Education and Science, Estonia, EU – Baltic States

Triin Vahisalu and Marten Kokk. Photo: vm.ee

Two other young researchers – one from Israel and one from Russia – received the honor for the European and North American region, said University of Tartu spokeswoman Anneli Miljan.

The award comes with a two-year scolarship designed to allow the scientists to carry out their studies in the research centers of their choice, writes LETA.

In the competition's 13-year history, this marks the first time a scientist from the Baltic States has won the title, Miljan added.

In cooperation with scientists at the University of Tartu, Vahisalu managed to map a gene that increases the stress tolerance of plants, said Miljan.

Vahisalu carried out her doctoral studies at both the University of Tartu and the University of Helsinki. She defended her doctoral thesis in Helsinki, where she is currently finishing her post-doctoral work.