Women in Science - Liis Tiisvelt

From 9 to 15 February, the Women in Science theme week will be held at the University of Tartu to highlight the role of women and girls in science, break gender stereotypes and encourage women to pursue careers in science. As part of the themed week, female researchers from the Institute of Technology introduce themselves. As the third profile, we present Liis Tiisvelt (MSc in Technology of Wood, Plastics and Textiles), a industrial doctorate student.

How did your scientific journey begin, and what initially drew you to science?

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My path into science began with a practical problem. As a designer running my own clothing brand, I started to notice how much textile waste is generated during the pattern cutting process—waste that, quite literally, ends up being discarded. The desire to find a more sustainable and value-adding solution for this textile waste stream drew me deeper into the world of materials and technologies.

After completing my master’s studies in textile technology, I founded the startup KIUD Technologies, and I am now an industrial doctoral student. My research focuses on the valorisation of textile waste into new functional nonwoven sheet materials. For example, I am currently developing a rigid textile-based material that can be used to manufacture reusable packaging—an alternative to single-use corrugated cardboard. The industrial doctorate allows me to combine scientific research with entrepreneurship, with a particular emphasis on applied research, ensuring that materials developed in the laboratory can realistically reach the market.

Why is your research field important both for science and for society more broadly?

In Europe, the collection and recycling of textile waste are becoming increasingly important, driven by both European Union directives and growing consumer expectations. At the same time, many countries lack the capacity to recycle these waste streams in a manner that is both economically viable and environmentally sustainable, as well as to develop new products from them.

My industrial doctorate focuses on translating scientific results into business applications. This means that I do not only develop new material structures in the laboratory, but also take laboratory-developed solutions to the market for testing and validation. This approach enables a better understanding of who the actual customer is, what value the product truly offers, and how it functions from a commercial perspective. The industrial doctorate provides the freedom to address these questions in parallel from both scientific and entrepreneurial viewpoints.

What values or principles are important to you in your work as a scientist?

In my work, I consider determination to be essential—scientific research is a very slow process that requires patience and consistency. I also highly value strong collaboration with industry, as scientific solutions can only achieve growth and real impact when combined with practical application. Finally, I believe that innovation does not emerge in a vacuum: existing solutions and market expectations must be thoroughly understood in order to create something new that is both functional and applicable in real-life contexts.

What would you like to say to young people (especially girls and young women) who are considering choosing a path in science or technology?

Do not be afraid of fields that may seem complex or unfamiliar. Science and technology need people with very diverse qualities—creativity, analytical skills, empathy, and the courage to experiment. Even if the path is not linear, it may ultimately lead to ideas that create real and meaningful impact in society.

Read about Women in Science thematic week

Read about Applied Materials Research Group

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