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Laur Järv is an Associate Professor in Theoretical Physics at the University of Tartu, Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Physics. He has been serving as Associate Professor since 2021 and is currently the Head of the Laboratory of Theoretical Physics (since 2019). His academic career at the University of Tartu spans over 20 years, with progressive roles from Post-Doc to his current position. Dr. Järv received his education at the University of Tartu (B.Sc. in Fundamental Physics, 1996; M.Sc. in Theoretical Physics, 1998) and completed his Ph.D. in Mathematical Sciences at the University of Durham in 2002. His doctoral research focused on "The enhancon mechanism in string theory" under the supervision of Clifford V Johnson. Dr. Järv's primary research interests lie in gravitational physics and cosmology, with particular focus on modified theories of gravity including teleparallel gravity, scalar-tensor theories, and nonmetricity-based approaches. His work explores the cosmological implications of these theories, including inflationary models, black hole solutions, and gravitational wave propagation. His research bridges theoretical physics with observational cosmology, addressing fundamental questions about the nature of gravity and the evolution of the universe. His publication record demonstrates a strong focus on geometric foundations of gravity, with numerous high-impact papers in leading journals like Physical Review D and Classical and Quantum Gravity. Recent work shows increasing emphasis on alternative formulations of gravity (teleparallel, symmetric teleparallel) and their cosmological applications, often collaborating with international researchers in the field. Estonian National Research Award in exact sciences (2020) for the cycle of works "Extended geometric theories of gravity" with Manuel Hohmann and Margus Saal University of Tartu Badge of Distinction (2021) Best teaching staff in the UT Institute of Physics, recognized by students (2024) Letter of recognition for supervision of Joosep Lember's award-winning student work (2022) Dr. Järv has been actively involved in academic mentoring, serving as a supervisor for student research projects and as an opponent for PhD defenses internationally. He has organized multiple international conferences on gravitational physics in Tartu, establishing the university as a hub for research in modified gravity theories. As Head of the Laboratory of Theoretical Physics, he leads a research group focused on geometric foundations of gravity and cosmological applications. Dr. Järv's laboratory has become a recognized center for research on alternative gravity theories, particularly through the organization of the biennial "Geometric Foundations of Gravity" conference series since 2017, which has attracted leading researchers from around the world to Tartu.

• Gravitation Theory
• Cosmology
• Theoretical Physics
• +3 more

Matti Selg is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Physics within the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Tartu, Estonia. He has been actively teaching graduate courses in Quantum Mechanics, Analytical Mechanics, and Mathematical Physics since 2009, with increasing responsibility over the years. Currently, he oversees the entire teaching of three mandatory courses: Master's Course in Quantum Mechanics, Analytical Mechanics, and Theory of Complex Variables. Dr. Selg completed his education at the University of Tartu, earning a diploma in physics. He received his Doctor's Degree in 1981 from the University of Tartu with a dissertation titled "Relaxation and hot luminescence of self-trapped excitons in rare gas crystals," supervised by Vladimir Hižnjakov and Rein Kink. His additional qualification includes a PhD in solid state physics from the Institute of Physics of the Estonian Academy of Sciences. Professor Selg's research spans several interconnected areas of theoretical physics. His primary interests include quantum mechanics, particularly scattering theory and inverse problems, as evidenced by his numerous publications and textbooks on quantum scattering. He has made significant contributions to the understanding of reflectionless potentials and the Marchenko equation. More recently, he has focused on classical mechanics problems, particularly exploring Binet's equation and its connections to Newtonian and Einsteinian gravity theories, as well as revisiting historical problems like Galileo's swiftest descent problem. His work bridges mathematical physics with practical applications in molecular and solid-state physics. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a clear trajectory from quantum scattering theory toward classical mechanics and historical physics problems. While maintaining his expertise in quantum systems, particularly with hydrogen molecules and diatomic systems, he has expanded into historical and mathematical analyses of foundational physics concepts. His 2023-2025 publications show a particular focus on exact solutions to classical mechanics problems and their connections to modern gravitational theory. Dr. Selg has served in several administrative roles, including as a member of the Science Council of the Institute of Physics at the University of Tartu since 2001 and as a member of the Expert Commission for Exact Sciences of the Estonian Science Foundation (2003-2006). He has successfully led research projects funded by the Estonian Science Foundation, including studies on excimers in rare gases and their crystals. As an educator, Professor Selg has developed and taught advanced courses that integrate deep theoretical concepts with practical applications. His textbooks on quantum scattering theory demonstrate his commitment to making complex topics accessible to students. His recent work on the mathematical and physical perspectives of foundational problems suggests an evolving research program that connects historical scientific developments with contemporary theoretical challenges.

• Solid State Physics
• Quantum Mechanics
• Analytical Mechanics
• +7 more

Tomi Sebastian Koivisto is a Visiting Professor at the University of Tartu, Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Physics. His distinguished career includes previous appointments as Associate Professor (2021-2023), Senior Research Fellow (2019-2020), and Assistant Professor at Nordita - Nordic Institute for Theoretical Physics (2013-2019), with postdoctoral experience at leading institutions including the University of Oslo, University of Utrecht, and University of Heidelberg. Dr. Koivisto earned his PhD in theoretical physics from the University of Helsinki in 2006 with his dissertation 'Formation of structure in dark energy cosmologies' supervised by Hannu Kurki-Suonio and Finn Ravndal. His academic credentials include the title of Adjunct Professor (Docent) in Physics at the University of Helsinki (2015). His research focuses on the geometrical foundations of gravitational physics, with groundbreaking work in teleparallel gravity, metric-affine gravity, and the geometrical trinity of gravity. Koivisto investigates how modifications to general relativity can address cosmological tensions and explain dark energy phenomena. His theoretical framework explores the connections between gauge theories and gravity, with applications ranging from black hole physics to cosmological evolution. His approach combines rigorous mathematical formalism with observational implications, making significant contributions to both theoretical foundations and potential experimental tests of alternative gravity theories. Dr. Koivisto has received notable recognition including the Estonian National Research Award in exact sciences (2023, shared with Luca Marzola) for his contributions to theoretical physics. His current research is supported by substantial funding, including the 'Space-Time-Matter' project (PRG2608, 2025-2029) with 270,000 EUR from the Estonian Research Council and his role as principal investigator on the 'Foundations of the Universe' project (2024-2030) with 636,363 EUR funding. He has supervised six postdoctoral researchers and currently advises three doctoral students, establishing a productive research group focused on advancing gravitational theory. His supervision record includes notable researchers such as Miguel Zumalacarregui, now a prominent cosmologist, and current doctoral candidates Luxi Zheng, Ernest Michael Priidik Gallagher, and Roald Heinrich Ivask working on unification theories, gauge gravity, and spacetime thermodynamics respectively. At the University of Tartu, Koivisto leads a research team within the Institute of Physics that collaborates extensively with Nordita and other European theoretical physics centers. His group specializes in developing mathematical frameworks for modified gravity theories while maintaining connections to observational cosmology and potential experimental signatures. The team participates in international collaborations addressing fundamental questions about the nature of spacetime, dark energy, and the early universe.

• Gravitation
• Cosmology
• Theoretical Physics
• +5 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

María-José Guzmán is an Associate Professor in theoretical physics at the Laboratory of Theoretical Physics, University of Tartu, Estonia, leading the Estonian Research Council Starting Grant PSG910 ("Theoretical frameworks for numerical modified gravity") from 2024–2028. Her work bridges geometric foundations of gravity and numerical relativity, focusing on modified theories like f(T) and f(Q) gravity. PhD in Physics (2013–2018), Instituto de Astronomía y Física del Espacio (IAFE), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina MSc in Physics (2010–2013), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile BSc in Astronomy (2006–2010), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Her research explores the interplay between curvature, torsion, and nonmetricity in gravity theories. By generalizing spacetime connections, she investigates Hamiltonian formulations, local Lorentz violation, and numerical relativity frameworks for modified gravity. Recent projects focus on metric-affine approaches for gravitational wave simulations and addressing theoretical tensions in cosmology via geometric extensions. María-José has contributed to the Hamiltonian analysis of teleparallel gravity, revealing extra degrees of freedom in f(T) models. Her work impacts cosmology, black hole physics, and high-energy theory, with applications to inflation and dark energy. Current research aims to resolve controversies in covariant teleparallelism and develop novel mathematical tools for gravitational wave interpretation. She supervises students on topics like non-Riemannian connections in teleparallel gravity and numerical simulations of scalar fields. Her grants include Mobilitas Pluss and FONDECYT postdoctoral awards, reflecting international collaboration in gravity research. Starting Grant PSG910 (2024–2028), Estonian Research Council Mobilitas Pluss Grant MOBJD622 (2021–2023) FONDECYT Postdoctoral Grant Nº3190531 (2019–2022) CONICET Postdoctoral Grant (2018–2020)

• General Relativity
• Modified Theories of Gravity
• Constrained Hamiltonian Systems
• +7 more

Dr. Margus Saal is an Associate Professor in Theoretical Physics at the University of Tartu , Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Physics, since 2024. Previously, he held Senior Research Fellow and Research Fellow roles at the same institution since 2000. He has organized multiple international conferences on gravity and cosmology, including the "Geometric Foundations of Gravity" series. Education: PhD in Theoretical Physics (2004), University of Tartu Research Master's Degree (1999), University of Tartu BSc/MSc in Physics (1996-1999), University of Tartu Research Interests focus on gravity theory and cosmology , particularly scalar-tensor theories, Palatini formalism, nonmetricity, and inflationary models. His work explores the equivalence between metric and Palatini formulations, gravitational wave propagation, and cosmological constraints of modified gravity theories. Publications (15 most recent) span cosmology , modified gravity , and scalar-tensor theories . Key trends include hyperfluids in Friedmann cosmology (2025), observational tensions in cosmology (2025), and Palatini f(R) gravity constraints (2024). Earlier works address nonmetricity formulations (2018) and invariant quantities in scalar-tensor cosmology (2015). Scientific Awards include: Estonian National Research Award in exact sciences (2020) for "Extended geometric theories of gravity" Second prize in National Student Competition (1999) Estonian Physical Society Student Award (1999/2000) Administrative Roles involved organizing international conferences like "Metric-Affine Frameworks for Gravity 2022" and serving on the University of Tartu physics curriculum programme council (2008-2016). He has also acted as a PhD thesis opponent for four dissertations, including those at Tallinn University of Technology and University of Tartu.

• gravity theory
• cosmology
• theoretical physics
• +4 more

Piret Kuusk, born on February 21, 1947, is an Associate Professor at the University of Tartu's Institute of Physics within the Faculty of Science and Technology. She has maintained a consistent academic presence at the University of Tartu since the 1970s, transitioning through various research and teaching positions. Currently working at 0.10 FTE since January 2026, her career demonstrates a lifelong commitment to theoretical physics and its philosophical implications. Dr. Kuusk earned her degree in theoretical physics cum laude from the University of Tartu in 1970. She later completed her Doctor's Degree in 1990 with a dissertation titled 'Geometric aspects of supergravity and superstring theory' at the Institute of Physics of the Estonian Academy of Sciences, confirmed by VAK in Moscow. Her academic credentials include a DSc in physics and mathematics, reflecting her deep expertise in theoretical frameworks. Her research spans theoretical physics with a focus on gravitation, cosmology, and the philosophical foundations of physics. Kuusk has made significant contributions to scalar-tensor theories of gravity, exploring invariant quantities and their relationship to general relativity. Her work uniquely bridges hard physics with philosophical inquiry, examining quantum mechanics interpretations, the nature of physical reality, and the intersection of scientific theory with broader metaphysical questions. This interdisciplinary approach is evident in her publications on topics ranging from teleparallel gravity to the relationship between Leibniz's philosophy and quantum physics. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a clear trajectory where theoretical physics increasingly intersects with philosophical inquiry. While maintaining rigorous work in gravitational theories and cosmology, her more recent publications show greater emphasis on the philosophical implications of physics, particularly regarding truth, reality, and scientific methodology in contemporary discourse. This evolution reflects a scholar who has moved from purely technical theoretical work to examining the broader implications of physics for understanding reality. University of Tartu Badge of Distinction (2016) Article prize of journal 'Looming' for 'Madis Kõiv ja füüsika' (2014) University of Tartu Medal (2012) Translation prize of journal 'Akadeemia' for Heisenberg's 'Physics and Philosophy' (2010) Medal of the Order of the White Star of Estonian Republic (2001) Institute of Physics (UK), Fellow and Chartered Physicist (1999) Dr. Kuusk has served in various advisory and editorial capacities rather than traditional student supervision. She has been a member of the Advisory Board for Studia Philosophica Estonica since 2015 and for the journal Akadeemia since 2001. Her administrative work includes chairing the Estonian Physical Society (1998-2001), serving on the Council of the European Physical Society (1998-2001), and editing the Estonian Physical Society's annual publication (1989-2014). These roles demonstrate her commitment to advancing both physics and philosophical discourse in Estonia. While not leading a traditional laboratory in recent years, Kuusk has been deeply involved in academic networks including the International Society on General Relativity and Gravitation since 1995, the American Mathematical Society since 1994, and as a founding member of both the Estonian Physical Society (1989) and Estonian Mathematical Society (1987). Her collaborative work, particularly with colleagues like Laur Järv on gravitational theories, shows her continued engagement with research communities despite her reduced teaching load.

• Theoretical Physics
• Gravitation
• Cosmology
• +5 more