Of the young researchers, 36 defended their doctoral theses in engineering, 27 in natural sciences, 16 in information technology and 10 in economics and business. Their research topics ranged from autonomous vehicles and artificial intelligence to mental health, urban development and emerging technologies. Other areas of research included Estonia’s asylum policy, public-sector governance, controversies surrounding 6G, making shipping more environmentally sustainable, cybersecurity and much more.

Researchers help solve real-world problems

According to TalTech Vice-Rector for Research Jarek Kurnitski, doctoral theses increasingly address topical issues across a wide range of fields. Supervisors and young researchers have also set out to tackle complex societal and economic challenges, offering both the public sector and businesses practical solutions with real-world applications. “It is encouraging to see the findings of TalTech doctoral theses being discussed in the Estonian media and young researchers being approached for comments or invited to speak,” Kurnitski noted.

Many of the research projects have also attracted considerable attention within their respective fields. “This gives us hope that the findings will prove useful and be put into practice,” Kurnitski said.

Number of doctoral graduates continues to grow

The number of doctoral graduates has remained at a very strong level for the second year running: a record 98 doctoral degrees were awarded in 2025, and we expect an equally strong result this year. By comparison, over the past decade, the annual number of doctoral theses defended has generally ranged between 60 and 80. In the preceding decade, starting from Estonia’s accession to the European Union, the annual number ranged between 30 and 40, with a few notable exceptions—for example, 60 and 67 doctoral theses were defended in 2011 and 2012 respectively.

Explore the doctoral theses defended by TalTech’s latest doctoral graduates in the digital collection or on the news portal.