Please introduce yourself.

Since I was a child in school, I had a vision of becoming a scientist and being part of a fascinating scientific world where I would provide solutions for big problems — like sending people to the moon. Fifteen years ago, my vision began to materialize during my bachelor’s and master’s studies, as I became familiar with and started working in the fascinating field of solar cell photovoltaics. After achieving my master’s degree in 2013, I applied for a PhD position at Tallinn University of Technology and received my PhD in chemical and materials technology in 2017. After completing my PhD, with great support from my team, I continued to work as a research scientist at the Laboratory for Thin Film Energy Materials, Department of Materials and Environmental Technology, at TalTech.

My expertise encompasses research and development of semiconductor materials for optoelectronic devices including various metal oxides, metal chalcogenide thin films and nanostructured materials for photovoltaics. I have more than 10 years of R&D experience in thin film deposition processes and PV technologies. During the last 5 years I was the co-author of 20 publications (WoS), and participated in >10 national and international projects in cooperation with the academic, business, and public sectors. One of my recent achievements is that I’m a coordinator of COST Action CA21148 (‘’Research and International Networking on Emerging Inorganic Chalcogenides for Photovoltaics, RENEW-PV’’) – an astonishing pan-European R&I collaboration between 50 countries, involving research institutions and universities at the cutting edge of research in chalcogenide PV materials, (including 10 SMEs & PV companies) and with a growing interest in emerging thin film materials for PV.

What kind of knowledge and experience from your previous jobs come handy in your new position?

My recently achieved professor position at TalTech involves a sustainable continuation of my previous research on thin film PV materials, but with a strong focus on new innovative materials for advanced customized applications such as indoor PV, building-integrated PV, and Internet of Things powered PV solutions. The goal is to accelerate the deployment of PV solutions in various infrastructures, contributing to the EU's endeavor to achieve 100% clean/green energy by 2050.

What are your goals in your professor post at TalTech?

My main goal as a professor at TalTech is to contribute with disruptive knowledge and solutions towards the rapid and transformative deployment of green energy solutions. One of my targets at TalTech is to develop and actively participate in R&D&I actions that will help further boost and empower the teaching programs, as well as enhance networking, communication, outreach, and the long-term sustainable visibility of TalTech.

One surprise regarding new position?

I was not surprised by this position, but I am deeply impressed by the continuous support provided by my research team in the lab, my colleagues in the department, and the administrative staff at TalTech. I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude and thank you all very much for your invaluable support.