Uudised

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 1 December, the 106th anniversary of Estonia’s national university, 142 doctoral degrees were conferred.

On 28 November, the council of the Institute of Computer Science at the University of Tartu elected Jaak Vilo as the next head of the institute. His term begins on 1 January 2026.

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.

From 26 November to 2 December, donations are invited to the University of Tartu Seventh Pillar Fund, which offers scholarships for young researchers and outstanding students.

Today, on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the main building is lit up in orange. On the initiative of the President Kaljulaid Foundation, buildings in Estonian cities are illuminated in shades of orange to draw attention to the issue of domestic abuse and call everyone to notice, care and take action.

University of Tartu computer scientists have developed artificial intelligence based tools that help companies in Ida Viru County use technology in their day to day operations. These solutions aim to make data driven planning and decision making simpler, more transparent and accessible to all.

As part of a European Research Council (ERC) Synergy Grant project, archaeologist Mari Tõrv from the University of Tartu will study how hunter-gatherers across the Northern hemisphere achieved significant population growth and social complexity long before agriculture and cattle farming became the dominating way of life. Tõrv’s research team will contribute to the project with material analysis from the Baltic region.

On 21 November, Rector Toomas Asser handed over the university’s this year’s 123 honorary decorations. This marked the beginning of the traditional events of the 106th anniversary of Estonia’s national university.

On 21 November, the University of Tartu senate decided to make nominations for the national research awards of the Republic of Estonia.

On 11 November, the European Institute of Technology and Innovation (EIT) selected the consortium to lead a new Knowledge and Innovation Community in the field of water, marine and maritime sectors and ecosystems (EIT Water). Among the founding partners is the Estonian Marine Institute of the University of Tartu.

On 12 November, the Estonian Research Council recognised outstanding science communicators at its annual science communication conference.

On 12 November, at the Estonian Research Council’s annual science communication conference, the traditional science popularisation awards and special prizes were presented to those who speak about science in an inspiring way.

From the University of Tartu, 110 students and 205 staff members signed up for the step challenge that took place from 1 to 31 October.

Estonia, under the lead of the University of Tartu, has become the first member state of the consortium developing the European Spallation Source to deliver all in-kind contributions for ESS construction.

University of Tartu Professor of Nanomedicine Tambet Teesalu has become the first Estonian researcher to receive a Synergy Grant from the European Research Council, which supports collaboration of top-level research teams in tackling highly complex and ambitious scientific challenges.

We asked four recipients of honorary decorations to share what makes the University of Tartu special to them.

On 31 October, the senate of the University of Tartu decided to award the University of Tartu Grand Medal to former rector, Professor emeritus Jaak Aaviksoo, Professor Marlon Gerardo Dumas Menjivar, Professor Kalle Kirsimäe, and Professor Ivo Leito. The recipients of the University of Tartu Star of Appreciation, Medal, Badge of Distinction and the decoration “100 Semesters at the University of Tartu” have also been selected.