Merilyn MERISTO

Merilyn Meristo is Professor of Language Didactics at Tallinn University and Head of the Foreign Language Teacher Master’s Programme. Her research focuses on the psychology of language learning and teaching, particularly language learning strategies, metalinguistic awareness, self-regulation in language learning, motivation, and teacher development, as well as on L2/L3 acquisition and heritage languages.

She leads the LocalLing project, an international and interdisciplinary research initiative on local heritage languages.

At Tallinn University, she coordinates foreign language teacher education across ten foreign languages. In addition, she teaches research methodology at both BA and MA levels and supervises MA and PhD students. She is also involved in a national research project on Estonian as L2 and several international projects.

She collaborates with educational stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education and Research, and participates in international research networks focusing on language education and multilingualism. She is a board member of the International Association for the Psychology of Language Learning (IAPLL) and Vice-Head of the Estonian Language Council.

Maris SAAGPAKK

Maris Saagpakk is an Associate Professor of German Cultural History and Literature. Her research focuses on Baltic German literature and culture, Estonian translation history, autobiographical writing, cultural transfer, postcolonial studies, and the use of Linguistic landscape for teaching foreign languages and researching local heritage languages.

She has published over 70 academic publications, including journal articles, book chapters, and edited volumes with international publishers. She has received scholarships and fellowships from the Robert Bosch Foundation, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), and the Fulbright Program. 

Saagpakk is currently involved in two European Commission–funded projects: Revitalisation of Linguistic Diversity and Cultural Heritage and Literary Multilingualism and Social Transformations in Superdiverse Societies.