Raili Nugin: In research, I am captivated by intellectual challenges
Every researcher is, in their own way, a traveler, and their path to science is never predetermined. It unfolds through a variety of experiences, experiments, and discoveries. Tallinn University's photo exhibition “The Unmapped Journey: An Individual’s Path to Science” highlights the unique journeys of 14 researchers. The exhibition is on display at the Astra Science Gallery, with portraits captured by renowned photographer Kaupo Kikkas. We’ll be sharing the stories of those featured in the exhibition, one by one.
Raili Nugin, Doctor of Sociology
Senior Scientist, Tallinn University School of Humanities
My path to science shows how seemingly arbitrary choices and acquaintances can steer professional development.
In the early 90s, I decided to study art history at the University of Tartu. My choice was not one that was set in stone from an early age but developed from an interest towards the humanities and society. I also considered applying for social studies, but I was scared off by the mandatory mathematics exam. As such, I opted for history, focusing on art history and its connections to society.
During my studies at the university, I greatly enjoyed the freedom to attend a variety of lectures. By combining world literature and art history, I got to delve deep into researching topics that connect various fields of humanities. The most inspiring lecturer in the art history courses for me was Jaak Kangilaski, whose ability to interweave art and societal processes gave me a much more insightful understanding of cultural contexts. This understanding evolved into my thesis, which was about Stalinist art policy.
While writing my thesis, I started working for the National Archives of Estonia. I found the job by complete accident. I walked into the Archives with a friend and asked if they had any open positions. Salaries there were quite low, and its workforce rather old, so young applicants like me were eagerly accepted. In the beginning, my tasks were simple, but as time progressed, my responsibilities grew. I started off as a security guard, followed by working in the reading room, then as a director’s advisor, and finally, as the archive’s information systems department manager. In this position, I received my first experiences in creating and managing systematic databases and team leading.
I understood quite quickly that I was not fit for leading positions with great responsibility. I decided to make a radical change in my career path and applied for a Master’s studies scholarship at the Central European University in Budapest. Even though I didn’t have any long-term academic goal, this choice became a significant turning point in my academic career. The university’s intensive studies, which involved reading hundreds of pages of materials for each seminar and many exercises in critical thought, opened up a new perspective on scientific analysis for me. I realised that history is not just about facts. It is at least as important to translate these facts in a broad theoretical and societal context.
After finishing my Master’s studies, I returned to Estonia. For a brief time, I worked as a conference organiser, followed by a position as the world news editor for the Estonian Radio. My career path soon led me to the Institute of International Social Studies, which operated near the Tallinn Pedagogical University, where I got to study cultural and societal change in detail. This deepened my fascination towards sociology. At first, I planned to start a Master’s degree in sociology, but thanks to the advice of my employer and later supervisor Aili Aarelaid-Tart, I pursued a PhD. I was initially afraid, as going into sociology as an art history graduate seemed like too great a leap. Because of this concern, I spent a year attending sociology Master’s lectures as an onlooker.
My PhD studies slowly shaped me into a scientist. I discovered the opportunities that scientific research provides for delving into difficult questions, analysing societal patterns and understanding communal behaviour. Currently, I work as a senior scientist at the Tallinn University School of Humanities. My research concerns rural and urban relations, networks and communities, memory and heritage and movement and migration.
In research, I am captivated by intellectual challenges. I wish more people knew how exciting and diverse science can be. Science and a sociological perspective form a significant part of my identity. I’m constantly analysing societal developmental trends and searching for new ways to apply or share my findings.
Career:
- Various positions at the Estonian National Archive – 4 years
- World news editor – 1 year
- Scientist – 22 years
Education:
2011 Tallinn University, Doctorate in Sociology
2001 Central European University, Master’s in Historical Studies
1998 University of Tartu, Bachelor’s in Art History