Estonian chemist and academic who made significant contributions to the development of organic chemistry, particularly in the field of terpene research. Known for his work on the structure and properties of terpenes.
Paul Kogerman, an Estonian chemist, is renowned for being the founder of modern research in oil shale, a pioneering feat that has left an indelible mark on the scientific community. His groundbreaking work in the field of organic chemistry has paved the way for major breakthroughs in the extraction and utilization of oil shale, a vital energy source.
Born on December 5, 1891, in Tallinn, Estonia, Kogerman came from a humble background, his father being a gas factory worker and former sailor. He attended elementary school from 1901 to 1904 and later enrolled in a town school from 1904 to 1908. After completing his basic education, Kogerman worked as a teacher in church manors near Tallinn to support himself.
In 1913, he graduated from the Alexander Gymnasium in Tallinn as an extern, and later pursued higher education at the University of Tartu, where he earned a degree in chemistry in 1918. During the Estonian War of Independence, Kogerman fought in a unit of Tallinn teachers, demonstrating his patriotic spirit.
Kogerman's academic excellence earned him a state scholarship to study at the Imperial College London from 1919 to 1920. He received the qualification of chemical technologist from the University of London in May 1921 and later earned his Master of Sciences degree in 1922.
Returning to Estonia, Kogerman began his academic career at the University of Tartu, where he defended his Masters thesis on the thermal decay of oil shale in 1922. He was subsequently elected docent of Organic Chemistry and later became an extraordinary professor in 1924 and a full professor in 1925.
Kogerman's research focus on oil shale led him to explore its thermal decomposition, which paved the way for the development of new methods for oil shale extraction. His work also delved into the combining and polymerization reactions of isolated double bond dienes, a crucial area of research in organic chemistry.
Kogerman's outstanding contributions to the field of chemistry earned him several prestigious honors, including the presidency of the Estonian Naturalists Society from 1929 to 1936. He was also selected to the Estonian Academy of Sciences in 1938 and reselected in 1946 as a member of the Academy of Sciences of the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic.
Paul Kogerman's pioneering work in oil shale research has left a lasting impact on the scientific community, inspiring future generations of chemists and researchers to build upon his groundbreaking discoveries. His legacy serves as a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and innovative thinking, continuing to inspire and influence the field of organic chemistry to this day.
83 Years Old
Estonian physician and politician who served as the Minister of Health and Labour from 1999 to 2002, known for his healthcare reforms and contributions to Estonia's EU accession.
86 Years Old
Estonian geographer and politician who served as the 10th Prime Minister of Estonia, known for his role in the country's transition to independence from Soviet rule. He's also a prominent environmentalist and advocate for sustainable development.
