Date and place of birth: 29 February 1944, Rakvere
Marital status: Single
Education: Moscow State University, astronomy (cum laude) 1969; Cand. Sci. in physics and mathematics 1972, Dr.Sci. in physics and mathematics, 1984; Tartu State University, physics 1964; Viljandi Carl Robert Jakobson Secondary School No 1 1962
Career: 11th Riigikogu, 2007–; 10th Riigikogu, President 2003–2006, Vice-President 2006–2007; Estonian Academy of Sciences, Vice-President, 1999–2004; University of Tartu, Chair of Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics, Professor 1988–1992; Professor of Astrophysics 1992; Institute of Theoretical Physics, Head 1992–1996; Physics Department, Head 1992–1998; Astronomical Council of the USSR Academy of Sciences, Leading Researcher, Scientific Secretary, Senior Researcher, Junior Researcher 1974–1988; Estonian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Physics and Astronomy, Junior Researcher, 1972–1974
Party affiliation: Pro Patria and Res Publica Union 2002–
Membership in representative bodies: 10th and 11th Riigikogu
Social activities: member of the International Astronomical Union (IAU); IAU Estonian National Committee; European Astronomical Society (EAS); Estonian Physical Society; Tartu Observatory Science Council; National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, Council; University of Tartu, Institute of Physics, Scientific Council, Estonian Academy of Sciences, member since 1997; Euroscience; Royal Astronomical Society, associate member since 2001; Descartes Grand Jury, member 2002, President 2003-2005; Göttingen Academy of Sciences, Gauss Professor; Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences, foreign member; Tartu Academic Tennis Club
Scientific activities: Estonian Academy of Sciences, member since 1997; Göttingen Academy of Sciences, Gauss Professor, 1994; Highest Evaluation Committee, Professor 1990; University of Tartu, Institute of Theoretical Physics, Professor of Astrophysics 1988;
Dissertation Unstable Thermonuclear Burning at Late Stages of Stellar Evolution 1984
Creative activities: Articles published in Estonian press, specialist journals, encyclopaedias, etc. Radio and TV appearances
Awards: Medal of the Baltic Assembly; Order of the National Coat of Arms, 2nd class 2008; Grand Cross of the Order of Orange-Nassau 2008; Grand Cross of the Order of Crown 2008; Royal Order of the Northern Star, Sweden, 1st class 2007; Order of Merit for Services Grand Gold Decoration of Austria 2007; Badge of Honour ´Jüriöö Star´ 2007; Commander of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland 2005; Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy 2004; Grand Medal of the Estonian Academy of Sciences 2004; Grand Cross of the Order of Infante Dom Henrique of the Republic of Portugal 2003;  Republic of Estonia Science Award in Exact Sciences 2002; Order of the White Star, 4th class 2001
19.01.09