Alar Karis is a scientist who led two universities, the National Audit Office and the Estonian National Museum before becoming President. His term was defined by Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, and by his insistence on the Estonian language, culture and science as the foundations of the state.
AK
VI · Sixth President of the Republic
Alar Karis
Molecular geneticist, university rector, Auditor General and museum director. President through Russia's war on Ukraine.
- In office
- 11 October 2021 – 12 October 2026 · One term
- Born
- 26 March 1958
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Biography
At a glance
- Born
- 26 March 1958, Tartu
- Father
- Harry Karis, botanist
- Spouse
- Sirje Karis (married 1977)
- Children
- Three
- Profession
- Molecular geneticist, professor
Education
- Estonian Agricultural Academy, 1981
- Candidate of Veterinary Sciences, Minsk, 1987
Career
- from 1999Professor at the University of Tartu
- 2003–2007Rector of the Estonian University of Life Sciences
- 2007–2012Rector of the University of Tartu
- 2013–2018Auditor General
- 2018–2021Director of the Estonian National Museum
Presidency
- Elected by the Riigikogu on 31 August 2021 as the sole candidate, with 72 votes. Took office on 11 October 2021.
- A steady voice for support of Ukraine after Russia's full-scale invasion of 24 February 2022.
- In December 2023 refused to proclaim a law he considered unconstitutional; the Supreme Court agreed with him in 2024.
- Announced in Rapla on 23 June 2026 that he would not seek a second term.
In their words
Estonia's culture is our defence against darkness; it is our national identity.
Books and works
- 1980s–2000sResearch papers
Scientific publications in molecular genetics and developmental biology
Later life
- Left office on 12 October 2026.
During the term
Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine
The largest war in Europe since 1945.
The arrival of generative AI
The public release of ChatGPT brings artificial intelligence into everyday use.
Most votes cast online
For the first time, more than half of the votes in the Riigikogu elections are cast over the internet.
Finland and Sweden join NATO
Finland in April 2023, Sweden in March 2024.
War in the Middle East
Hamas attacks Israel and war in Gaza follows.
Marriage equality
Estonia becomes the first former Soviet country to allow same-sex couples to marry.
Tartu, European Capital of Culture
Tartu and southern Estonia host a year of culture under the theme Arts of Survival.
Ukraine's path to the EU
The European Union opens accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova.
Europe's chief diplomat
Kaja Kallas becomes the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
Connected to Europe's power grid
With Latvia and Lithuania, Estonia leaves the Russian-controlled grid and synchronises with continental Europe.
NATO raises its sights
At The Hague, allies commit to spending 5 per cent of GDP on defence and security by 2035.
Sources
This profile is compiled from the English and Estonian Wikipedia articles and the Office of the President, as of October 2026.