Jarek Kurnitski is an Estonian engineering researcher and academic leader renowned for his work in building physics, energy performance, and indoor climate studies. He is a tenured Professor of Energy Efficient Buildings and Indoor Environment at Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), where he also serves as Vice-Rector for Research. In addition to his TalTech professorship, he holds an adjunct professorship at Aalto University in Finland. His research focuses on nearly zero-energy buildings, ventilation and indoor air quality, building simulation, and sustainability assessment criteria. Kurnitski has published extensively, with hundreds of peer-reviewed articles and contributions to international guidelines and standards. He has been deeply involved in European standardisation efforts related to energy performance of buildings and indoor climate, including work with CEN, WHO, CIB, ISIAQ, and REHVA.
Since 2018, he has been a member of the Estonian Academy of Sciences in the field of engineering. Throughout his career, Kurnitski’s research has informed national and international policies on energy efficiency and building performance. He has also served in leadership roles in professional societies and editorial boards of major journals in the field. Through his academic, research, and organisational work, Kurnitski has played a pivotal role in advancing sustainable and high-performance building science in Europe.