On April 9, the laureates of the 2026 National Contest of Young Scientists were announced at the Student Science Festival. Once again, an impressive number of research papers from various schools across Estonia were submitted, reflecting young people’s growing interest in science and engineering.
Metrosert contributed as a competition partner again this year by recognizing young scientists and awarding its special prize – an internship worth 1,000 euros. This year’s recognition went to Lukas Heina, a student at Gustav Adolf Grammar School, for the work “Construction of a More Efficient Steam Boiler and Measurement of Its Efficiency.” The research was supervised by Erkki Soika and Mikk Freiberg.
Lukas Heina’s research focused on increasing the efficiency of a steam boiler and the precise measurement of its efficiency. It is a strong engineering project that skillfully combines the practical construction of the device with experimental analysis.
The aim of the work was to improve the energy efficiency of steam production and evaluate the economic viability of the solution – both goals were successfully achieved. This gives the work clear practical value and potential for further development in an industrial context.
According to the jury, the work stood out for its strong engineering innovation and practical orientation, offering a promising solution to a real-world problem.
Kaupo Reede, board member at Metrosert, commented on the choice of the special prize:
“The largest share of Estonia’s exports – and through that, the wealth of the Estonian people – comes from the machinery and metal industries. At the same time, one of the main obstacles to increasing the competitiveness of Estonian companies is the shortage of innovative industrial engineers. Lukas Heina’s work stood out for its strong engineering innovation, focusing on both the efficiency of steam production and the economic viability of the solution. These are precisely the kind of ideas with practical value and development potential that we want to recognize.”
Supporting the next generation – an invitation to the internship program
Metrosert considers it important to offer young people opportunities to apply their knowledge in practice. Therefore, this year’s special prize laureate is invited to join Metrosert’s internship program, where they will have the opportunity to participate in real work processes and develop skills in the fields of metrology, data processing, engineering, and applied research.
Past experience shows that such cooperation creates a valuable springboard for young people’s future academic and career paths in science and engineering.
Investing in the future of science
Organized in cooperation between the Estonian Research Council and the Ministry of Education and Research, the National Contest of Young Scientists plays an important role in popularizing science and shaping the next generation. Participating in the competition gives young people the opportunity to develop scientific thinking, present their ideas, and, in the best cases, represent Estonia on an international level.
Metrosert congratulates all participants and laureates and thanks the supervisors and organizers for their contribution to the development of young people.
All results, including special prizes, can be found on the Estonian Research Council’s website.
Summaries of the research papers can be read in the competition collection.
