Since 2007, we have recognised engineering students and young lecturers at TalTech with scholarships to help secure the future of the construction industry and to provide better education to future professionals.

Merko’s young researcher/teacher scholarship for 2024 goes to Tallinn University of Technology civil engineering and architecture PhD student and teacher Martin Talvik. He has been a superb partner for Merko in solving a number of construction physics challenges, has appeared at Merko’s quality seminar and brought his scientific mindset out of the laboratory so that practitioners could apply it on the job site. Merko’s guiding principle for its activity – quality in everything – describes Martin’s work ethic well. As an extraordinarily thorough and meticulous construction engineer, he is a great example for both young students just starting their academic progression at university and for experienced civil engineers.

The engineering scholarship provides recognition for three building design and construction management students:

Kirke Männik is a third-year student at the Tallinn University of Technology’s building design and construction management programme. After serving as an intern on the Hyatt Hotel site in the summer, she still works there today as a technician. Goal-oriented and dedicated, she puts high value on studies and constantly building on her skill sets in the speciality. Her interest in the construction field and passion for engineering grow every day, as can clearly be seen by co-workers on the job site. Kirke is the kind of energetic, enthusiastic young person who can successfully balance her time studying and gaining practical experiences at work; she brings positive energy to every activity and group of people she’s in.

Marten Erik Johandi is in his final year studying building design and construction management at the Tallinn University of Technology. He, too, started out as a Merko intern in summer and continued on as a technician in the structural engineering department. Marten Erik is fascinated by the diversity of the civil engineering profession, finding carefully thought out solutions to problems and high-quality living environments created as a result. He values personal and professional growth and an open mindset, which give motivation for continuing to learn. Marten Erik’s interest in challenges in this sector, active participation in engineering competitions and training courses speak to his commitment and diligence in laying the foundation for his work as an engineer.

Ranar Pügi is a fourth year student in the building design and construction management programme the Tallinn University of Technology. Ranar started as a technician on the Rae State High School project last year and is now a technician on the Tartu mnt 1 office building’s team. With his drive to acquire knowledge and dedication, his conscientiousness and cooperative mindset stand out in anything he undertakes. Thanks to his time planning skills and initiative, which are indispensable advantages for a civil engineer, he is able to merge school and work, appear at various events in the field and also be serious about sports. His good attitude, enterprising mindset and desire to keep on developing all show him to be a genuine future name to watch in engineering.