Uku Kangur

Uku Kangur

Estonian · European · Computer Scientist · Politics enthusiast

Hi, I'm Uku Kangur. I'm a computer scientist researching the multifaceted issue of misinformation on social media platforms. My focus is on understanding how false information originates, spreads, and can be mitigated, with the ultimate goal of fostering a more trustworthy digital landscape.

Currently, I am a PhD student at the University of Tartu Institute of Computer Science and working under the supervision of Andra Siibak and Rajesh Sharma.

Work Experience

  1. October 2023 – Present

    Founder

    Eerik's Island OÜ

    • Estonian organic tea brand based at the Eeriksaare farm in the Alam-Pedja forests, producing aromatic tea blends with traditional methods and sustainable agriculture
    • Also offers custom corporate gifts, business cooperation and franchising
  2. September 2023 – Present

    Junior Researcher

    University of Tartu, Institute of Computer Science

    • Conducting research in the domain of misinformation and hate speech on social media
    • Supervising and teaching classes in business data analytics and network science
  3. March 2023 – July 2023

    AI Development Internship

    European Commission (DG FISMA)

    • Developed functionality for DG FISMA's existing applications that makes use of AI algorithms to improve the user experience of the systems
    • Developed algorithms capable of reading vast amounts of texts and extracting keywords or tags that describe the topics described in the text
  4. June 2021 – June 2022

    Industry Collaboration Coordinator

    University of Tartu Institute of Computer Science

    • Coordinated communication and project planning for incoming R&D projects with enterprises
  5. September 2020 – September 2021

    Mathematics Teacher

    Tartu Herbert Masing School

    • Taught primary and secondary school mathematics as part of the Estonian mandatory civil service
  6. February 2020 – June 2021

    Innovation Centre Manager

    SEB Bank

    • Coordinated Baltic scientific cooperation, mainly with the University of Tartu
    • Developed Talents Program and iAcademy in partnership with the University of Tartu

Education

  1. September 2023 – Present

    Doctor of Philosophy – Computer Science

    University of Tartu

    Specialization
    Computational Social Science
    Supervisors
    Rajesh Sharma
  2. September 2022 – July 2023

    Bachelor of Arts – European Studies

    KU Leuven (unfinished due to starting PhD)

    Specialization
    Transnational Law and Politics
  3. September 2020 – June 2022

    Master of Science – Computer Science

    University of Tartu

    Specialization
    Theoretical Computer Science (Quantum Computing)
    Supervisors
    Javier Gil Vidal, Dirk Oliver Theis
  4. September 2017 – June 2020

    Bachelor of Science – Computer Science

    University of Tartu

    Specialization
    Theoretical Computer Science (Coding theory)
    Minor
    Economics
    Supervisors
    Vitaly Skachek, Boris Kudryashov, Irina Bocharova