Sirje Karis was born on 9 August 1956 in Pärnu, Estonia.
She graduated as a historian from the University of Tartu and attended the master’s programme in culture management. Sirje Karis has more than 40 years of experience in the museum field. From 2006 to 2018, she was the director of the Estonian History Museum, and from 2018 to 2022, the director of Tartu City Museum. Sirje Karis is the chairperson of the council of the Estonian National Museum and a member of the Estonian Museum Association and the Estonian National Committee of ICOM (the International Council of Museums).
As First Lady, she stands for the mental health and well-being of children and young people. Sirje Karis is a patron of the SOS Children’s Village, the University of Tartu foundation, the Maternity Hospital Fund and the development of children and young talent.
Sirje Karis is a member of the committee for the National Identity Award of the University of Tartu; a member of the supervisory boards of the Tartu Cultural Endowment foundation; and a contributor to the work of the archive projects committee of the Compatriots Programme.
Sirje and Alar Karis have three children.