Uudised

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

As possible ways forward, participants proposed strengthening digital and health literacy, providing institutional support for professionals, and raising awareness among both healthcare workers and patients.

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.

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.

Selged ja adressaadiga arvestavad, teaduspõhised, ent inimeste toimevõimekuse suhtes lugupidavad sõnumid toetavad suhtluses osalejate vastastikust usaldust ning abistavad inimesi informeeritud terviseotsuste tegemisel.

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.

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.

Presentation of misleading environmental claims has become one of the major communication problems.

University of Tartu semioticians Andreas Ventsel and Mari-Liis Madisson, along with Junior Research Fellow in Information Resilience Diana Poudel, have developed tools for enhancing critical digital literacy in cooperation with international partners. The practical materials are designed for use in higher education, schools, companies and organisations to support navigating the digital landscape and countering the spread of disinformation.

In June 2025, the University of Tartu Academic Sports Club conducted a survey on the physical activity habits of the university community.

The Faculty of Social Sciences gave out awards to outstanding support staff at the opening ceremony for the academic year.

All university staff and students are invited to nominate candidates who deserve to be awarded the university’s honorary decoration for their outstanding achievements.

The new collection shows how emotions and affects shape political identities, amplify polarisation in times of crisis, and often turn public debate into emotional confrontation. „Power of Emotions. On the Affective Constitution of Political Struggle“ is edited by Andreas Ventsel, Professor of Political and Sociosemiotics at the University of Tartu, and Peeter Selg, Professor of Governance and Political Analysis at Tallinn University.

The mentoring programme that has been popular in the previous years will be held again this autumn semester.

The academic year will start on 1 September at 10:00 in room 203 at Lossi 36, Tartu.

Ragne Kõuts-Klemm plaanib ka uuel juhtimisperioodil toetada ja arendada silmapaistvat teadus- ja õppetööd.

The University of Tartu’s opening ceremony of the 2025/2026 academic year will take place on the corner of Lossi and Ülikooli streets at Pirogov square on Monday, 1 September at 10:00.