Profile Text
Place of Birth: Tartu, Estonian SSR (now Estonia)
Date of Birth: 26 March, 1958
Ethnicity: Estonian
Alar Karis is an Estonian molecular geneticist, developmental biologist, civil servant, and politician. He has been President of Estonia , since 11 October, 2021. He has also been Rector of the Estonian University of Life Sciences, from 2003 to 2007, Rector of the University of Tartu, from 3 July, 2007 to 30 June, 2012, Auditor General of Estonia, from 7 April, 2013 to 7 March, 2018, and Director of the Estonian National Museum, from 9 April, 2018 to 7 September, 2021.
He is the son of Virve (Kelder), an agriculture specialist in animal nutrition, and Harry Karis, a botanist. President Karis is married to museologist Sirje Jädal, with whom he has three children. He is fluent in English and Russian.
President Karis’ patrilineal ancestry can be traced back to his fourth great-grandfather, Nigulas.
President Karis’ paternal grandfather was Ernst Kreisson (later Karis, the son of Jüri Kreisson and Maria Seebald). Ernst was born in Järavere, Pilistvere, Viljandi. Jüri was the son of Jaan Kreisson and Eva Sütz. Maria was the daughter of Juhan Seebald and Marri Blüm.
President Karis’ paternal grandmother was Anette Elise Agabus (the daughter of Johannes Agabus and Liso Seebald). Anette was born in Päinurme, Järva. Johannes was the son of Maddis Agabus and Ann Hüner. Liso was the younger sister of Maria Seebald, making President Karis’ paternal grandparents first cousins.
President Karis’ maternal grandfather was Vilhelm Kelder (the son of Alfred Kelder and Maria Tiislär). Vilhelm was born in Haanja, Võru. Alfred was the son of Jaan Kelder and Madli Kõiv. Maria was the daughter of Ado Tiislär and Mai Piir.
President Karis’ maternal grandmother was Vilhelmine Ravel (the daughter of Rein Rawel and Amalie Summer). Rein was the son of Jaan Rawel and Ann Kessa. Amalie was the daughter of Hindrik Summer and Mina Maido.
President Karis’ matrilineal ancestry can be traced to his fourth great-grandmother, Truta (1794, Torma, Jõgeva County – ?).
Source: Genealogy of Alar Karis – https://www.geni.com