EXOHOST strengthened research capacity through structured knowledge transfer, expert visits, staff exchanges, advanced training, and joint pilot research activities. Researchers at Tartu Observatory received hands-on training in modern spectroscopic analysis, advanced statistical methods, and exoplanet science.
The project delivered multiple international workshops and a large-scale Summer School on planet formation and planetary populations, providing advanced training in stellar spectroscopy, observing techniques, and exoplanet research. More than 30 scientific visits between partner institutions enabled effective knowledge transfer and laid the foundation for long-term collaboration.
A key achievement was the introduction of state-of-the-art data analysis tools into everyday research practice. New open-source software solutions were implemented to improve the accuracy and reliability of stellar measurements. These tools are now embedded in the Observatory’s research workflow and are openly available to the wider scientific community.
Pilot research projects demonstrated how the newly acquired expertise can be applied in practice. Studies examined how material from planet-forming disks can alter stellar surface composition, how life-relevant chemical elements are distributed in young planetary systems, and how stellar properties influence planet formation.
The consortium organised high-profile international events, including the ESA Ariel Mission Consortium meeting in Tartu and the EXOHOST Final Conference “Exploring Star–Planet–Disk Connections,” significantly increasing the international visibility of Estonian space research.
Training in research management and proposal preparation led to concrete funding success: the University of Tartu secured new Horizon Europe and ESA-related projects and increased its participation in international observing proposals.
