Estonian President Alar Karis Visits Institute of Biotechnology to Strengthen Estonia-Finland Research Collaboration

Estonian President Alar Karis Visits Institute of Biotechnology to Strengthen Estonia-Finland Research Collaboration

(IN BRIEF) On 27 February, President Alar Karis visited the Institute of Biotechnology in Finland to learn about its research and infrastructure, particularly its work in structural biology and coronavirus research. The visit highlighted the potential for increased collaboration between Finnish and Estonian universities and companies. Mart Saarma, who recently became President of the Estonian Academy of Sciences, emphasized the importance of research infrastructure and the need for a dedicated foundation to support bilateral research efforts. Saarma, a prominent scientist in molecular biology, aims to focus Estonian science on innovation and its national development.

(PRESS RELEASE) HELSINKI, 4-Mar-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — On 27 February, President Alar Karis visited the Institute of Biotechnology to gain insights into its cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art infrastructure. The visit, part of President Karis’s two-day trip to Finland, was a notable opportunity to highlight the growing cooperation between Estonian and Finnish academic and research institutions.

The Institute’s Director, Juha Huiskonen, provided an overview of the institute’s work, with a special focus on the structural biology research related to coronavirus. President Karis was also introduced to the Institute’s cryo-electron microscopy equipment, which is instrumental in advancing the understanding of complex biological structures.

“It was both a privilege and a pleasure to present the activities of the Institute of Biotechnology to President Karis,” said Huiskonen. “I see immense potential for further collaboration, not just between Finnish and Estonian universities, but also with businesses in both countries.”

Professor Mart Saarma, renowned for his work on Parkinson’s disease and treatment development, shared details of his team’s ongoing research. His collaboration with the Estonian company GeneCode was highlighted as an exemplary partnership between Estonia and Finland, underlining the potential for joint efforts to drive innovation in health sciences.

Saarma reflected on the significance of the visit, emphasizing two key points: “First, it was clear how vital it is that we have provided our research infrastructure and core facilities to several Estonian researchers. In return, our researchers have benefited from utilizing the high-level research services available at leading European institutions.” Saarma added, “Second, although there are growing collaborations between Finnish and Estonian researchers, much of this cooperation is funded by Brussels. The visit sparked an idea to create a foundation that would specifically support research partnerships between our nations.”

The visit coincided with the recent appointment of Mart Saarma as President of the Estonian Academy of Sciences, a role he assumed after being inaugurated by President Karis on 8 January 2025. Saarma expressed his vision for advancing Estonian science, emphasizing the need for research that aligns with the country’s development priorities. He also plans to establish a system that presents new scientific results and technologies directly to the Estonian government, Parliament, and citizens, fostering science-based decision-making.

A distinguished figure in molecular biology, Saarma has held numerous prestigious positions throughout his career. He is the Research Director at the Institute of Biotechnology at the University of Helsinki and has served on the scientific councils of both national and international institutions. Saarma is a member of several academic societies, including the Finnish Academy of Technical Sciences, Academia Europaea, and the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, and holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Tartu.

Media Contacts:

Juha Huiskonen
Director
Institute of Biotechnology
email: juha.huiskonen@helsinki.fi
Tel: +358294159562

Mart Saarma
Research Director
Institute of Biotechnology
email: mart.saarma@helsinki.fi
Tel: +358294159378

SOURCE: University of Helsinki