Estonian research organisations aim to establish a new Centre of Excellence for Science and Deep Tech in Estonia , developed in close partnership with the Helsinki Institute of Physics (HIP) and CERN.
The initiative is prepared under the European Commission’s Teaming for Excellence programme (TERA-Science) and seeks to strengthen Estonia’s scientific excellence, train new generations of scientists and engineers, and translate frontier technologies into industrial value.
The initiative is led by Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) together with the National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics (KBFI) and the University of Tartu (UT), with HIP and CERN as international partners. The proposed programme has a total budget of €24 million, with an evaluation outcome expected this summer.
Growing scientists and engineers
“If Estonia wants to remain competitive in science and industry, we must invest above all in people,” said TalTech Professor Tauno Otto. “It is like Olympic sport — before major victories, you need a strong training base where scientists and engineers can develop at world-class level, right here in Estonia.”
The project will enable young researchers to learn and work at a top level while maintaining long-term bonds to Europe’s largest science projects, including CERN’s particle accelerators. That will create a critical mass of top-level scientists in Estonia capable of leading both research and technology development in the years ahead.
For example, a doctoral student could carry out research in Estonia while benefiting from CERN expertise and access to cutting-edge infrastructure . That experience makes it more likely they will stay in Estonia rather than seek opportunities abroad.
Areas for the new centre
“Breakthroughs happen when fundamental research is pursued with an eye on real-world applications,” said Martti Raidal, professor at TalTech and KBFI.
Highly precise instruments developed in particle physics could evolve into smart manufacturing equipment useful to Estonian industry, he noted.
A step-change for Estonian science
“Estonia has made a remarkable leap in science and technology in recent years, crowned by becoming a full member of CERN,” said Veronika Zadin, Professor of Materials Technology at the University of Tartu. “Our scientists, engineers and companies have demonstrated world-class capability. The next step is to translate CERN-developed technologies into solutions for challenges in energy, medicine and industry.”
Technologies used in high-voltage systems for particle accelerators, for example, can help build more reliable power grids.
Economic impact and promise
Beyond scientific returns, the project aims to deliver economic gains. Plans include clear pathways for CERN-originated technologies to reach Estonian companies: industrial doctorates, technology transfer, licensing and the birth of deep-tech start-ups. The initiative is expected to help grow high-tech industry and attract more private investment to Estonia.
In the long run, the project could help shift Estonia from a supplier of subcontracted work to a knowledge-based economy where science generates products, companies and sustainable economic growth.
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