Senior Research Scientist at Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia.
Dr. Mihkel Koel is a senior research scientist in analytical chemistry at Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia. With a scientific career spanning over four decades, he has significantly advanced the fields of chromatography, green chemistry, and electromigration methods. A graduate in theoretical physics from Tartu State University and a Candidate of Chemical Sciences from Leningrad State University, Dr. Koel has led numerous international collaborations and editorial initiatives. His work has earned national and international recognition, including the prestigious Order of the White Star (IV class) and the Scientific Award of the Estonian Republic. A fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, he continues to contribute to analytical chemistry through research, teaching, and global scientific exchange.
🌍 Professional Profile:
Scopus
🏆 Suitability for the Best Researcher Award :
Dr. Mihkel Koel is an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his lifelong dedication to innovation in analytical chemistry. With significant contributions to computer-aided chromatography and green chemistry, his research has advanced sustainable chemical analysis techniques globally. He has led major research projects, international scientific exchanges, and editorial work across leading journals. Recognized with national honors and global fellowships, Dr. Koel’s influence spans academia, industry, and policymaking. His pioneering methodologies, global collaborations, and commitment to sustainable science align perfectly with the core values of this award. As a thought leader and mentor, he continues to inspire new generations in chemistry and sustainable scientific development.
🎓 Education :
Dr. Mihkel Koel earned his degree in theoretical physics from Tartu State University (1967–1972). He later pursued postgraduate studies (1984–1989) at the Institute of Chemistry of the Estonian Academy of Sciences, where he specialized in analytical chemistry. His Candidate of Chemical Sciences degree was awarded in 1989 from Leningrad State University, Russia, for his dissertation on correlation chromatography. This strong foundation in both theoretical physics and analytical chemistry enabled him to bridge disciplines and innovate at the intersection of physical science and chemical analysis. His educational journey laid the groundwork for his groundbreaking contributions in electromigration, chromatographic separation, and sustainable analytical technologies.
🏢 Work Experience :
Dr. Koel began his research career in 1974 at the Institute of Chemistry of the Estonian Academy of Sciences as an engineer. Over the next several decades, he advanced through roles including junior researcher, senior scientist, and eventually lead research scientist at Tallinn University of Technology. He has participated in extended scientific exchanges at institutions like Duke University (USA), University of Helsinki (Finland), Vienna Technical University (Austria), and University of Lisbon (Portugal). A Fulbright Fellow and recipient of multiple international research grants, he has organized and chaired several global conferences on sustainable chemistry. Since 2005, he has served as the head of major analytical research efforts at Tallinn University of Technology.
🏅Awards and Honors
Dr. Koel has received numerous accolades recognizing his lifelong commitment to science. In 1991, he received the Scientific Award of the Estonian Republic for work in computer-aided chromatography. In 2006, he was awarded the Order of the White Star (IV class) for distinguished service to Estonia. Additional honors include the Golden Badge of Tallinn University of Technology (2004) and the Honorary Medal “Mente et Manu” (2018). He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, and a member of both the Estonian and American Chemical Societies. He has served on multiple editorial boards and organized leading international conferences, amplifying his influence in analytical and green chemistry worldwide.
🔬 Research Focus :
Dr. Mihkel Koel’s research centers on analytical chemistry, with particular emphasis on chromatographic separation, green chemistry, and electromigration techniques. His early work on correlation chromatography paved the way for automated chemical analysis, while his later studies introduced eco-friendly solvents and processes for sustainable chemical analytics. He has also contributed to capillary electrophoresis and ionic liquids for advanced biochemical detection. His research bridges theory and application, offering solutions for environmental monitoring, petrochemical analysis, and pharmaceutical testing. By integrating theoretical knowledge with real-world challenges, Dr. Koel’s work promotes green analytical methodologies, aligning science with sustainability goals and fostering global impact through education, research, and policy engagement.
Developments in analytical chemistry initiated from green chemistry
Cited by: 12 | Year: 2022
Ferrocene-Modified Resorcinol–Formaldehyde Aerogels
Cited by: 3 | Year: 2023
Preparation and characterization of lignin-derived carbon aerogels
Cited by: 5 | Year: 2023
Implementing greening into design in analytical chemistry
Cited by: 15 | Year: 2022
Extraction of bioactive compounds from Dipsacus fullonum leaves using deep eutectic solvents
Cited by: 16 | Year: 2022
Characterization of Organosolv Lignins and Their Application in the Preparation of Aerogels
Cited by: 23 | Year: 2022
Carbon Aerogel Platinum-Praseodymium Oxide Nanocatalyst for Methanol Oxidation in 0.5 M Sulfuric Acid
Cited by: 2 | Year: 2023
Editorial overview: A closer look on green developments in analytical chemistry: Green analytical chemistry is going mainstream
Cited by: 17 | Year: 2022
🔚 Conclusion
Prof. Mihkel Koel’s body of work is a testimony to sustained excellence, innovation, and global collaboration. His contributions to analytical and green chemistry have not only advanced the academic frontier but also directly impacted environmental sustainability and biochemical analysis practices.Given his robust research track, international acclaim, and national recognition, Prof. Mihkel Koel is an outstanding nominee for the Best Researcher Award.