The Estonian-Finnish Cosmology Conference 2025

From June 2nd to 4th, the traditional Estonian-Finnish Cosmology Conference took place at the Viinistu Art Harbour, this year under the title “Cracking the Universe.” The meeting between the Tartu and Tuorla observatories brought together astrophysicists and theoretical physicists from Estonia, Finland, and beyond.

The three-day scientific gathering featured a wide range of presentations and discussions on topical issues in observational cosmology. This year’s conference stood out for its broad thematic scope, covering topics from X-fermions to large-scale cosmic structures. The event was organized in collaboration with ICRANet (International Center for Relativistic Astrophysics Network), whose involvement enriched the programme with several relevant talks and discussions. Guest speakers delivered insightful presentations that introduced new perspectives to the field.

“One of the key aims of this seminar series is to give young colleagues the opportunity to participate in an international scientific meeting, present their work, and make professional connections. That’s why it was especially rewarding to see students actively involved in the discussions, with presentations that were technically and substantively of a remarkably high standard,” emphasized Antti Tamm, Director of Tartu Observatory and one of the organizers of the conference.

Among the topics discussed was whether the so-called small red dots observed by the James Webb Space Telescope could represent the early seeds of active galaxies—supermassive black holes not yet surrounded by fully formed galaxies, but instead accreting matter directly from the primordial intergalactic medium. The proposed model suggests that supermassive black holes at galactic centers may have formed before galaxies themselves, contrary to the prevailing view. Theoretical presentations explored possible modifications to gravitational theory that could explain dark matter and dark energy, while also potentially producing observable effects in the structure of white dwarfs. Renowned Estonian astronomers Jaan Einasto and Enn Saar were among the conference participants.

“Participating in the conference was a very valuable and exciting experience, as it was my first time giving a talk in front of such an audience, and I also made my first academic connections,” said Grete Sakteos, a bachelor’s student from the Institute of Physics (University of Tartu).

In addition to scientific program, participants enjoyed a cultural programme. The group had the opportunity to explore one of Estonia’s finest art collections at the Viinistu Art Museum. The conference also featured a friendly football match between Estonian and Finnish scientists. This time, the Finnish team won the game.

📷 Juhan Liivamägi

For more information, please visit the conference website.

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