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Last year, the Estonian Research Council celebrated the 12th anniversary of its Brussels office by opening the “Estonian Research Excellence Showcase: ERC Grants Across the Years” at Estonia’s Permanent Representation to the European Union in Brussels. From now on, anyone interested can explore “Exciting Minds,” an exhibition on Estonian ERC grantees, in virtual form on the Research in Estonia site.
Visit the exhibition HERE.
The exhibition’s goal is to highlight Estonia’s top-tier research and present Estonian or Estonia-based scientists who have received European Research Council (ERC) grants for cutting-edge work. These researchers are trailblazers in their fields, and the grant has been a key milestone in their careers.
ERC grants are vital for Estonian researchers because they offer complete freedom in deciding what, how, and where their work is done. Since inception, the ERC has aimed to provide researchers with independence and resources for world-class science. So far, 30 Estonian researchers have secured prestigious ERC grants. This is no small feat, given the fierce competition!
ERC grantee Tiina Roose, whose achievements also appear in the exhibition, noted that it underscores the global scope of research by Estonians or Estonia-affiliated scientists, and spotlights world-class results. “Having seen the physical show in Brussels, I can say it was truly impressive and well presented,” Roose added. She also stressed the exhibition’s role in fostering collaboration: “When the researchers featured (working across the globe) were invited to the opening, they formed stronger bonds with Estonia’s research scene, at home and abroad. For instance, GScan’s partnership with the University of Southampton’s Faculty of Engineering is expanding, benefiting industries in Estonia and the UK.”
According to Kristel Oitmaa, the Estonian Research Council’s Brussels representative and a co-creator of the exhibition, both the physical and virtual ERC showcases have already attracted worldwide attention: “The European Research Council has repeatedly named us as a model of how a country values its researchers, since no one else has highlighted top scientists like this. The exhibition is more than just a researcher profile; it clearly serves as a calling card for Estonian science worldwide. It emphasizes our scientists’ impact on society, makes science more accessible, and shows how knowledge creates value.”
The exhibit can be used in many ways, from introducing Estonian research at embassies and universities to inspiring young researchers and new collaborators. “We hope it will travel through different countries and cities, uniting scientists, students, and enthusiasts to forge partnerships, share ideas, and showcase the global reach and worth of Estonian science,” Oitmaa added.
The “Estonian Research Excellence Showcase: ERC Grants Across the Years” continues in physical form as a traveling exhibit, moving from the Estonian Research Council’s Brussels office to new venues. It evolves constantly, with new Estonian ERC grantees joining over time, reflecting the dynamic nature of research. Its next stop is the University of Tartu Library in Estonia, followed by various European cities.
The ERC is the European Union’s research funding body, supporting frontier science and innovative approaches in emerging fields. Its mission is to foster excellence in European science by awarding grants open to all disciplines, with scientific merit as the sole criterion.
The creation of the exhibition was funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the activity “Support for the Internationalization of Research and Development and Participation in the International Knowledge Market” also known as Mobilitas 3.0
