Ülle Kotta, Lead Researcher at the Department of Software Science at Tallinn University of Technology, was awarded the Nikolai Alumäe Medal on 22 April at the annual general assembly of the Estonian Academy of Sciences for her outstanding contribution to automation and IT research and for shaping multiple generations of scientists.
Kotta is one of the key figures in the development of automation and IT research in Estonia. Her work focuses on the theory of nonlinear control systems and on algebraic methods for their analysis. Under her supervision, a number of leading researchers in the field have emerged both in Estonia and internationally, and she has also contributed to the supervision of postdoctoral researchers.
Her scientific output is extensive: she has published a monograph and more than 300 research articles, and serves on the editorial boards of several international scientific journals. Her work has been recognised twice with the Estonian national research award, and she has been selected for AcademiaNet, a network of Europe’s leading women scientists.
For Tallinn University of Technology, the recognition highlights the university’s strong position in research in information technology and automation, as well as its role in developing the next generation of researchers.
The named medals of the Estonian Academy of Sciences are awarded to Estonian researchers for outstanding achievements in their fields. The Nikolai Alumäe Medal is dedicated to informatics and engineering sciences, and its previous recipients include several of Estonia’s leading scientists.
In addition to Ülle Kotta, three other researchers were recognised at this year’s annual assembly for their significant contributions to both natural and social sciences.
The text is based on a news release by the Estonian Academy of Sciences.