Session Profile: Margit Sutrop
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
2024-04-16
Political Position
The political stance centers on the insufficient funding and support for fundamental research in the humanities compared to the natural and exact sciences. The speaker strongly advocates for the need to prioritize basic humanities research, noting that the current funding threshold for ETAG grants is far too low. This position is driven by policy and values, emphasizing the necessity of balanced development across all scientific disciplines.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the fields of research funding and academic policy, specifically citing ETAG grants and Ministry of Culture programs. They utilize technical terminology (fundamental sciences, creative economy) and underscore their affiliation with the university ("as someone from the university"). A concrete financial figure (6.1 million) concerning the ministry's support is also provided.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is very formal and respectful, beginning with sincere thanks for the hard work of the minister and the ministry ("thank you very much for this great work"). The speaker employs logical argumentation, comparing the proportions of research funding (humanities versus natural sciences), and presents their concern in the form of a question.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity indicates participation in a plenary session where a specific and detailed question concerning science policy and funding is posed to the minister.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is open and appreciative, praising the work accomplished by the Ministry of Culture and seeking dialogue with the minister regarding funding shortfalls. The speaker demonstrates a readiness to acknowledge the government's positive steps (e.g., support for the creative economy).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national research and culture policy and the funding of research institutions in Estonia, with specific reference to grants provided by ETAG (the Estonian Research Council).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic outlook involves investments in research related to the creative economy, thereby fostering the integration of science and the economy. At the same time, emphasis is also placed on the value of basic sciences, which may not be directly economically viable, but are crucial for the knowledge base.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue concerns the role and funding of the humanities within the Estonian research landscape, and the necessity of ensuring the sustainable development of these disciplines. This is more broadly connected to questions of education and research policy.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently aimed at adjusting the policy for distributing research funding and support (grants and stipends) in order to strengthen the position of the humanities. The speaker is acting more as a policy adjuster and funding initiator than as the proposer of new legislation.
1 Speeches Analyzed