Interview with Exhibition Curator Kristiina Oppi: “Scientists’ personal stories give young people food for thought”
In October, Tallinn University’s science exhibition “A Path Not on the Map: The Journey into Science” began its tour across Estonia. The first stop was the Pärnu Central Library. The exhibition’s curator, Kristiina Oppi, shares the background and creative process behind it.
How did the idea for this science exhibition come about, and what was the process like?
The idea was born about a year ago, when we were looking for a science-themed exhibition to mark Tallinn University’s anniversary. It grew out of teamwork and discussions with various colleagues.
Eventually, the core team took shape, consisting of myself and science communication specialists Merli Vajakas and Reeli Maasikamäe. Together, we explored how to make the exhibition resonate with viewers and align with the university’s goals. The beginning wasn’t easy – we needed to define the focus and find a way to present science in a human and accessible way. We also had to secure support and resources for the project.
The exhibition features 14 researchers from different institutes of Tallinn University. Our aim was to show that there are many paths to becoming a scientist – journeys shaped by earlier studies, experiences, and choices. The portraits were captured by photographer Kaupo Kikkas, who incorporated visual hints of each researcher’s previous profession or life path. We also conducted interviews, allowing the researchers to tell their stories in their own words.
Why is it important to create an exhibition like this?
It’s important to show that science is not something distant or abstract, but a part of everyday life and the world around us. The exhibition reveals the personal stories of researchers – tales in which childhood hobbies, previous professions, unexpected turns, and life experiences intertwine on the road to science. In this way, visitors can experience science on a very human and relatable level.
The exhibition also helps to break down myths about the scientific profession. A scientist’s path develops step by step from earlier interests, studies, and life experiences. Such stories serve as inspiration and encouragement for young people who are still thinking about their future and career choices.
It’s also significant for the university, as the exhibition builds a bridge between researchers and the wider public. When people see scientists first and foremost as people, they develop greater interest and trust in science.
Why is it important to you that the exhibition travels beyond the university walls?
Throughout the year, the exhibition will tour libraries and high schools across Estonia. Its first stop was Pärnu Central Library, and even the installation process drew attention – several visitors stayed to have long conversations with me.
The exhibition also includes a new companion piece, “Who’s Who in Science?” – short explanations of various scientific job titles, showing how many different roles and positions exist in the research world and what they mean.
It’s important to me that Tallinn University’s researchers gain visibility through this exhibition and that the university’s activities reach a broader audience. The personal stories of scientists give young people something to think about – and perhaps even a little push to discover the many different paths that can lead to science.
How has the exhibition been received so far?
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Visitors have highlighted the honesty and openness of the stories. The exhibition has resonated with students, colleagues, and guests alike. The photography of Kaupo Kikkas has also been highly praised – the professional quality and presentation give the exhibition a cohesive and refined look.
Those who wish to explore the stories more deeply can do so online, where the full interviews with the researchers are available.
Tallinn University has many exhibition spaces. How do you decide what fills them?
The university campus features several galleries and exhibition areas that provide great opportunities for showcasing different types of work. We plan the exhibition schedule twice a year to ensure variety. A central place is given to student art projects from the creative disciplines, as well as exhibitions that highlight the work of our staff. We also host guest exhibitions, inviting alumni to present their artistic projects and initiatives.
Through exhibitions, we aim to give visibility to the people of the university in different ways – whether through student work, institute projects, or the creative activities of colleagues and alumni.
Next year, to mark the university’s anniversary, we plan to create an alumni stories exhibition, featuring graduates from different decades up to the present day. Among them will be an alum who turns 100 this spring and who graduated from the Tallinn Teachers’ Seminary – a predecessor of the university – 80 years ago. I recently had the privilege of interviewing her, and it was a truly fascinating and memorable meeting.
Tell us a bit about yourself – what’s your background, and how long have you worked at the university?
My background is in glass art. At Tallinn University, I work in the museum field – collecting and preserving the university’s history and organizing exhibitions. I’ve been here for almost nine years.
For me, it’s important that exhibitions bring together student creativity, the stories of people connected to the university, and various collaboration projects, as well as guest exhibitions from outside. In museum work, I value presenting the university’s history in a way that supports our identity and connects past achievements with today’s activities.
About the Exhibition
The photo exhibition “The Unmapped Journey: An Individual’s Path to Science” highlights the journeys of 14 Tallinn University researchers into the world of science, captured by renowned photographer Kaupo Kikkas. The portraits feature researchers together with objects or symbols that reference their previous professions or paths to science.
The exhibition is on display from 3 October to 2 November at the Pärnu Central Library Stair Gallery. In November, it will move to the Pärnu Sütevaka Humanities Gymnasium, where a public talk will also take place with one of the featured researchers.
Subsequent stops include the Viljandi City Library, Viljandi Gymnasium, Tartu City Library, Jaan Poska Gymnasium, and the Hiiumaa Cultural Centre.