The Geological Survey of Estonia and the Tallinn University entered into a co-operation agreement

The Tallinn University rector, professor Tiit Land and the Geological Survey director, professor Alvar Soesoo signed on 11 December an agreement on co-operation within the fields of science and education.
“Sustainable management of the common property of Estonia – such as clean water and environment – is possible only if different fields of competence and approach form an entirety and base on science,” worded rector Tiit Land. “Thus, the whole society benefits from our agreement: scientific education improves, the quality of research, knowledge and decisions in the field of Earth science and natural resources increases, while sharing of scientific infrastructure guarantees efficiency.”
Director Alvar Soesoo highly appreciates the agreement, as well. “It is a pleasure for me to state that co-operation between the university and the survey already functions, both in international sense as well as in supervision of PhD students,” he says. “The agreement provides even a stronger basis for joint activity in research essential for the state, in learning to know Earth resources and in developing best options for their use, but also for increasing the awareness of the people.”
Likewise, joint operation is very essential in advancing higher education in Earth science through supervision of MSc and PhD theses, and through widening practise possibilities. “Co-operation with the practitioners creates new opportunities and provide future visions also for the students,” acknowledged Jaanus Terasmaa, the director of the Tallinn University Institute of Ecology.
The main task of the Geological Survey of Estonia, which started its activities in 2018, is to conduct geological mapping of Estonia, maintain geoscientific databases, carry out geological investigation and monitoring, and provide advice for the government in issues related to the research or use of Earth resources.
The Tallinn University contributes through its Institute of Ecology in research on ecosystems related to water and on the causes and consequences of changes occurring in them in varying environmental circumstances. Education in natural science is of essential importance at the university, including training of teachers and environmental specialists.