Kõik uudised

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.

Preliminary results of the International Student Barometer (ISB) show that international students are satisfied with their studies at the University of Tartu. They highlight strong academic quality, supportive learning conditions and the city of Tartu as an excellent living environment.

A cross-country skiing trail with natural snow has been opened in Maarjavälja, the area between Viljandi road and the Physicum and Chemicum buildings of the University of Tartu. All skiers are welcome to use the trail for free.

Recognition of the Institute of Chemistry's Outstanding Colleagues of 2025

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.

We wish our university community and friends a joyful holiday season and a Happy New Year!

In the recent call for the European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator Grants, University of Tartu researchers received funding for three projects: to study the climate impact of air pollution particles, the formation of cell patterns in plant leaves, and women’s hormonal sensitivity. Each grant amounts to nearly two million euros, and the projects last for five years.

Adult learners are welcome to participate in micro-degree programmes starting in the spring semester to acquire an additional specialisation or competence in a narrow field. Applications can be submitted until 25 January.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

On 27 October from 13–18, the University of Tartu development conference “A university for us, Estonia and the world” took place in the university assembly hall and online. Keynote speakers were Toomas Hendrik Ilves, Kersti Kaljulaid and Kristina Kallas.

The three-minute thesis competition for doctoral researchers, held at the University of Tartu Library on 22 October, featured 13 popular-science short lectures in Estonian and 14 in English.

Sel aastal pälvis 2025. aasta maineka Alan Roy Katritzky stipendiumi Märt Maasikas. Rääkisime Märdiga tema akadeemilisest teekonnast, teadustööst ning sellest, mida tunnustus talle tähendab.

The University of Tartu has a Student Union (UTSU) of nearly 140 members, which has been steadfastly standing for students’ rights and solving their concerns for years. Full of initiative, student representatives have brought numerous ideas to life within the university and drawn attention to various institutional shortcomings.