Els Heinsalu

Els Heinsalu has studied and worked at research institutions in Estonia, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Denmark. In 2008, she received her PhD in Theoretical Physics from the University of Tartu. She has authored more than 60 scientific publications on diffusion processes and complex systems. Her research has been recognised with the Annual Award of the Estonian Physical Society, the Baltic Assembly Science Award, and the L'Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science Fellowship.

In addition to her research, Els Heinsalu has made a significant contribution to the development of Estonia's research system and science policy. She has served on a number of expert bodies and has been a member of the University of Tartu Council, the Research Policy Committee, and President of the Estonian Young Academy of Sciences. She is also a nationally recognised science communicator.