Ain-Elmar Kaasik
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Ain-Elmar Kaasik | |
|---|---|
 Kaasik in 2009 | |
| Born | 2 August 1934 Tallinn, Estonia |
| Died | 30 January 2026 (aged 91) |
| Alma mater | University of Tartu |
| Known for | Research on cerebral blood flow and brain metabolism in acute brain injury |
| Awards | Order of the White Star, 3rd Class (1998) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Neurology, Neurosurgery |
| Institutions | University of Tartu; Tartu University Hospital |
Ain-Elmar Kaasik (2 August 1934 – 30 January 2026) was an Estonian neurologist and neurosurgeon who was a professor at the University of Tartu.[1][2] He was a member of the Estonian Academy of Sciences from 1993 and served as its vice-president from 2004 to 2009.[1][2]
Kaasik was born in Tallinn on 2 August 1934. He grew up in the Nõmme district and graduated from Nõmme Gymnasium in 1953.[2] He studied medicine at the University of Tartu, graduating in 1959.[1][2]
After postgraduate training in neurology and neurosurgery, he defended his Candidate of Medical Sciences thesis in 1967 and his Doctor of Medical Sciences thesis in 1972.[1][2] His doctoral dissertation was titled Extracellular acidosis of the brain and its pathophysiological significance.[3]
Career
After graduating, Kaasik worked at Põltsamaa hospital for two years.[1][2] In 1961 he began working at the University of Tartu's Neurology Clinic (now part of Tartu University Hospital), including as a neurosurgeon and intensive-care physician.[1]
He joined the university's academic staff in 1968 and became professor in 1975.[1][2] At the University of Tartu he held leadership posts including dean of the Faculty of Advanced Training for Doctors (1975–1980) and dean of the Faculty of Medicine (1984–1989).[3] He served as head of the Neurology Clinic from 1984 to 1996 and was professor emeritus from 1999.[1][2]
Kaasik was elected to the Estonian Academy of Sciences in 1993 and was vice-president of the academy from 2004 to 2009.[1][2]
Research
Kaasik's research focused on disorders of cerebral blood flow and metabolism in acute brain injury, and on the epidemiology and diagnosis of neurological diseases.[1] He carried out research collaboration at Lund University in 1967–1968 in the laboratory of Bo K. Siesjö.[1]
According to Eesti Arst, he was among the most cited Estonian medical scientists in 1976–1980.[1] Eesti Arst also credits him with contributing to the development of surgical methods for treating Parkinson's disease in Tartu.[1]
Death
Kaasik died on 30 January 2026, at the age of 91.[4]
Honours and awards
- Order of the White Star, 3rd Class (1998).[5][6]
- Estonian State Science Prize for long-term productive research and development (2003).[7]
- University of Tartu Grand Medal (1999).[8]
