Research in Estonia is a platform that introduces Estonia as a destination for research and collaboration. It brings together research news, system overviews, and practical information to help users explore opportunities in Estonian science.
Estonia’s strengths include a strong digital society, close collaboration between academia and industry, and a flexible, efficient research system. With little red tape, high public trust in scientists and research institutions, and a second-place ranking in the world for academic freedom, Estonia offers an excellent environment for research. Although small, Estonia provides a dynamic and internationally connected research landscape.
Research in Estonia covers all major fields, from natural and social sciences to humanities. At the same time, particular focus is placed on areas such as ICT, health technologies, and the sustainable use of resources.
Research is carried out by universities, research institutions, and companies. The system is guided by national strategies and supported through competitive funding from public, private, and international sources. National competition-based research funding is organised mainly by the Estonian Research Council, but also by sectoral ministries. Some relevant R&D funding schemes are provided also by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, managed by the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency (Ettevõtluse ja Innovatsiooni Sihtasutus, EISA).
You can start by exploring research institutions, funding opportunities, and current research projects. A comprehensive overview of the Estonian research landscape is available on the EURAXESS Estonia website. For more detailed searches among researchers, research groups, and projects, the Estonian Research Information System (ETIS) is a useful tool for finding and contacting potential collaborators. For personalised assistance, you are welcome to contact us at euraxess@etag.ee.
- Businesses can collaborate with Estonian researchers through joint projects, partnerships, and innovation networks. For more detailed searches among researchers, research groups, and projects, the Estonian Research Information System (ETIS) is a useful tool for finding and contacting potential collaborators.
- Platforms such as the ADAPTER network help companies connect with universities and research institutions.
- All types of organisations, including enterprises, are welcome to advertise their research vacancies free of charge on the EURAXESS Jobs portal. Positions announced in Estonia will also be automatically included on the Work in Estonia Jobs portal.
Research in Estonia is an initiative led by the Estonian Research Council. Its main goal is to promote Estonian research internationally, provide information about Estonia’s research landscape, and support the participation of Estonian researchers and research institutions in international scientific collaboration.
You will find the one-pagers ‘Estonian Research Funding System’ and ‘Research and Development in Estonia’ in our toolbox. They provide up-to-date information in a compact one-pager format. Additional information about Estonia’s research landscape is available on the EURAXESS Estonia website.
Information about researchers, research groups, projects, and institutions is available through the Estonian Research Information System (ETIS), where you can search for detailed profiles and research topics.
Centres of excellence in research are consortia of several research groups that are internationally recognised in their field of research. Their purpose is to improve the quality and efficiency of scientific research through cooperation between research groups. Learn more about centres of excellence in Estonia.
The Estonian Doctoral School is a specific development programme (2024–2029) for doctoral students and their supervisors from all Estonian universities. It organises events and activities that support scientific networking, international cooperation, interdisciplinary knowledge, and the development of general skills. They also provide short-term mobility grants, co-supervision, and mentoring for doctoral students. More information available here: Estonian Doctoral School
- Yes. Study in Estonia is aimed mainly at international students who are interested in studying in Estonia and need information about the higher education system, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral studies.
- Research in Estonia is aimed at researchers, research institutions, and research-intensive companies interested in research cooperation or carrying out research in Estonia.
EURAXESS is a comprehensive, free-of-charge navigation service for researchers planning or developing their research career in Estonia. It provides information about Estonia’s research landscape, research system, and funding opportunities. It also provides information and help to researchers on relocating to Estonia, including visas and residence permits, social security topics, or matters related to family members. You can start your navigation on the EURAXESS Estonia webpage, follow its news on LinkedIn, or contact euraxess@etag.ee for personalised assistance on the topics above.
Feel free to use the materials in our toolbox to introduce Estonia’s research landscape around the world!
Our Newsletter keeps you up to date with interesting events, seminars, funding and opportunities, Estonia’s latest research news, and selected job offers shared through EURAXESS.
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- The Estonian Research Council’s RTD Office in Brussels serves as a strategic gateway between Estonia’s research and innovation community and the European Union’s research and innovation ecosystem. The office supports researchers, universities, R&D-focused companies, and policymakers by helping them engage effectively with EU research and innovation programmes, in particular Horizon Europe and related initiatives.
- The Brussels office provides an early insight into EU research, innovation, and digital policy developments, helping stakeholders navigate upcoming calls, partnerships, and strategic priorities. It offers hands-on support for building European networks, identifying collaboration opportunities, and connecting Estonian organisations with key European institutions, partnerships, and funding instruments.
- In addition, the RTD Office represents Estonian research and innovation interests in Brussels, facilitates dialogue with EU institutions, and organises or contributes to high-level events and matchmaking activities. Through this, it helps to ensure that Estonian researchers and innovation-driven companies are well-positioned, well-informed, and visible within the European Research Area.