Kristjan Pulk Wins National Research Award for Studying Individuals’ Financial Decisions

At a festive award ceremony held in Tartu on Tuesday, the best students of 2024 were recognised for their research. Both main prizes were awarded to students of the University of Tartu. This year, the prize fund amounted to over €185,500 in total.

The main prize was awarded to Kristjan Pulk, Lecturer in Management at the School of Economics and Business Administration, for his doctoral thesis “Influencing Individuals’ Financial Decisions through the Provision of Information”. Supervisors of the award-winning work were also acknowledged: Professor of Management Maaja Vadi and Lecturer in Management Anne Aidlat. [Read Kristjan’s thesis]

Kristjan Pulk, Lecturer in Management at the University of Tartu, expressed his delight at receiving the award:
“I am very pleased that the award was given in recognition of my research on financial behaviour and financial literacy. It shows how relevant and valued this field is in society and gives me the courage to continue with future studies.”

Among other recognised research works, special mention goes to Sigrid Rajalo, who received the third prize in the doctoral category. Her work focused on university–business collaboration, exploring the structure and prerequisites of interaction. Rajalo was supervised by Professor of Management at the University of Tartu, Maaja Vadi.

Keit Puh and Marju Tõkke were also honoured with a special prize from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications. Their master’s thesis addressed employees’ attitudes and intentions regarding whistleblowing in Estonia. Their supervisor was Krista Jaakson.

Professor of Management at the University of Tartu, Maaja Vadi, highlighted the qualities necessary for research:
“In science, an open mind, passion and perseverance are needed. However, the balance between these is always different and depends on the person. Naturally, good companions and happy coincidences also belong in the recipe. Alongside all this, to earn a doctoral degree it is important that one understands and knows how to use at least five words: ‘hello’, ‘goodbye’, ‘thank you’, ‘please’ and ‘sorry’.”

According to Anu Noorma, Chair of the Board of the Estonian Research Council, it is very important to recognise those who have already achieved outstanding results in research as students.
“Thorough, persistent and original thinkers are needed in every field, but hopefully this recognition for their research will give these talented young people further motivation to continue their scientific journey,” Noorma said.

In total, 102 prizes were awarded, including 57 national prizes and 45 special prizes. The national prizes were awarded across three levels of study (applied and bachelor’s studies; master’s studies; doctoral studies) and six fields of research (natural sciences; engineering and technology; medical and health sciences; agricultural sciences and veterinary medicine; social sciences; and humanities and the arts). This year, 95 works submitted to the competition were deemed worthy of a monetary award. In addition, 31 authors received a national certificate of recognition.

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