Maia Kivisaar is the new director of the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology

On November 24, 2020, the Council of the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu elected Maia Kivisaar, professor of microbial genetics, as the director of the Institute for the next three years.

Since beginning the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology has been engaged in top-level scientific research in molecular biosciences and education at all three academic levels of „white biology“. „In volatile circumstances of the underfunding of research and education in Estonia the staff of the Institute has decreased during the last decade, although three new professors in our Institute establishing their laboratories and research groups is definitely a positive trend to continue. The need for new research groups is especially important in the Chairs of the Institute where the number of research and teaching staff has decreased most“, says Maia Kivisaar.

Internationally high-level research and education are still vital considering the development of the Institute. „I would like to promote synergy within the Institute and among other institutes in our faculty and the university as a whole. The Institute has to develop its capability in receiving research grants and cooperation projects with companies“, explains Kivisaar. As for working environment, Maia Kivisaar believes that communication is the key to solving problems in early stages.

According to Maia Kivisaar it is important to continue the good cooperation with the Bioscience Students' Association in reforming the curricula and popularize science to inspire next generation of students -  we have a Traveling Bioclass programme for gymnasiums and active collaborations with Science Centre AHHAA and the University of Tartu Youth Academy, also we organize Genetics Workshops for gymnasiums and elementary schools where students get their first experience of bench work.

Maia Kivisaar has worked at the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu since the Institute was established. In 2008, Maia Kivisaar was elected professor of microbial genetics.  In years 2012-2020, she was the member of the Senate of the University of Tartu.

The elected director is to assume office on January 1, 2021.

Additional information:

Maia Kivisaar
Professor of Microbial Genetics
Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology
Phone: +372 737 5036
E-mail: maia.kivisaar@ut.ee

 

Photo by Sulev Kuuse