Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology

Erkki Truve graduated cum laude from the Faculty of Biology and Geography at University of Tartu in 1988 as a geneticist. He then joined the National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, where he worked until 2006. He defended his doctoral degree in 1996 under the supervision of Professor Mart Saarma at University of Tartu. By that time, he had already become a leading specialist in plant molecular biology and virology. In 1997, he was appointed Professor at the Department of Gene Technology, Faculty of Science, Tallinn University of Technology.

His work in plant virology showed that all processes in living organisms are closely interconnected –  virus mechanisms and the switching on and off of genes in both plants and animals follow similar principles. His scientific work was widely recognized internationally, and he was invited to present at numerous international scientific conferences. In 2009, he received the Estonian National Research Award in Agricultural Sciences.

As a science organizer, Erkki Truve was a visionary thinker, an inspirer, and a proactive leader. He was the founder of the Department of Gene Technology at Tallinn University of Technology and was one of the main initiators of the Faculty of Science building renovation, as well as of the creation of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Between 2009 and 2010, he served as Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and Chair of its Council. From 2010 to 2015, he served as Vice-Rector for Research at the university. 

He participated in numerous committees, councils, and advisory boards at Estonian universities and ministries, as well as at European Union and international institutions and organizations. His ideas and clear communication significantly influenced the development of science and society in Estonia, the EU, and worldwide. Beyond these achievements, he was a valued colleague and a inspiring conversational partner.

Erkki Truve was an outstanding lecturer, highly valued by both students and colleagues. To keep up with international advances and boost graduates’ competitiveness, he supported and implemented broader teaching of fundamental natural sciences – physics and chemistry for gene technology students, and biology for chemistry students. In 2008, students named him the best lecturer of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Thanks to his guidance and inspiration, many young people chose molecular biology as their field of study and later pursued academic careers.