Tarmo Soomere elected to the European Academy of Engineering

TALLINN – The election of academician Tarmo Soomere as a member of one of the world's leading engineering science organizations, the European Academy of Engineering (EAE), in the field of civil and environmental engineering, is a landmark international recognition for Estonian engineering science.

"Of course, I am extremely pleased with the recognition," said Tarmo Soomere, a professor at Tallinn University of Technology and chairman of the council of the Estonian University of Life Sciences. "In reality, however, this is an assessment of all of Estonian engineering. The top experts and achievements in this field are highly visible in Europe and around the world through excellent applications."

According to Soomere, the success story of Estonia's e-state is just the tip of the iceberg, resting on a broad and solid foundation. "For example, the work of Ahto Buldas is one of the cornerstones for the creation of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, and Skype was founded and developed in our country."

The unique nature of engineering, according to Soomere, is the goal of creating and increasing tangible benefits. "True, a general benefit must be created first, but it must materialize as something specific as often as possible," he explained. "This is the golden rule of engineering, which largely directs the development of the field."

General and specific benefits are also inseparable in Academician Soomere's own research in coastal engineering. "More and more people have chosen to live near the sea, but rising ocean levels are constantly increasing the pressure, and waves bring enormous energy to the coast," he noted. "Therefore, coastal maintenance and protection are complex, requiring both a deep understanding of the processes and a great deal of common sense."

The impact of climate change is also becoming increasingly evident along the Baltic Sea, as exemplified by the recent floods in Pärnu. Consequently, Academician Soomere pays special attention to wave dynamics in coastal engineering and processes, as well as to marine meteorology. He was one of the first to recognize the role of ship wakes not only as a hazard but also as a significant source of information.

Tarmo Soomere has received international recognition in the field of engineering before. In 2022, the International Society for Engineering Pedagogy (IGIP) elected him as an honorary member.

Mart Saarma, president of the Estonian Academy of Sciences, highlighted the exceptionally high level of the EAE membership. "In 2026, a total of 147 new members were elected to the academy from around the world, 51 of whom are laureates of major international awards – including the Nobel Prize, Fields Medal, Turing Award, Breakthrough Prize, Wolf Prize, and Eni Award. Tarmo Soomere's election to this circle is a high professional recognition for both him and the achievements of Tallinn University of Technology in engineering science," he said. "It also very strongly supports the current strategy of the Estonian Academy of Sciences to promote engineering sciences in Estonia and to support technology transfer from universities to companies."

"Tarmo Soomere is an excellent example of a scientist who combines deep scientific competence, an engineering mindset, and a sense of responsibility to society," said Tiit Land, rector of Tallinn University of Technology. "The special recognition he has received also demonstrates that science in Estonia is world-class, and that our knowledge and experience are valued in Europe's most influential scientific networks."

Ülle Jaakma, rector of the Estonian University of Life Sciences, emphasized Tarmo Soomere's dedication and thoroughness in all his roles and endeavors. "We highly value his work as the chairman of the council of the Estonian University of Life Sciences and as a guiding figure in Estonia's higher education and research landscape. It is also important to mention Soomere's openness to collaboration, his ability to apply his knowledge in various scientific and economic fields, and his courage to stand by his principles," said Ülle Jaakma.

Founded in 1992 in Gothenburg, Sweden, the European Academy of Engineering brings together the world's leading scientists and experts. Its aim is to provide independent, authoritative expert advice on global, regional, and national issues.