Nuclear: a strategic industry serving Europe

20 – 21 June 2023 – Lyon, France

Mario Kadastik – Member of the Estonian Parliament

Mario Kadastik is a respected member of the Estonian Parliament and a dedicated advocate for nuclear energy. He founded and leads the Nuclear Energy Support Group, which promotes open, evidence-based discussions for the adoption of nuclear power as a reliable and sustainable energy source.

With a PhD in experimental particle physics, Mario has made notable contributions to the field. He has been an active participant in the CMS experiment at the European Center of Nuclear Physics (CERN) since 2004, including his involvement in the discovery of the Higgs boson in 2012. Additionally, Mario has served as the research director of Estonia’s renowned public research institute, KBFI, which has established a research field focused on safety studies related to nuclear engineering.

Beyond his expertise in nuclear energy, Mario has diverse interests. He leads the Parliamentary Space Delegation in the Estonian Parliament and has a keen interest in space technology and exploration. Furthermore, he possesses knowledge in artificial intelligence and large-scale data analysis, which he has applied to various research studies. Notably, Mario’s expertise was instrumental in modeling the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic within the Estonian population, supporting the government’s decision-making on prevention policies.

Prior to his parliamentary role, Mario held significant positions in the scientific community. He served as the president of the Estonian Youth Academy of Sciences from 2019 to 2021 and offered scientific advice as an advisor to the Minister of Education and Research from 2021 to 2022.

Mario Kadastik’s commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions, coupled with his scientific achievements, make him an influential figure in the field of nuclear energy and beyond. His leadership and dedication continue to shape Estonia’s scientific landscape and contribute to important discussions on the future of energy.