In her scientific work, Professor Uuemaa successfully combines innovative research with practical impact on society and the environment. Her achievements are evidenced by the ERC grant she received in 2023 and the leadership of the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Land Use (FutureScapes), funded by the Estonian Research Council.
In her presentation, the professor will address the question of how to combine scientific excellence with impact, transforming them from competing goals into mutually reinforcing factors, and invite a broader discussion about the role of research quality in long-term development.
The second part of the plenary session will feature a panel discussion, where researchers and policymakers will explore how to clearly and effectively communicate scientific excellence to diverse audiences – academia, policymakers, and society at large. Special attention will be paid to the responsibility of the scientist and the role of academic institutions in creating socially relevant and sustainable research.