Projects

In times of rapid and disruptive technological changes such as digital transformation and AI, it is crucial for the EU to create a legal framework that promotes innovation and regulates access to and use of data while protecting European rights and values of human dignity and fundamental rights. A decisive factor in this respect is intellectual property law, which aims at incentivising innovation, and, in an increasingly data-driven society, the emerging field of Data Law. In order to develop and apply a balanced and at the same time effective legal framework, there is an urgent need for highly qualified experts in the fields of Intellectual Property and Data Law who have in-depth knowledge of both the EU legislation as well as national legal systems and cultures. In response to these challenges, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master of Intellectual Property and Data Law (MIPDaL) will be established. The programme is developed by a consortium of six prestigious and renowned IP Law institutes from across the EU and the UK: TUD Dresden University of Technology, Université de Strasbourg/CEIPI, Tallinn University of Technology, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Queen Mary University London, and University of Exeter. The programme comprises 60 ECTS (2 semesters) and leads to a joint degree in the form of concerted double degrees from the two universities attended by the students. Students gain in-depth knowledge in the field of IP law and deepen their knowledge in one of the specialisation areas “IT & Data Law”, “Creative Industries and IP Law” and “Industrial Property Law”. The academic programme is complemented by joint seminars hosted by the Consortium partners, excursions and the annual MIPDaL Summer IP & Data Law Conference that brings together the group of about 50 students of an academic year, graduates as well as Alumni and Associated Partners and the various associated partners such as the European Patent Office and the European Union Intellectual Property Office.

HTTK toob kokku juhtivad psüühika, keha, sotsiaalse konteksti ja ruumilise konteksti uurijad, et luua distsipliinide ülene arusaam komplekssüsteemidest, mis mõjutavad heaolu: elu kvaliteeti erinevates valdkondades objektiivses ja eriti subjektiivses mõttes. Me käsitleme 4 uurimisvaldkonda. 1) KORRELAADID: Millised bio-psühholoogilised ja sotsiaal-ruumilised omadused on seotud heaolu püsivamate komponentidega nagu eluga rahulolu? 2) MEHHANISMID: Kuidas rulluvad inimestes lahti heaolu dünaamilised komponendid, näiteks emotsioonid? 3) ENESEHOOL: Kuidas inimesed ise oma heaolu enesehoole ökosüsteemides mõistavad ja juhivad? 4) SEKKUMISED: Kuidas heaolu isikustatud ja kohandatud sekkumistega edendada? HTTK rahastab interdistsiplinaarseid ametikohti; registriandmetega lõimitud longituud-uuring; doktorikooli; tippsündmusi; ja rändluse ja koostöö toetusmeedet. HTTK tõstab osalevate rühmade, asutuste ja Eesti heaoluteaduste tulemuslikkust ja mõjukust.

This Centre of Excellence (CoE) focuses on fostering innovation in resource efficiency, promoting circular economy practices, utilizing local resources, ensuring safe material circulation, and educating researchers to reduce environmental impacts. It centers around four key areas: Strategic Mineral Resources (SMR), Carbon-Based Resources (CBR), Circular Technologies Upscaling (CTU), and Circular Business Eco-System and Modeling (CBEM). The SMR group maps critical materials in waste streams, including renewables, for extraction and reuse while minimizing hazardous waste. The CBR group develops eco-friendly pathways for essential chemicals and plastics, also assessing their environmental impact. The CTU group pioneers waste reduction and recycling methods for aqueous, and solid waste, incl. water purification. The CBEM group analyzes sustainable business ecosystems and value chains. This CoE's interdisciplinary approach will benefit both Estonia and Europe by advancing circular economy.

The project focuses on developing technologies for the separation of valuable components from intermediate products of ore enrichment and used magnets that are supplied to Estonia or potentially supplied. The emphasis is on characterizing the best possible raw materials, intermediates, and products during the development of separation technologies. This includes favoring liquid-assisted mechanochemical processes through the selective formation of metal-organic complexes and adhering to the principles of circular and green chemistry. The objectives of the project are: a) analysis of samples generated from the recycling of ores and their enriched intermediate products, as well as magnets containing metals; b) development and valorization of separation technologies for rare earth metals, utilizing mechanochemical methods and metal-organic complexes; c) evaluating the sustainability of the developed processes using the metrics of green chemistry

DigiBio project focuses on digitalisation, bioeconomy, and sustainability, scientific domains which constitute a high priority in national, regional, and EU strategies and policies. As the second large European Centre within this area, the Estonian Centre for Bioesustainability (ECB) will place Estonia in a very competitive position in European R&I. With DTU assistance, ECB will establish a major research, technology development, and innovation platform for the generation of cutting-edge bioengineering solutions focused on sustainable bio-production through biology digitalisation. This platform will accelerate lab-to-market translation of bioengineering solutions, diversifying Estonian national industry. DigiBio’s overarching objective is to establish a state-of-the-art CoE for digitalisation of biology in Estonia, through upgrading the ECB.

This multidisciplinary study aims to decrease cardiovascular mortality in Estonia by increasing treatment adherence and empowering patients to create a supportive self-management environment for monitoring their health and actively participating in the treatment process. Analysing 1) the LDL-cholesterol values of North Estonia Medical Centre (NEMC) patients to find underdiagnosed and undertreated patients and 2) treatment adherence to lipid-lowering drugs (LLD). Identifying patient groups who need additional support. During the pilot project, a novel application will be developed, together with personal support, used to increase LLD adherence. The novelty of the tool – combining the data used in Estonia from the Nationwide Health Information System, ePrescription, and NEMC electronic medical record with the data collected by the patient and enabling two-way communication between the patient and medical staff. In the last stage of the study, an impact assessment of the tool is planned.

This project aims to investigate how epigenetic mechanisms, specifically histone modifications, control gene expression during neuronal development and maturation. We recently discovered that histone bivalency, the simultaneous presence of two histone modifications with opposing functions, controls the timing of gene expression during the maturation of cerebellar neurons. In the proposed studies, we will examine the mechanisms and function of histone bivalency in the adult brain, as well as the species-specific differences in bivalency during mouse and human neuronal development. The research also aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental diseases associated with mutations in EZH1, a key enzyme involved in the regulation of bivalent domains. This project will provide fundamental insights into the chromatin mechanisms of brain development and function, with potential implications for understanding and treating neurodevelopmental disorders.

According to OECD, Estonia is one of the EU countries where obesity and diabetes are most prevalent. According to WHO, every fifth child in Estonia is overweight. Therefore, our task is to help people reduce their consumption of sugar, salt, and fat, which are associated with obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. The Estonian food industry is already committed to food reformulation, transforming former sinners in to saints. For example, muffin, which has been a delightful dessert in the past, has now become a food with reduced sugar, extra fiber and with a Nutriscore value B. However, its health impact is noticeable only when the taste is equally enjoyable and consumers accept it. This reformulation project explores sweet-tasting and healthy peptides and oligosaccharides to replace added sugars, the synergy of flavor compounds and salt, and the effect of fats on flavour. We aim to have a positive impact on public health without compromising quality, safety and taste.

The project aims to revolutionise biosensors and point-of-care testing devices by developing sensor arrays using Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) as biomimetic receptors for multiplex and/or simultaneous detection of targets that are of significant interest to clinical and environmental health. MIPs offer several advantages over traditional biological recognition elements in being more stable, cost-effective, and reproducible, making them ideal for low-cost and fast recognition of clinically relevant biomarkers and environmental pollutants in complex matrices. We will develop novel synthesis approaches for MIP-based sensor arrays that are affordable and scalable, allowing for the production of large quantities of sensors at low cost. Our innovative approach has the potential to establish a new generation of analytical tools that will significantly improve public health and safety, particularly in critical industries such as healthcare and environmental monitoring.