Flyura Djurabekova

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The University of Tartu has conferred the degree of Honorary Doctor on Professor Flyura Djurabekova for her outstanding achievements in the study of vacuum arcs and for her contribution to involving the University of Tartu into the international research environment of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN).

Flyura Djurabekova was born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in 1969. She was awarded a doctoral degree in physics and mathematics by the Arifov Institute of Electronics in Tashkent in 1999. During her scientific career, she has worked in Japan, Uzbekistan, and Belgium. Since 2007, she has been affiliated with the University of Helsinki, where she was appointed Professor of Materials Research for Extreme Environments in 2019. Since 2020, she has held the positions of Head of the Materials Physics Division, Vice-Head of the Department of Physics, and director of the bachelor’s programme in Science. She has also served as vice-director of the doctoral programme in Materials Research and Nanosciences and is currently the vice-chair of the council of the Faculty of Science at the University of Helsinki.

Professor Djurabekova’s most significant scientific achievements include the introduction of advanced atomistic simulation methods – including quantum mechanical, analytical, and machine-learning approaches – into vacuum arc research, as well as the application of atomistic and electronic modelling methods to investigate the effects of swift heavy ions on materials. Professor Djurabekova’s approach has led to breakthroughs and insights into how intense excitation modifies material properties, enabling the synthesis of complex three-dimensional nanostructures through unique mechanisms. Her pioneering methods have established her as a leading researcher in the field.

Research into vacuum arcs has far-reaching implications for accelerator physics, health technologies, medicine, cancer treatment, energy systems, next-generation electron microscopy, lithography, and other fields. The international scientific community studying vacuum arcs has developed strong connections around the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). Professor Djurabekova has initiated the internationally recognised Mechanisms of Vacuum Arcs (MeVArc) conference series at CERN.

Research on vacuum arcs at the University of Tartu has its origins in a longstanding collaboration with Flyura Djurabekova. For example, she has participated in the CERN Baltic School of High-Energy Physics and Accelerator Technologies in Estonia. The partnership has enabled our scientists to establish contacts with researchers at CERN and the Compact Linear Collider (CLIC) network, the University of Helsinki, Uppsala University, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the Sandia National Laboratories, and numerous other research institutions. The collaboration has led to the successful completion and defence of numerous joint doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s theses. These research activities have also provided opportunities for students to participate in CERN Summer Student Programmes, have laid foundations for the careers of several experts in advanced technologies, and contributed significantly to Estonia’s successful accession to CERN as a full Member State in 2024. With Professor Djurabekova’s support, the University of Tartu has organised two MeVArc conferences in collaboration with CERN.

Through her outstanding scientific work and valuable international collaboration, Professor Djurabekova has contributed significantly to enhancing the visibility and scientific reputation of the University of Tartu and Estonia, both within CERN and across the international research community.