With deep sorrow and heartfelt respect, we are profoundly saddened to announce that Professor Tanel Kerikmäe, Director of the Law Institute at Tallinn University of Technology, Professor of European Legal Policy and Technology Law, and Honorary Professor of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, passed away unexpectedly in early days of August 2025.
Professor Kerikmäe was born on 15 August 1969 in Tartu, Estonia. He was widely recognized as an innovative and visionary scholar with a forward-looking mindset and an open, inclusive academic spirit. His scholarly legacy left a profound impact in the fields of European legal studies, digital governance, and the legal regulation of artificial intelligence.
Thanks to his strong and sustained support, numerous lecturers from our Faculty had the opportunity to study, conduct research, and teach in Estonia and Switzerland under various projects funded by the European Union. Since 2017, Professor Kerikmäe had also actively contributed to postgraduate teaching, doctoral supervision, and collaborative academic initiatives at Ho Chi Minh City University of Law.
In 2019, in recognition of his sincere and enduring contributions to the university’s academic development and international partnerships, he was awarded the title of Honorary Professor by Ho Chi Minh City University of Law.
We will always remember him not only as an outstanding scholar but also as a true reformer in legal education. His image and spirit will forever remain in the hearts of his colleagues and students at the Faculty of International Law, Ho Chi Minh City University of Law.
Rest in peace, dear Professor Tanel Kerikmäe.