Annette Miller is a PhD student in organic synthesis at TalTech. She’s working on the synthesis of prebiotic sugars that could be used in breast milk substitutes, making infant formulas markedly healthier. She also promotes the well-being of PhD students at the university and is popularising the notion of being a young scientist in Estonia.

How did you first get into science?Keemia vastu tekitas huvi, nagu märkimisväärselt paljude teiste teadlaste puhul, inspireeriv ja lahke keemiaõpetaja. Olenemata demonstreerimise võimaluste puudumisest oli keemia õpe tema käe all elav ja kaasahaarav.

As a young female scientist, what obstacles have you faced in your career?

I don’t know that I’ve faced any challenges because of my gender. That said, I have tried to find female mentors and role models in my field, which hasn’t been that easy, because there are still so few women among senior researchers and especially professors.

Which of your projects and studies have excited you most?

For me, the most exciting thing has always been being in the lab, at the heart of what I’m doing. I guess part of the attraction for me is those amazing illustrations of old-fashioned laboratories with liquids sloshing around in mysterious glass jars and cupboards full of bottles of coloured salts. I like to be right in the midst of that excitement and those mysteries.What I’m most proud of in my job is that I get to be part of such a friendly and supportive team whose curiosity knows no bounds. It’s a real pleasure to work with them and to feel like I actually contribute something, that what I offer is valued and the team can use it.

How do you strike a balance between your work and private lives? Do you have any tips? 

That’s never more difficult than when people really enjoy their job. It demands constant effort and awareness. I find it helps to accept that sometimes things are busier, sometimes they’re slower, and that balancing everything is a never-ending process.

What advice would you give to young girls considering a career in science? 

Dive into it! From the outside looking in, it’s difficult to figure out what the different areas and lines of work involve. The best way to learn out about yourself and gain experience is by doing things. Actively look for opportunities – workshops, open days, competitions, student research projects. That’s my advice. There are lots of ways universities can engage students and let them discover the joy of doing things for themselves. If you have the courage to ask, they’ll almost certainly find a way to get you on board. My own mum encouraged me to get involved, and the research I did in high school was a really exciting first step towards science.

Sigrid Kirss is a doctoral student and junior researcher in the field of genetic engineering. Her goal is to bring added value to society through scientific research. Among other projects, she investigates copper metabolism in Alzheimer's disease within Professor Peep Palumaa's metalloproteomics group. She is a prominent young scientist contributing to the marketing efforts of the Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology and organizing major events like the Natural Sciences Day, where young people are introduced to science through practical activities.

How did you enter the world of research? What initially sparked your interest in your field?

I always knew I wanted to attend university, but choosing a field of study was challenging. I have always been drawn to complex subjects and natural sciences (chemistry, biology, and mathematics). Looking at the specialties at TalTech, it seemed that genetic engineering was the most challenging. Based on that, I made my choice, knowing that if the field didn't suit me, I could always switch. Studying genetic engineering, I realized that this field was for me! I became particularly interested in the brain and eventually joined the metalloproteomics laboratory during my master's studies to start researching Alzheimer's disease.

What obstacles or challenges have you faced as a young female scientist in your career, and how have you overcome them?

For me, the biggest fear has always been public speaking, which becomes quite frequent when you reach the doctoral level. Fortunately, I have attended several training sessions offered by the university, and many colleagues have shared their tips, helping me overcome my fear and to present my subjects well. As a scientist, one must be able to explain their work to others, and this skill has been the most challenging for me. However, I believe that if you truly want something, everything can be learned! Recently, I also participated in the "Science in 3 Minutes" competition, where I was able to challenge myself and attend high-quality training sessions.

Which projects and studies have been the most exciting for you? In my project, I study the regulation of copper metabolism in Alzheimer's disease, and one approach is to use fruit flies. The experiments with fruit flies have been the most exciting for me so far. They are incredibly reliable model organisms, allowing us to model Alzheimer's disease and investigate various mechanisms and drug candidates. If someone had told me a few years ago that I would be dissecting brains from fruit flies in my work, I would have laughed, but now it's a daily task.

How do you balance your work and personal life? Do you have any tips?

You have to find a pleasant way to manage your time. Personally, I use all Google tools (calendars, tasks, etc.), where I distribute tasks based on their importance. It is essential to take some free time, meaning that some evenings of the week are dedicated to reading a book or going to the movies with friends. The most important thing is to know how to say "no"; you don't have to do everything and should accept tasks according to your schedule.

What advice would you give to young girls interested in a career in science?

Be bold and confident!