Topic: recognition 

Ahead of the anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, the University of Tartu announced the recipients of the contribution to society award, research award, language award and the teaching staff of the year awards for 2025.

The committee formed by the University of Tartu Student Union chose the recipients of the teaching staff of the year 2025 awards from among 100 nominees.

This year’s lifetime achievement award was granted to Martin Zobel. The annual awards for research completed and published over the last four years went to 16 researchers from the University of Tartu.

Ahead of this year’s Independence Day, President Alar Karis bestows Estonian state decorations on 203 people, 16 of whom are members of the university family.

On 23 January, the University of Tartu Foundation recognised the scholarship recipients of the autumn semester of 2025 and thanked the foundation’s donors in the White Hall of the University of Tartu Museum. Scholarships were awarded from 33 funds in a total amount exceeding €200,000.

At the conference “Teaching for learning 2026”, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Aune Valk presented the teaching awards and the teaching quality award of 2025.

At its general assembly the Estonian Academy of Sciences elected Rainis Haller as the new academician in the field of mathematics.

With the annual awards, the university aims to recognise its employees’ and students’ outstanding achievements in teaching, doing research and serving society.

Today, on 1 December, the University of Tartu celebrates the 106th anniversary of the founding of the Estonian-language university. At the anniversary ceremony of Estonia’s national university, this year’s recipient of the “Contribution to Estonian National Identity” award was announced – Professor emerita Ene-Margit Tiit.

On 27 November, the University of Tartu announced its teaching excellence ambassadors, who set an example for the entire university community. The title is given to recognise 20 academic staff members who develop their teaching based on evidence and support an open teaching culture that values learning.