence, time interval learning in neural systems, and the application of information theory to brain-computer interfaces. His research often involves interdisciplinary collaboration between computer science, neuroscience, and medicine. Analysis of Zafra's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the intersection of artificial intelligence and neuroscience. His work spans explainable AI methods, brain-computer interfaces, reinforcement learning models that mimic cognitive processes, and neurophysiological studies of brain activity. A notable trend is his exploration of how biological principles of neural computation can inform and improve artificial intelligence systems, particularly in areas like time-based learning, consciousness modeling, and neural coherence. Scientific Awards: 2012: Attendee at the 62nd Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting 2007: Quantum Electronics and Optics Division Prize of the European Physical Society for the best PhD Thesis in Applied Optics in Europe 2006: PhD Extraordinary Award of the Physics Department of the University of the Balearic Islands 2001: Physics Degree Extraordinary Award (First Class Honors, best GPA) 1997: Bronze Medal in the "8th Spanish Physics Olympiad" Professor Zafra has been principal investigator on numerous significant research projects including the Estonian Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, Cardiovascular Stress Impacts On Neuronal Function, and Bridging biological and artificial models of vision. His grant portfolio demonstrates strong funding support from the Estonian Research Council, European Commission, and other major funding bodies. He has supervised multiple PhD students and mentored early-career researchers in computational neuroscience and AI. His laboratory work focuses on developing computational models of neural systems and applying these insights to artificial intelligence. Current research directions include explainable AI methods, brain-computer interfaces, modeling of consciousness and cognitive processes, and the application of AI to healthcare challenges.

• Computational Neuroscience
• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• +7 more

Alexei Kornyshev is a Professor of Chemical Physics at the Department of Chemistry within the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Imperial College London. He has held significant research and academic positions across Europe, including at the Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry in Moscow, Jülich Research Center in Germany, and Heinrich Heine University in Düsseldorf. His long-standing scientific collaboration with the University of Tartu was recognized in 2023 with an honorary doctorate in natural sciences. His research interests include electron and proton transfer, hydration, electrical double layers, polymer and solid electrolytes, fuel cells (PEFC/DMFC, SOFC), supercapacitors, DNA biophysics, ionic liquids, molecular machines, and electrochemical metamaterials. His work bridges theoretical physical chemistry with practical applications in energy and nanotechnology. Over his prolific career, Kornyshev has published more than 300 original articles and over 30 reviews in leading journals, authored three books, and holds several patents. His recent research focuses on interdisciplinary topics such as optofluidics, nanophotonics, and chiral electrochemistry, indicating a sustained and evolving research trajectory. Electrochimica Acta Gold Medal Geoffrey Barker Electrochemistry Medal Interdisciplinary Collaboration Award, Royal Society of Chemistry Humboldt Prize in Electrochemistry and Physical Chemistry Honorary Doctorate, University of Tartu (2023) Kornyshev has mentored numerous researchers throughout his career and has led major research groups, including the Fuel Cell Fundamentals Group at Jülich and the Department of Theoretical Physical Chemistry. He has been involved in international collaborations and initiated the Baltic Sea countries’ electrochemistry conferences, contributing significantly to the global electrochemistry community. While specific grant details are not listed, his sustained research output and leadership roles suggest substantial funding support. He is associated with leading research institutions and has played a key role in advancing theoretical frameworks in electrochemistry and energy materials. His work continues to influence both academic and applied research in chemical physics and sustainable energy technologies.

• Chemical Physics
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Technology
• +12 more

Kõu Timpmann is an Associate Professor in Biophysics at the University of Tartu, Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Physics. He has maintained a continuous academic career at the University of Tartu since 1975, progressing from Junior Researcher to his current position. His research focuses on biophysics, particularly photosynthesis mechanisms and time-resolved laser spectroscopy, with significant contributions to understanding energy transfer processes in photosynthetic systems. Dr. Timpmann's educational background includes graduating cum laude as a theoretical physicist from the Department of Physics and Chemistry of Tartu State University in 1975. He earned his Doctor's Degree in 1986 with a dissertation on 'Relaxation processes of some complicated molecules in condensed matrixes and molecular complexes investigated by picosecond spectrochronography' under the supervision of Arvi Freiberg. Timpmann's research primarily centers on the biophysical mechanisms of photosynthesis, with emphasis on light-harvesting complexes, exciton dynamics, and the effects of environmental factors like pressure and temperature on photosynthetic systems. His expertise in time-resolved laser spectroscopy has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of photosynthetic mechanisms at the molecular level, particularly how excitons contribute to color-tuning and efficient light harvesting in bacterial systems. Analysis of his recent publications (2020-2024) reveals a consistent focus on photosynthetic mechanisms, with increasing attention to environmental stressors like high pressure, temperature variations, and ionic conditions. His work demonstrates how these factors influence protein structure and function in photosynthetic complexes, particularly examining LH1 and LH2 light-harvesting systems in bacterial photosynthesis. 2006 National Science Award in the field of exact sciences Throughout his career, Timpmann has maintained extensive collaborations both within Estonia and internationally, including visiting positions at University of Bayreuth (Germany), Arizona State University (USA), and Lund University (Sweden). His research has been supported by various grants enabling sophisticated biophysical investigations of photosynthetic systems using advanced spectroscopic techniques. Timpmann's laboratory work primarily focuses on applying high-pressure techniques combined with time-resolved spectroscopy to study structural and functional properties of photosynthetic complexes, particularly examining how environmental factors affect the energy transfer processes in bacterial photosynthesis systems.

• Biophysics
• Photosynthesis
• Time-resolved Laser Spectroscopy
• +3 more

Tomi S. Koivisto is a theoretical physicist and cosmologist holding a 2006 PhD from the University of Helsinki under Hannu Kurki-Suonio. He is currently active at the Institute of Physics, University of Tartu (Estonia), and the National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics (NICPB) in Tallinn. Earlier he was also affiliated with the Helsinki Institute of Physics. Research Focus: Modified theories of gravity beyond General Relativity, including teleparallel, metric-affine, and Lorentz-gauge formulations. Cosmological applications: dark energy, dark matter, cosmic acceleration, and observational tensions. Black-hole physics and gravitational waves within extended gravity frameworks. His publication record (≈ 143 papers, 2009-2025) reveals a steady flow of highly-cited works in JHEP , Phys. Rev. D , JCAP , and Universe , often co-authored with José Beltrán-Jiménez, Manuel Hohmann, Luca Marzola, Tom Złośnik, and others. Articles Trend: Recent papers explore Spin(4) gauge-theoretic unification of gravity and matter, ghost-free symmetric teleparallel models, relativistic viscous fluids, and black-hole solutions in Lorentz-gauge theory—showing a shift toward geometrically richer, observationally testable extensions of gravity. Scientific Awards & Recognition: None explicitly reported in the supplied texts. Advising & Grants: No specific student names or funded-grant details are provided in the supplied material. Laboratories & Teams: Works within the gravity and cosmology groups at Tartu and NICPB; participates in international collaborations such as the CosmoVerse and CANTATA networks.

• Modified gravity
• Teleparallel gravity
• Lorentz gauge theory of gravity
• +5 more

Maria Volokhova is a Researcher at the National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics (NICPB), Estonia. She holds a Doctor's Degree (2022) from Tallinn University of Technology (TUT), School of Science, focusing on magnetic nanomaterials for biomedical applications under supervision of Liis Seinberg. Her Master's (2018) and Bachelor's (2016) degrees are also from TUT's Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology program. Her research spans nanomaterials synthesis, catalysis, and biomedical applications of magnetic nanoparticles. Key projects include MRI contrast agent development and catalytic oxidation processes. She has contributed to projects funded by the Estonian Research Council and Archimedes Foundation. Volokhova has authored/co-authored 7 peer-reviewed publications (2018–2025), including work on cobalt-based catalysts and iron core-shell nanoparticles. She holds an invention patent for metal-based nanoparticle synthesis. Awards include the Tamkivi Real Sciences Scholarship (2020) and Dora Pluss mobility grant (2019). She participated in international workshops like the AVS Conference 2018 and co-organized the EURELAX COST Action workshop in 2020. Her expertise bridges chemistry, materials science, and biomedical engineering.

• Nanomaterials Synthesis
• Biomedical Applications
• Catalysis
• +3 more

Piret Pikma is an Associate Professor of Physical Chemistry and Director of the Institute of Chemistry at the University of Tartu, Estonia. She holds a PhD in Chemistry (2015) and a Master's in Entrepreneurship & Technology Management (2022). Her research focuses on interfacial electrochemistry, adsorption at electrode-electrolyte interfaces, and ionic liquid applications in energy storage devices. She leads the ESSource III project and chairs the University of Tartu's Sustainable Development Council. Education: BSc Chemistry (2009), University of Tartu MSc Physical & Electrochemistry (2011), University of Tartu PhD in Chemistry (2015), University of Tartu Master of Arts in Entrepreneurship (2022), University of Tartu Research Interests: Electrochemical interfaces, adsorption of organic/inorganic species, ionic liquid electrolytes, energy materials, and sustainable electrochemical device development. Her work combines experimental (in situ STM, EIS) and computational methods to study interfacial phenomena. Grants & Projects: Leads €2.6M project on ionic liquid-adsorption models and co-leads a €888K EU-funded neutron/X-ray research initiative. Active in EU Horizon projects and national grants focusing on energy materials and electrochemical systems. Awards: 2024 ECS Best Poster Award, 2021 Lauri Kangro Scholarship, and recognition as Tartu Konverentsisaadik (2020). Labs/Teams: Directs the Institute of Chemistry's research on electrochemical interfaces and leads a multidisciplinary team in energy storage R&D.

• Physical Chemistry
• Electrochemistry
• Surface Chemistry
• +5 more

Mari-Liis Brük is a Junior Research Fellow (0.60 position) and PhD candidate at Tallinn University of Technology, School of Science, Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology. She has been actively engaged in research since 2019, progressing from a full-time position at the National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics to her current role at the university. Her educational background includes: Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Tallinn University of Technology (2014-2017) Master's degree in Chemistry (2017-2019), with thesis on 'Synthesis of unsubstituted and substituted oxacalix[n]arenes' Doctoral studies since 2019, researching 'Mechanochemical synthesis of oxacalic[n]arene derivatives and their "host-guest" chemistry' Brük specializes in supramolecular chemistry with research interests spanning organic synthesis of macrocyclic compounds, molecular recognition phenomena, and chiral sensing applications. Her work focuses on oxacalixarene derivatives and their potential for molecular encapsulation and sensing applications, particularly in protic media environments. Her publication record shows a consistent research trajectory in supramolecular systems, with recent work examining ammonium binding properties, azobenzene macrocycles, and viologen detection capabilities of modified calixarenes. These studies demonstrate expertise across multiple analytical techniques including NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Brük participates in significant research projects funded by the Estonian Research Council: 'Self-assembled Chiral Hemicucurbiturils...' (PRG2169, 540,000 EUR, 2024-2028) 'Functional cavitands for drug discovery and delivery' (PSG400, 547,500 EUR, 2020-2024) 'Adaptable supramolecular chirality sensors' (PRG399, 1,241,375 EUR, 2019-2023) She works within research teams led by senior scientists Riina Aav and Jasper Adamson, contributing to laboratory research on supramolecular systems and macrocyclic chemistry with potential applications in molecular separation and sensing technologies.

• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Host-Guest Chemistry
• +3 more

Anna Peterson is a Research Fellow at the National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics (NICPB), Estonia, where she held a full-time position from 2016 to 2021. She earned her PhD in 2021 from Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), School of Science, under supervisors Jasper Adamson and Riina Aav, focusing on noncovalently bound supramolecular systems. Her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in chemistry were also obtained from TalTech. Education: Doctor of Natural Sciences, TalTech (2016–2021) Master of Science in Chemistry, TalTech (2014–2016) Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, TalTech (2011–2014) Secondary Education at Jakob Westholm Gymnasium (1999–2011) Research Interests: Her work centers on supramolecular chemistry, organic chemistry, and analytical methods, with a focus on oxacalixarenes, halogen-bonded systems, and molecular containers. Key projects include the development of new molecular containers and the analysis of chiral compounds and their interactions. Awards: 2019 Dora Pluss T1.1 grant for conference participation 2019 Dora Pluss T1.2 grant for research mobility at Jyväskylä University Grants/Projects: Contributed to the Estonian Research Council-funded project Development of new molecular containers (2015–2018). Labs/Teams: Involved in research groups focused on supramolecular systems and chemical synthesis at NICPB and TalTech.

• Organic Chemistry
• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Chemical Technology
• +3 more

Rein Murakas is a Lecturer in Methods of Social Analysis at the University of Tartu's Department of Sociology and Social Policy within the Faculty of Social Sciences. He has held various academic and administrative roles including Head of the Department of Sociology and Social Policy (2002–2007) and Director of the Estonian Social Sciences Data Archive. His research focuses on migration patterns, national identity, public health, and data archiving, with notable contributions to studies on Estonian youth migration and church growth dynamics. Education: MA in Sociology (University of Tartu, 1999 cum laude), Economic Computing (University of Tartu, 1984). Administrative Roles: Ethics Committee member for Social Research (Ministry of Social Affairs), Board Member of Estonian Association of Sociologists. Research interests span sociology, migration studies, and public health, with recent work exploring Baltic museum values, oral health behaviors, and radiation risk perception. He has authored/co-authored over 75 publications and contributed to projects like the 'Practices and Challenges of Mnemonic Pluralism in Baltic History Museums.'

• Sociology
• Social Policy
• Migration Studies
• +3 more

Dr. Koit Mauring is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Physics within the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Tartu, where he has maintained academic appointments since 1974. His career includes a Fulbright Scholarship at Stanford University (2000-2001) and extensive research in optical physics and biophysics. Education: PhD in Physics (Candidate of phys.math.), Estonian Academy of Sciences (1982) Higher Education in Physics, University of Tartu (1969-1974) Research Focus: Dr. Mauring's work bridges optical metrology and biomedical applications, specializing in: Optical sensor development for chemical detection Biophysical studies of fluorescent proteins Cataract diagnostics through light scattering analysis Advanced instrumentation for precision measurements Publication Trends: His 58 publications demonstrate sustained focus on optical measurement techniques, with recent emphasis on medical diagnostic devices and fluorescent protein dynamics. Work frequently appears in applied optics and biophysics journals. Awards & Honors: Estonian American Innovation Award Runner-up (2011) Fulbright Scholarship (2000) USSR Academy of Sciences Prize (1984) Projects & Leadership: Principal Investigator for cataract diagnostic device development and Estonian team leader for the CRDF-ETF collaborative grant on controlled molecular dynamics of fluorescent biopolymers. Holds a patent for quantitative cataract diagnostics apparatus. Serves on the IUPAP Commission for Metrology since 2005.

• Biophysics
• Optical Sensors
• Metrology
• +3 more

Kristjan Leiger is a Research Fellow of Biophysics at the Institute of Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Tartu. He has maintained continuous research appointments at the University of Tartu since 2002, with his current position extending through July 2025. His career progression shows increasing specialization from general research fellow to Solid State Physics researcher and finally to Biophysics researcher, reflecting his evolving research focus. Dr. Leiger completed all his formal education at the University of Tartu: Doctor's Degree (2002): 'Pressure-induced effects in inhomogeneous spectra of doped solids' supervised by Jaak Kikas Research Master's Degree (1995): 'Effect of hydrostatic pressure on the high-resolution optical spectra of impurity molecules in solids' supervised by Jaak Kikas and Arlentin Laisaar Bachelor's degree in Physics (1988-1992) Dr. Leiger's research program centers on the application of high-pressure techniques to investigate molecular and biological systems. His primary expertise lies in low-temperature spectroscopy of doped solids under high pressure, pressure-induced effects on spectral holes in crystalline and glassy matrices, and biomolecular spectroscopy under pressure conditions. His work bridges fundamental physics with biological applications, particularly in photosynthetic systems, where he examines how pressure perturbations affect protein structure, energy transfer mechanisms, and spectral properties. This interdisciplinary approach has positioned him as a specialist in using pressure as a tool to probe molecular interactions that are difficult to study under normal conditions. Analysis of Dr. Leiger's publication record reveals a clear research trajectory evolving from fundamental studies of pressure effects on simple molecular systems toward increasingly complex biological structures. His early work focused on spectral hole burning in crystals and glasses, while his more recent publications demonstrate sophisticated applications of high-pressure spectroscopy to photosynthetic complexes. A unifying theme across his career is the use of pressure as a precise experimental parameter to manipulate and understand molecular interactions, particularly in systems relevant to energy conversion processes. His collaborative work with researchers like Arvi Freiberg and Margus Rätsep has produced significant insights into photosynthetic mechanisms under extreme conditions. Dr. Leiger has participated in seven major research projects funded by Estonian research agencies, with total funding exceeding 3.9 million EUR. His largest project, 'New Insights into Photosynthetic Excitations Enabled by High-pressure Perturbation Spectroscopy' (2020-2024), received 1,311,375 EUR from the Estonian Research Council. These projects consistently position him as a key researcher within teams investigating photosynthetic systems, with principal investigators typically being senior colleagues like Arvi Freiberg. His research demonstrates strong continuity and increasing complexity, moving from basic physical studies to sophisticated investigations of biological energy conversion mechanisms.

• Low-temperature Spectroscopy
• High-pressure Physics
• Biophysics
• +4 more

Tuuli Käämbre is a Research Professor and Head of the Bioenergetics Laboratory at the National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics (NICPB) in Estonia. Her primary focus is on mitochondrial bioenergetics, cancer metabolism, and cellular respiration regulation in health and disease. She holds a PhD from the University of Tartu's Faculty of Medicine (2004) and has extensive postdoctoral research experience in Sweden and Finland. Her research explores energy metabolism in heart and skeletal muscles, mitochondrial interactions with cellular structures, and metabolic reprogramming in cancer. Key projects include studying colorectal and breast cancer metabolism, pesticide effects on cellular respiration, and exercise-induced extracellular vesicles in cancer prevention. Dr. Käämbre has supervised 14 PhD and master's theses, received the Estonian Science Award in Chemistry and Molecular Biology (2023), and serves on editorial boards of journals like Frontiers in Oncology . She is a leading expert in mitochondrial physiology and has organized international conferences such as MITOEST 2018.

• Bioenergetics
• Cancer Metabolism
• Mitochondrial Biology
• +3 more

Olesja Bondarenko is a Senior Research Fellow at the National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics (NICPB) in Estonia, holding a 50% part-time position. She also served as a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research Fellow at the University of Helsinki (2019–2022). Her academic journey includes a PhD in gene technology from Tallinn University of Technology (2012) and postdoctoral training at Karolinska Institutet and the University of Konstanz. Her research focuses on nanotoxicology, antimicrobial nanomaterials, and biomedical applications of nanoparticles. Key roles include organizing international workshops on nanomedicine and nanotoxicology, serving on editorial boards (e.g., Nanomaterials ), and reviewing for top journals like ACS Nano and Nano Today . She has secured significant grants, including the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship and Women TechEU funding, and has been recognized with awards such as the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Special Award. Bondarenko’s research spans nanoparticle-bio interactions, toxicity mechanisms, and development of antimicrobial agents. Over 70 publications and 18 concluded projects highlight her contributions to safer nanomaterials and their medical applications. She advises PhD students and actively participates in science communication through TEDx talks and media features.

• Microbiology
• Nanotoxicology
• Antimicrobial Materials
• +4 more

Valter Kiisk is an active Associate Professor in Spectroscopy of Sensor Materials at the University of Tartu's Institute of Physics within the Faculty of Science and Technology. His career spans over 19 years at the university, progressing from Research Fellow (2007-2011) to Senior Research Fellow (2011-2020) and currently Associate Professor since 2021. He leads research in the Laboratory of Sensor Technologies with full-time appointment (1.00 FTE). His research focuses on optical and electrical gas sensor development , nanomaterial characterization (including graphene, nanocrystalline materials, and thin films), rare-earth-doped material spectroscopy , and laser processing of sensor materials . Recent publications demonstrate strong emphasis on graphene-TiO 2 heterostructures for NO 2 detection, light-induced gas sensing mechanisms, and oxygen-sensitive luminescent materials. His work bridges fundamental solid-state physics with practical sensor applications. Scientific recognition includes: ORCID: 0000-0002-9078-9038 Researcher ID: AAP-2795-2020 Google Scholar profile with 120+ publications Administrative contributions include continuous service since 1999 on the Estonian Physics Olympiad jury and organizing the HBSM-2015 international conference. His educational background includes PhD (2006) and MSc (2002) in solid-state physics from Tartu University, both supervised by Ilmo Sildos.

• Sensor Materials
• Optical Spectroscopy
• Nanomaterials
• +5 more

Arvi Freiberg is a distinguished Research Professor at the Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, Estonia, with a prolific 40+ year career in biophysics and photosynthesis research. His scholarly contributions include 154 publications with over 2,011 citations and an h-index of 40, demonstrating significant impact in his field. His research spans the physical mechanisms of light harvesting in photosynthetic systems, with particular expertise in exciton dynamics, chlorophyll spectroscopy, and environmental effects on photosynthetic complexes. Professor Freiberg's research interests focus on the quantum mechanical aspects of photosynthesis, particularly the role of excitons in energy transfer processes. His work examines how photosynthetic organisms optimize light harvesting through spectral tuning mechanisms, with investigations into the influence of hydrogen bonding, calcium binding, and high-pressure environments on pigment-protein complexes. His research bridges fundamental biophysics with potential applications in artificial photosynthesis and solar energy conversion technologies. Analysis of Freiberg's recent publications (2021-2025) reveals a continued emphasis on the physical principles governing photosynthetic efficiency. His work increasingly integrates computational modeling with advanced spectroscopic techniques to unravel the complex relationship between protein structure, pigment organization, and energy transfer dynamics. A notable trend is his investigation of extremophile organisms and their adaptations, which provides insights into the fundamental constraints and possibilities of photosynthetic systems. While specific award information isn't detailed in the provided materials, Freiberg's substantial citation record and sustained research productivity spanning multiple decades indicate recognition within the international biophysics community. His collaborative work with researchers across Europe and North America has contributed significantly to advancing our understanding of photosynthetic mechanisms at the molecular level. Professor Freiberg has maintained an active research program with consistent publication output, suggesting ongoing mentorship of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, though specific names aren't provided in the available materials. His work on high-pressure effects on photosynthetic systems represents a distinctive niche within photosynthesis research, demonstrating methodological innovation through the application of physical perturbation techniques to biological systems.

• Photosynthesis
• Biophysics
• Chlorophyll Spectroscopy
• +4 more