There is room for ambition in Estonia – the story of TalTech top scientist Jasper Adamson

By Kaire Uusen and Piret Lember

There are Estonians who go out into the world, and there are those who bring the world back to Estonia with them. 

Jasper Adamson is one of them. His academic journey took him at a young age to some of the world’s leading universities, into collaboration with Nobel Prize laureates, and to research laboratories in the United States where solutions are developed that affect all of humanity. And yet, it is in Estonia – in Ida-Viru County – where he feels he can build something truly meaningful.

Jasper’s story began early. At just 19, he entered the University of Cambridge to study Natural Sciences, specialising in chemistry. Even then, he ranked among the top students of his cohort. His path next led to the University of Oxford, where he earned a PhD in inorganic chemistry and crystallography. It was a world-class academic environment – intellectually rigorous, demanding, and deeply honest.

“Oxford taught me how to think independently. You’re not simply given answers there – you learn how to ask the right questions,” he has later said.

From a temporary decision to an international career

After completing his doctorate, the logical next step would have been to remain abroad. The opportunities were there. Yet Jasper returned to Estonia – initially on a temporary basis. He began working at the Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, collaborating with leading Estonian scientists, publishing research, and securing his first research grants. As often happens with temporary arrangements, it gradually became a permanent one.

“I saw opportunities here. And they were no smaller than anywhere else in the world,” he reflects.

Working in Estonia did not mean stepping away from international science – quite the opposite. A Fulbright scholarship took him to the University of Pennsylvania, where he joined research groups developing mRNA technologies. There, he worked alongside scientists whose contributions to COVID-19 vaccine development were awarded the Nobel Prize in 2023. To this day, Jasper divides his time between Estonia and the United States, carrying Estonia’s name into top-level global science – and bringing global experience back home.

Shaping the future of science in Ida-Viru County

In 2023, a new chapter began for Jasper at TalTech’s Virumaa College. He started as a senior lecturer and soon became programme director and professor. There, he discovered something he had not fully expected: highly motivated students, a collaborative atmosphere, and a place where ideas can quickly turn into action.

Under his leadership, the master’s programme Sustainable Chemical Technologies was revitalised – a flexible, forward-looking programme that welcomes not only those with a classical chemistry background, but also practitioners and graduates of other natural sciences. Beyond the chemical industry, the programme opens the door to an entirely new field in Estonia: nuclear energy.

“If the country is moving in that direction, people need to be prepared,” Jasper says.

That is why Estonia’s first study programmes providing a solid foundation in nuclear technology and radiation protection have been established in Virumaa.

At the same time, Jasper has not given up the international dimension of his work. Collaboration with scientists in the United States and Europe continues, students are exposed to the latest research findings, and world-class science reaches Ida-Viru County – science that might otherwise only emerge in major global cities.

Jasper Adamson has earned students’ respect and trust through his dedication, empathy, and pedagogical excellence. In 2025, he was awarded the Estonian Lecturer of the Year title.

There is room for ambition in Estonia

Jasper Adamson’s story is a clear example that returning to Estonia is not a step backwards. It can be a step deeper – into a more meaningful, impactful, and personally significant life. A life that includes loved ones and home, alongside an internationally recognised career.

For Estonians living abroad who are considering returning, Jasper’s journey confirms that there is room for ambition in Estonia. Here, it is possible to study, teach, conduct research, and work at a world-class level.

And sometimes, it is precisely here – in a smaller place, in one’s own language and among one’s own people – that the greatest things are created.

TalTech opens international admissions

Admissions to TalTech’s international study programmes opened on 1 February. For the 2026/2027 academic year, students can apply to four English-taught bachelor’s programmes and 14 master’s programmes. Many of our programmes in information technology, business and governance, engineering, and maritime studies focus on digitalisation, technology, and innovation.

Studying at TalTech is tuition-free for EU/EEA students, except for programmes in the School of Business and Governance.

More information about admissions, deadlines, and programmes is available at:
taltech.ee/en/admissions

Online info sessions for future students

From February to May, we will host four online info sessions, offering a great opportunity to learn more about TalTech and ask questions directly from university staff and international students. The first session will take place on 26 February.

Learn more and register at:
taltech.ee/en/meet

Today, TalTech has nearly 9,000 students, including around 500 international bachelor’s and master’s students and nearly 300 doctoral candidates from 82 countries. More than one third of TalTech’s staff are international – over 400 employees from 64 countries – making TalTech a truly international study and work environment.