INNOCHEMBIO

First annual meeting of the INNOCHEMBIO programme

On 18 June 2026, the INNOCHEMBIO project held its first annual meeting. The day brought together our Advisory Board, Coordination Board, supervisors, and fellows to review the project's progress, discuss future directions, and strengthen our training activities. A highlight was the inspiring seminar by Advisory Board member Prof. Cari Sänger - van de Griend, who shared valuable insights from her international career journey across academia and industry. We also had short presentations from our PhD fellows, introducing their backgrounds and research projects. The meeting concluded with a review of programme-specific guidelines and practical discussions to support the fellows throughout their research journey.
 

Invited talk by programme coordinator Mikk Kaasik at the Estonian MSCA conference 

On 20 May 2026, Mikk Kaasik, coordinator of the MSCA COFUND Doctoral Programme project INNOCHEMBIO, had the honor of participating in the conference "MSCA in Estonia: Strengthening Research through International Talent". The event marked the 30th anniversary of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) and highlighted their impact on researchers’ careers and research institutions. Mikk gave a brief overview of the project’s implementation so far, including key developments and the recruitment process. The presentations were followed by a panel discussion, which, among other topics, covered the motivations and opportunities for attracting international talent to Estonia. The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions are the EU’s flagship programme for researcher career development and mobility. Over the past 30 years, MSCA has supported more than 150,000 researchers worldwide. Built on openness and excellence, MSCA connects researchers across borders, disciplines, and sectors.

Link to the event.

Kestliku keemia ja bioloogia doktoriõpe tõi avalduste tulva kogu maailmast

The Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology at TalTech published media coverage of the INNOCHEMBIO kick-off. The doctoral programme in sustainable chemistry and biology was officially launched at Tallinn University of Technology on 5th September with a meeting that brought together supervisors and representatives of partner universities, advisory board, and industry stakeholders. The event outlined the programme’s objectives, supported by the European Commission, and highlighted its role in tackling global challenges related to sustainability and the green transition. The programme has generated significant international interest, attracting applications from 64 countries.

You can read the article HERE.

TalTech researchers have secured major European funding: 15 doctoral candidates will begin training in sustainable chemistry and biotechnology in Estonia

TalTech published media coverage on INNOCHEMBIO programme. The launch of TalTech’s INNOCHEMBIO project, supported by the EU’s prestigious MSCA COFUND programme, marks an important step for Estonia in international doctoral training. The Rector of the Tallinn University of Technology, Tiit Land, emphasized that the initiative strengthens the scientific competitiveness and supports the Estonia’s economy. It was also noted by representatives of the Estonian Research Council that the project sets a strong example for future EU-funded research collaboration. 

You can read the article HERE.

Does Estonia attract research talent?

INNOCHEMBIO programme coordinator Mikk Kaasik was interviewed by Trialoog on the future of Estonian science. The discussion focused on whether Estonia is an attractive destination for international research talent. Estonia does offer modern research facilities, user-friendly digital systems, and increasing collaboration with foreign universities. Programme like INNOCHEMBIO, which offers 15 PhD positions, aims to attract young researchers and strengthen Estonia’s position in global science. 

You can read the article HERE.

TalTech toob Eestisse Euroopa suurrahastuse ja 15 uut doktoranti

The launch of the INNOCHEMBIO project at TalTech, along with its goals and focus, was published by Postimees, one of Estonia’s largest newspapers. The article highlighted the project's significant EU funding and its aim to bring 15 new PhD students to Estonia in the fields of sustainable chemistry and biotechnology. 

You can read the article HERE.

TV3 uudised: TalTech proovib talente Eestisse meelitada

The news about INNOCHEMBIO reached the Estonian television channel TV3. The news about INNOCHEMBIO comes at a time when Estonia is expected to face a yearly shortage of around 1,400 top specialists and 700 skilled workers. One way to help solve this problem is by attracting qualified professionals from abroad. This is also the aim of initiatives like INNOCHEMBIO, which brings international research talent to study at Tallinn University of Technology. 

You can watch the news segment HERE.