HANS ORRU // UNIVERSITY OF TARTU // PROFESSOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
»ENLIGHT is the best network!«
Meet Hans Orru, Professor of Environmental Health in the University of Tartu. Within his research, Hans has focused on air quality and climate change, but more recently also on the industrially contaminated areas, indoor air pollution, the health impact of noise, biomonitoring and health risk perception. Over the past 15 years of investigations, he has been involved in more than 30 research and applied science projects which have had a significant effect in raising public awareness about the health effects of the environment.
Hans Orru portrait (Photo by Andres Tennus)
What do you like the most about your current occupation?
HANS: I sometimes really feel that I can make a change. I have studied the health effects of air pollution, and there have been big improvements in air quality and related health effects in Estonia and elsewhere. Regarding urban greenness, we have recently managed to save several trees from cutting down in Tartu, and these examples have already been discussed in the ENLIGHT course. And most importantly, I see in my lectures and seminars young and motivated people who want to make the world a better place to live.
Have you ever lived and/or studied abroad?
HANS: I have spent quite a lot of time in Umeå, Northern Sweden. I did my PhD there, and later, my wife Kati Orru, who has also been actively involved in ENLIGHT, was a postdoc there.
How did you hear about ENLIGHT?
HANS: It already started with ENLIGHT 1.0. They were looking for someone who would be willing to represent the University of Tartu in the health and well-being group. The invitation was sent to our institute. Then I said I might look into what they were doing there ... and then it started snowballing 😊.
I have made great friends, met superb people to collaborate with, and I have already got partners in my new studies!
Have you been a part of any ENLIGHT activity/course? How would you describe your experience?
HANS: I think I have been teaching six ENLIGHT courses, but I might have already lost count 😊. Also, I led the health and well-being core group in ENLIGHT 1.0. Now again, I am the key ENLIGHT 2.0 person in our Medical faculty.
What motivated you to participate in ENLIGHT?
HANS: Usually, if I get into something, I will become really engaged with that. And the topics really related to my interests and the things I do.
Hiking (Photo: private collection)
How do you feel participation in ENLIGHT has changed your perception of collaboration/research/education?
HANS: I have always been into international collaboration, but the biggest advantage is the level and quality of ENLIGHT. On top of that, I have made great friends, met superb people to collaborate with and I have already got partners in my new studies!
What do you like to do in your free time?
HANS: My biggest passion is cross-country skiing. Unfortunately, we have snow for only a few months a year, so cycling is an alternative most of the year. My other hobbies are hiking and folk dance. But as we have four kids, free time is really limited, but we can do many other sports together.
Hans Orru cross-country skiing in the front (Photo by Adam Illingworth)
What is the best book you read in the past year?
HANS: Coming back to my previous answer, my free time is really limited. Usually, the books I read are children’s books, and sometimes, my older kids engage me in their books. This has happened with William Wenton, Explorer Academy and the Skandar series. But a show that recently really captivated me was the “White Collar” TV series.
If you were to recommend ENLIGHT to a colleague, what would you say?
HANS: This is the best network!