Meet our Team

Nadezda Kongi
group leader
​nadezda.kongi@ut.ee
curriculum vitae

Ritums Cepitis
PhD student
ritums.cepitis@ut.ee
curriculum vitae

Akmal Kosimov
PhD student
akmal.kosimov@ut.ee
curriculum vitae

Gulnara Yusibova
PhD student
​gulnara.yusibova@ut.ee
curriculum vitae
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Mahsa Amiri
PhD student
mahsa.amiri@ut.ee

Jürgen-Martin Assafrei
MSc student
curriculum vitae

Amina Aliyeva
MSc student
amina.aliyeva@ut.ee

Ivan Tito Wojsiat Boere R C Souza
BSc student
ivan.tito.wojsiat.boere.r.c.souza@ut.ee

Gunel Mammadova
MSc student

KongiLab VALUES

Welcoming and supportive environment: We celebrate that everyone is unique and strive to maintain a friendly atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. We recognize the mutual benefits of taking an interest in each other’s research, development, and well-being.
We value the importance of mentorship, teaching, and camaraderie within the group. We endeavor to foster an atmosphere of unity where all group members help each other to achieve our goals.
Equality, diversity, and inclusion: All lab members are treated equally. Discrimination based on gender, age, race, disabilities, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, accent, national origin, etc., is not tolerated. Open discussion on the challenges facing underrepresented groups, and the steps that can be taken to overcome these, are actively encouraged.
Zero-tolerance on harassment, bullying, and discrimination: All group members must respect each other. This is essential to maintaining a safe and productive working environment. Group members should look out for each other and be receptive if approached by anyone who has experienced harassment, bullying, or discrimination.
We are committed to lab safety: A safe working environment is critical to a functioning laboratory. Hazard assessments must be conducted before any practical work, and the group discusses lab safety weekly. All members should be careful and considerate when carrying out practical work.
Work-life balance: As scientists, we must look after our well-being by developing sustainable working practices and having a good work-life balance. We recognize that good mental and physical health is vital and that time away from work is required to maintain both. It is also essential to practice self-kindness by managing expectations and breaking tasks into achievable goals.
Open, transparent, and respectful communication: Direct communication and honesty are particularly valued within the group. Working in research can be filled with highs and lows, and everyone is encouraged to share these moments. Through open discussion, we hope to normalize making mistakes and asking for help when needed.
Open communication on mental health: In our group, we promote an open and inclusive environment around mental health. Unfortunately, mental health problems can be more prevalent in academia. Group members are strongly encouraged to talk to someone and seek help if they suffer from mental health issues.
Intellectual rigor and integrity: We strive to perform rigorous, ethical, and transparent research at the forefront of its field. We aim to be critical of our results and make our research and data accessible, conscious of others who may benefit from our work in the future.
Sustainability: Our group aims to understand and improve materials that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and tackle the climate change crisis. Within the lab, we are committed to sustainability and reducing waste where possible.