Airika Harrik

Featured in: Favicon

err.ee (+1) Favicon

delfi.ee

forte.delfi.ee

Articles

Doctoral thesis: Art from a man's perspective leaving women sexually dissatisfied

2 months ago | news.err.ee | Airika Harrik

"So far, there has been a tendency to talk a lot about how we supposedly have sex solely for the purpose of reproduction. However, the human world is much more complex and the layers of meaning associated with sex are deeply intertwined," says Rita Niineste, a newly minted doctor of philosophy at Tallinn University. When engaging in sex, people do not think about the hormones released in their bodies or the reproduction of the human species. Instead, they are primarily motivated by pleasure.
Professor after rejecting record grant: A scientist has to be their own biggest critic

Jan 28, 2025 | news.err.ee | Airika Harrik

Loog told Postimees that he had drafted a new project but began to doubt its feasibility and communicated his concerns to his partners. The University of Tartu decided to continue with the project, removing him from its leadership. In an interview with ERR, he remarked that he has since left the field of science. "A scientist must be their own harshest critic. If I see a flaw, I have to critique myself, not defend myself," Loog explained of his decision.
Gallery: Ice jams behind Emajõgi River's rising water levels

Jan 14, 2025 | news.err.ee | Airika Harrik |Michael Cole

According to the Environment Agency, the Emajõgi River's water levels have been rising an average of one centimeter per hour due to the accumulation of blocks of ice, or ice jams. In other words, the water level has risen by around 70 centimeters in the last week. There are several blockages on the river: one of which is in Luunja, near the Luunja bridge. According to the Environment Agency's latest forecast, water levels in the river could rise to as much as 220-230 centimeters as the snow melts.
Bumpy communication keeping scientific advice from reaching Estonian politicians

Jan 8, 2025 | news.err.ee | Airika Harrik

"The need for a system of evidence-based policymaking is such a new topic that it hasn't fully reached the awareness of politicians yet," says Andres Koppel, an expert who contributed to Estonia's report on evidence-based policymaking. In simple terms, politicians are well-versed in how to craft research policy, but not necessarily in how to create policies based on research. "They know how to fund and evaluate research and how to appoint researchers to academic positions.
Gallery: Former Estonian National Museum building demolished in Tartu

Nov 28, 2024 | news.err.ee | Merili Nael |Airika Harrik |Michael Cole

By the afternoon of Thursday, November 28, the main part of the building had been demolished and the glass facade around the front door was being lowered. The right wing of the building, on the Veski tänav side, was still standing. A dozen or so passers-by gathered to watch the demolition. The public auction for the ERM's former exhibition building was won in March 2023 by the non-profit association Korp! Sakala Alumni Association, which paid €1.2 million.
Firearm forensics in the 21st century: How dangerous are DIY weapons?

Nov 28, 2024 | news.err.ee | Airika Harrik

While most forensic departments rely heavily on computers in their work, the shooting range located in the basement of EKEI's Tallinn headquarters rather resembles a workshop. The long, soundproofed room is filled with various types of bullet traps, ranging from wooden walls and sand barrels to a large water tank. "This is a very traditional field. Firearms and ammunition don't fundamentally change in their nature," says Berit Cavegn, a firearms expert in the technology department.
Biometrics in the 21st century: Computers cannot replace humans yet

Nov 27, 2024 | news.err.ee | Airika Harrik

If fingerprints are left at a crime scene or a perpetrator is captured on, for example, a security camera image, this data is processed by the biometrics department. According to Andra Sirgmets, head of the department, their work focuses on two areas: fingerprints, considered a "historical classic," and facial recognition, a new capability still in its implementation phase. "People mistakenly think that comparing faces is easy.
Solving crime in the 21st century: How to see the invisible?

Nov 26, 2024 | news.err.ee | Airika Harrik

The DNA department of the Estonian Forensic Science Institute (EKEI) operates labs in both Tallinn, at EKEI's headquarters, and Tartu, within the Biomedicum facility. According to department head Maarja Sadam, the team's work is divided into three main areas. "The first and most important task is conducting DNA analyses for criminal investigations on behalf of the police.
Death in the 21st century: Estonia trials digital autopsies

Nov 25, 2024 | news.err.ee | Airika Harrik

"In movies, the forensic pathologist always goes to the scene, examines the deceased and immediately states the exact time of death. It doesn't work like that in real life. Determining the time of death is a very complex issue," says Sünne Remmer, head of the Northern Estonian Forensic Medical Department, forensic pathologist and radiology expert. Her department, located at EKEI's main building in Tallinn, is the largest of Estonia's four forensic pathology departments.
ERR reporting from the Forensic Science Institute | Part 1. Digital autopsy

Nov 25, 2024 | news.err.ee | Airika Harrik

"In movies, the forensic pathologist always goes to the scene, examines the deceased and immediately states the exact time of death. It doesn't work like that in real life. Determining the time of death is a very complex issue," says Sünne Remmer, head of the Northern Estonian Forensic Medical Department, forensic pathologist and radiology expert. Her department, located at EKEI's main building in Tallinn, is the largest of Estonia's four forensic pathology departments.