Metrosert Appoints New Management Board

Estonian applied research centre and national metrology institute, Metrosert, has appointed a new management board led by physicist, materials scientist and technology executive Madis Raukas. The three-member board also includes Raul Vahisalu and Monika Isak-Johanson.

Madis Raukas, who has taken up the role of Chairman of the Management Board, brings nearly 30 years of international experience in research and development across the United States, Germany and Estonia. Throughout his career, he has contributed to numerous scientific publications and patent applications and has led R&D activities in international technology companies in the fields of materials science, photonics and semiconductor technologies. In recent years, he headed the Applied Research Programme at the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency (EIS) and served as a member of Metrosert’s Supervisory Board since 2023.

According to Jana Salm, Chair of Metrosert’s Supervisory Board, Madis Raukas stood out among the candidates thanks to his unique combination of experience as a scientist, technology developer and senior executive.

“Madis has a strong understanding of how to translate scientific results into practical applications. He is also deeply familiar with Estonia’s research and innovation ecosystem as well as Metrosert’s activities. His combination of experience, expertise and leadership makes him exceptionally well positioned to lead Metrosert through its next stage of development,” said Salm.

According to Madis Raukas, Chairman of Metrosert’s Management Board, Metrosert will focus in the coming years on expanding its applied research capabilities to help Estonian companies identify the most suitable development and testing pathways and bring higher value-added products and technologies to market more quickly.

“Our goal is for Metrosert to be the partner companies turn to when they need to transform complex scientific knowledge into practical solutions and bring new ideas to market. The new management board will focus on increasing the impact of applied research while gradually strengthening Metrosert’s long-term economic sustainability,” said Raukas.

“I am delighted to begin this work together with Raul Vahisalu and Monika Isak-Johanson, who bring valuable expertise in technology development, international business, quality management and regulatory compliance. Our knowledge and experience complement each other well and provide a strong foundation for achieving Metrosert’s strategic objectives,” he added.

Raul Vahisalu is a technology and business development executive with extensive experience in digital identity, cybersecurity, data analytics, telecommunications and dual-use technologies. He has held senior positions at Telia, Guardtime and Global Voice Group and has led international technology development and business operations across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Monika Isak-Johanson has extensive experience in developing and managing processes in science- and technology-intensive organisations. Her strengths include scaling business processes, strengthening operational capabilities and commercialising technology-based services. She has held senior leadership roles in pharmaceutical, medical diagnostics and software companies, including GSK, SYNLAB and SoftComply, where she has been responsible for operational transformation, change management, and the development and execution of international growth strategies.

Metrosert is Estonia’s state-owned applied research centre and national metrology institute. Its applied research activities focus on five strategic fields: drone technologies, autonomous vehicles, hydrogen technologies, biorefining and health data. Employing approximately 140 leading specialists and researchers, Metrosert supports Estonia’s sustainable economic growth by strengthening collaboration between science and industry.