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 2025 goes to Villu Kukk and Merli Tamme.

Villu Kukk is a post-doctorate researcher with the Tallinn University of Technology’s Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture. His research focuses on the safety of cross-laminated timber when exposed to moisture, helping to develop sustainable construction and improve methods for studying timber structures. Besides his research, he also is actively involved in teaching and training, sharing his knowledge of CLT on topics related to moisture safety.

Merli Tamme is a doctoral student and junior research fellow in technology sciences at the School of Engineering at the Tallinn University of Technology and her research deals with the use of fiberglass rods instead of steel in load-bearing rebar structures with the aim of improving durability in challenging environmental conditions along with reducing construction costs. Merli stands out for her strong analytical powers and good project management.

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

Taavi Õispuu is a fifth-year student in the speciality of building design and construction management at the Tallinn University of Technology. He has been with Merko since 2022 when he became an intern working on the Allveelaeva 4 residence and stayed on as a technician thanks to the good relationships he developed. Taavi has also been involved in the building of Arter Quarter. Taavi’s great desire to learn and grow stands out in everything he does. He also isn’t afraid to ask and that is a key prerequisite for becoming a lead specialist. Taavi is a conscientious, determined, trustworthy team player with a positive attitude, who will contribute to fulfilling the team’s goals.

Markus-Aleks Trofimov is a fifth-year student in the building design and construction management speciality at the Tallinn University of Technology who became a Merko intern in 2022. He then worked as a technician on the Allveelaeva 2 and 4, Vesilennuki 16, 18 and 20, Paekalda 15 and 17 and Tiiu 14/1 apartment building projects as well as the NGL logistics centre site. Markus-Aleks has a high regard for knowledge and stands out for his thorough approach to every assignment. He is an extraordinarily capable construction engineer, takes an in-depth approach to all topics, values quality in everything and proceeds from the right values in his actions.

Jon Silver Eerma is a third-year student in the building design and construction management speciality at the Tallinn University of Technology. He joined Merko after completing his first year of study, accepting an internship with the concrete works department. Jon has worked as a technician on several sites – the concrete works in phase 0 of the Rail Baltica Ülemiste terminal, foundation work on City Plaza 2 and assembly works for the Tiiu 14/1 apartment building. He is currently building experience in organizing concrete work at the Allveelaeva 2 apartment building job site. Jon Silver is a confident self-starter and diligent in getting things done. He has intellectual curiosity, is a good intuitive listener and always wants to do more. He provided valuable support for the Rail Baltica Ülemiste terminal concrete team from his first days of his internship.