Vincent in snow
Why did you come to Estonia?
I came here to do a post-doc in Palaeontology. After meeting some
Estonian researchers in a congress in France in 2009 we decided to write an application for me to come working in Estonia. My research focuses on the impact of ancient (~450 million years) environmental crises (volcanism, glaciation) on marine life. Estonia is one of the few places in the world where I can archive this project because of the easy access to very fossiliferous rocks of this age.
What is the best thing about living in Estonia?
First, research in Estonia is very competitive and dynamic in my field of research; almost half the world specialists of my fossil group are working in Estonia. Besides that, nature is exceptionally preserved and beautiful, especially wetland and forests. I also had, for the very first time in life, the occasion to see what a real winter is, I’ll definitely miss that!
How would you describe your career perspective in Estonia?
My post doc Project is originally funded for three years, but if there are some nice opportunities in Estonia I wouldn’t mind extending my stay in Tartu!
What was the hardest thing for you to adjust when you moved to Estonia?
The apparent distance of Estonian people, but after some time it gets much better! Beside that I received all the help I needed in my lab to get settled (flat, ID card…)
What do you miss from your home country?
The things I miss the most are food (‘real’ cheeses, a good baguette, fresh vegetables…), wine and mountains! With that all Estonia would be the perfect country! And of course it’s always difficult to be far (2600km) from family and friends even if Skype makes it easier.
You should visit Estonia because…
The nature is preserved an amazingly beautiful, especially on Saaremaa and Hiiumaa islands. The dancing and singing festivals are also exceptional event that you will not see anywhere else in the world! And of course if you like beer and mosquitoes you will find love in Estonia!
