Uudised

Estonian scientists are developing a DNA-based method of analysis that enables them to identify food components and specify the origin of a foodstuff.

Estonia became the world’s centre of mycology against all odds. Tartu hosts some of the brightest minds in modern mycology, a scientific study of fungi. Fungi refers to organisms like molds, rusts, mildews, smuts, mushrooms, and yeasts. Nine Estonian scientists were listed among the top 1% of most cited scientists in the world by Clarivate Analytics at the end of 2019. Other Baltic and Polish scientists combined are not as visible as Estonians.

University of Tartu researchers analysed the genomic sequences of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) taken from six Estonians. Compared to the initial virus strain that spread in China, researchers have identified eight mutations in Estonia that have been also found in other parts of the world and two mutations which so far seem to be unique to Estonia.

As a result of recent research, researchers of the University of Tartu and Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) have identified six compounds with an inhibiting effect on SARS-CoV-2. Researchers believe these antiviral compounds can benefit the whole world, as they can help the healthcare systems and the society to be better prepared for possible viral outbreaks in the future.

In a live interview on Wednesday, 13 May at 13:00, Rector of the University of Tartu Toomas Asser spoke how the university has coped with the crisis. The interview discussed how the University of Tartu scientists have helped the government during the emergency situation, and about the response to the virus outbreak in the Raatuse dormitory. In addition, the rector spoke of the university’s return to its normal rhythm of work. The live interview was held in Estonian. The recording has English subtitles.

The results of a study conducted by the University of Tartu on the prevalence of the coronavirus were presented to the Government Committee responsible for the emergency situation today. The results from the second week of the study continue to confirm the low prevalence of the virus in Estonia.

Admissions to the University of Tartu take place based on the schedule announced in winter. According to current plans, admission requirements will remain largely unchanged. The application period to Estonian-taught master’s programmes runs until 1 July. From 18 June to 1 July, applications are accepted to bachelor’s, professional higher education and integrated curricula, and from 1 May to 15 June, to doctoral programmes.

Teaching and studies at the university continue in online environments until the end of semester. To minimise the movement of students, we ask that all exams and pass/fail assessments be conducted online. If online classes are not enough for students to pass the course, face-to-face sessions are planned. In planning face-to-face learning, the following should be kept in mind:

On Tuesday, 5 May at 13:00, the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Aune Valk talked in a live webcast about when and how the university could resume regular teaching and studies, and what lies ahead of us before the end of the academic year. Among other issues, she discussed everything related to graduations; for example, graduation ceremonies, exams and theses. Watch the video with English subtitles:

The University of Tartu Startup Lab is inviting all student teams to participate in the pre-selection round of the students’ business ideas competition Kaleidoskoop on 14 May. To participate, the teams have to send a three-minute video pitch of their business idea. Ten best teams will be selected to the finals.

The University of Tartu and the company Selfdiagnostics are cooperating on developing a rapid SARS-CoV-2 test enabling more rapid detection of coronavirus infection at a lower price. The new rapid test will significantly increase testing capacity and deliver greater resource efficiency. The project has been awarded an EIT Health product development grant by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology.

At the beginning of April, research integrity counsellors started work at each faculty of the University of Tartu. They offer advice and support for university members who have questions about adhering to the principles of research integrity or suspect that research integrity has been violated.

A Tartu laboratory brings new hope for a greener future by transforming harmful gases into eco-friendly fuels, materials and chemicals. There is too much carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere and too much waste piling up in the world. At the same time, the need for sustainable production of fuels and chemicals is growing. These are some of the greatest challenges our planet is facing. It’s clear that we need to stop living in excess, but that’s not the only solution.

According to the latest information, no further positive coronavirus tests have been detected at the Tartu Raatuse dormitory. Separate zones have been created in the dormitory for those infected, those who have had contact with the infected, and those who are well. Residents whose test results were negative and who had not had any contact with infected residents were relieved of the restriction on movement today.

Six tenants of UT residence hall confirmed to have coronavirus. In connection with this we publish the address of the Rector of the University of Tartu in both text and video. Today we have received alarming news both for the University of Tartu and the entire Estonia. Students of the University of Tartu, who are tenants of the residence hall in Raatuse street, have been infected with coronavirus.

The University of Tartu will not hold graduation ceremonies this summer because these events usually attract crowds of people and close contact is impossible to avoid. Graduates receive their diplomas in their institute/unit in the second half of June. Detailed information on the time and place will be sent to all graduates and posted on the university’s website. If necessary, you can authorise another person to collect your diploma, or have the diploma sent to you by mail.

Dear students and members of the teaching staff, On 15 April, several media channels wrote about the court case between a UT alumnus and a member of the teaching staff over an insulting comment in the confidential course feedback questionnaire. Understandably, this has shaken the trust in the feedback system and pointed to problems we want to avoid in the future. On the other hand, it is clear that the university cannot develop without substantial feedback.

All courses in which online teaching can be organised will continue in this format until the end of the semester. If coronavirus recedes, we hope we can resume classroom teaching for small groups, similarly to schools, in the second half of May. This concerns practical classes and, if necessary, exams – i.e. activities that are difficult or impossible to perform over the computer.

On Tuesday, 14 April at 13.00, a live Estonian interview was held with the UT Professor of Psychology of Religion Tõnu Lehtsaar on how to maintain mental balance in the emergency situation and adapt to the changed learning environment. The broadcast also included a recorded interview with Psychologist Kaia Kastepõld-Tõrs from the UT Counselling Centre, who commented on which problems students tend to have in the emergency situation and how to solve them. Watch the video with English subtitles:

In a Teams Live Event on 31 March at 14, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Aune Valk spoke about teaching and studies during the emergency situation and answered the questions posted by UT staff members and students.