Annual awards

Contribution to society award

2023

The contribution to society award 2023 is for “Moepööre”, a project combining Estonian language learning with sustainable fashion and entrepreneurship studies.

Fashion designers, tailors and dressmakers, designers and cultural managers from Ida-Viru County took part in the programme, which gave them new knowledge about creative entrepreneurship and an opportunity to learn and practise the Estonian vocabulary of the fashion industry and entrepreneurship. At the end of the programme, the participants created their own collection and presented it on stage in a fashion show, involving the local community.

The awardees are from Viljandi Culture Academy: Project Manager Lembe Lahtmaa, Junior Lecturer in Materials Studies Diana Tuulik and Juko-Mart Kõlar, Director of Viljandi Culture Academy.

Research award

2023

The research award 2023 is for creating a comprehensive approach to the processes that have influenced and continue to influence the cultural, linguistic and genetic development of the Estonian people.

To better understand the cultural, linguistic and genetic development of the hunter-gatherers who arrived in the territory of Estonia into the digital people of the 21st century, the university’s archaeologists, historians, geneticists, linguists, folklorists, ethnologists, geologists and geographers have placed information from science, linguistics and archaeology together into historical context. The results are presented on the website eestijuured.ee.

The award goes to Associate Professor of Archaeology Mari Tõrv, Professor of Archaeology Valter Lang, Professor of Archaeogenomics Kristiina Tambets, Professor of History and Dialects of Estonian Language Karl Pajusalu, Junior Research Fellow in Archaeology Silvia-Kristiin Kask, and Project Manager Sandra Sammler.

Language award

2023

The language award 2023 is for the Estonian-language university textbook “Rakubioloogia” (Cell Biology).

The textbook provides a systematic and up-to-date overview of modern cell biology, covering also developmental biology, immunology, tumour formation and histology. By compiling the cell biology textbook in cooperation with a hundred contributors and 31 co-authors, considerable work was done to create and update specialised Estonian terms and promote their use. This will help preserve the sustainability of scientific thinking in the Estonian language.

The award goes to Vivarium Manager Sulev Kuuse and Professor of Cell Biology Toivo Maimets.

Contribution to society award

2022

The contribution to society award 2022 is for raising public awareness of insufficient funding for higher education and research in Estonia.

On the University of Tartu Student Union's initiative, students from six Estonian universities organised a student shadowing day during which they introduced the universities' everyday life and concerns to members of the Riigikogu. One of the initiatives the students took to draw attention to their difficult economic situation was the pilot project of the student canteen at Hugo Treffner Gymnasium. They achieved the highest visibility through the loud coin-jingling at the opening ceremony of the academic year, expressing the urgent need for more money in higher education. The award goes to the University of Tartu Student Union and its President Katariina Sofia Päts.

Research award

2022

The research award 2022 is for holograms that help children overcome the fear of hospitals and reduce pain levels.

The special value of the innovation lies in the fact that the hologram characters shown to children at Estonian hospitals speak Estonian. The research project has received support from the University of Tartu Feasibility Fund.

The award goes to Associate Professor of Paediatric Neuropsychology Anneli Kolk and her team: Junior Research Fellow in Paediatric Neurology Alina Roštšinskaja, Research Fellow of Paediatric Neuropsychology Marianne Saard, Psychologist at the Children's Clinic of Tartu University Hospital Liisa Uutsalu and students of the Faculty of Medicine Triinu-Liis Loit, Kätlin Kits and Christen Kööp.

Language award

2022

The language award 2022 is for engaging volunteers to teach Estonian to Ukrainian war refugees.

Linguists at the University of Tartu developed a programme to help Ukrainians learn Estonian. Student volunteers helped Ukrainian children learn Estonian and adapt to school, and also taught adults. The particular value of the programme designed for Ukrainians lies in the possibility of using it as a model for bringing learners and teachers together in similar situations.

The award goes to Associate Professor of Psycholinguistics Virve-Anneli Vihman and her team: Senior Specialist in Geology, Programme Director for Geology and Environmental Technology Kairi Põldsaar; Associate Professor of Estonian as Foreign Language Mare Kitsnik; Junior Lecturer in Developmental and School Psychology Ada Urm; Research Fellow in Mordvin Languages Denys Teptiuk and Senior Specialist for International Marketing, a doctoral student in Estonian and Finno-Ugric Linguistics Anna Branets.

2023

Best teaching staff award of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities

Associate Professor of English Language Jane Klavan

She is an incredibly pleasant, approachable and active lecturer who cares about her courses and her students, supports students' independence and values the creation of an environment based on trust. Jane Klavan's lectures and seminars are never monotonous or boring, as she uses a variety of methods to reinforce what she has taught and inspires learning through creative homework assignments. Although attendance is not compulsory in many of her courses, the auditorium is always full, which shows the effectiveness of her teaching: she motivates students with her great work ethic. Jane Klavan appreciates student feedback, knows everyone by name and approaches every problem in a sympathetic and practical way.

Best teaching staff award of the Faculty of Social Sciences

Teacher of Social Work Valter Parve

He is a dignified lecturer who puts his heart into his work and is undeniably an expert in his field. Valter Parve knows that learning is based on cooperation. He encourages students to ask questions and always answers thoroughly and with good humour. His enthusiasm and inspiration ignite a passion for social work in the hearts of all. In addition to teaching the basic courses of the curriculum of Administration of Social Work and Rehabilitation, Valter Parve tries to help first-year students settle into university life. Students do not want to miss his lectures for they connect professional knowledge and life wisdom: practical examples help understand the subject matter and the importance of social work.

Best teaching staff award of the Faculty of Medicine

Lecturer in Human Anatomy Helen Zirnask

She is responsible for one of the most challenging courses for first-year students, which is simplified by her sense of humour and manner of presentation. In spite of the large study volume of her course, learning anatomy is somewhat easier thanks to Helen Zirnask, because the practical classes have a good learning environment and atmosphere. Her excellent temperament makes even seemingly frightening visits to the autopsy room bearable. Although the study material is complex, the lecturer maintains a light and positive approach and gives real-life examples from her own work experience. Even at eight o'clock in the morning, students come to her class in a good mood and with a smile on their faces. Helen Zirnask keeps constant contact with students and treats them with understanding. By highlighting the key mistakes of previous learners, she helps current learners not to repeat them.

Best teaching staff award of the Faculty of Science and Technology

Lecturer in Colloidal and Environmental Chemistry Edith Viirlaid

She is flexible in her work and gives students the opportunity to learn and grow as much as possible. Solving the tests in her course requires extensive work with the study material, which gives the learner the knowledge they need for practical classes. Edith Viirlaid is a very helpful, pleasant and enthusiastic teacher who teaches her course with total dedication. Her lectures, practical classes and seminars are never boring and help students to really understand the subject at hand.

2022

Best teaching staff award of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities

Associate Professor of Religious Education Olga Schihalejev

According to her students, she is the epitome of the good practice of teaching. She fascinates students with her exciting topics and her personality. Everything she teaches relates to what we actually experience and what is science-based. Student feedback is important to Olga Schihalejev – she thinks about what could be done better in the future and encourages students to do the same.

Her seminars and lectures are always well-prepared and methodologically varied, so learning in her courses is always meaningful. The intellectually stimulating debates with her were among the most rewarding parts of my master's studies. She is also highly credited for her delightful sense of humour and ability to see everything as a learning opportunity. Schihalejev provides consistent and in-depth support to students, relates to learners and teaches and supervises students as equals.

Best teaching staff award of the Faculty of Social Sciences

Associate Professor of Affective Psychology Andero Uusberg

Students find Andero Uusberg a charismatic and engaging speaker with a wonderful ability to talk about things in a very interesting way, using real-life examples. As a lecturer, he always manages to generate a lot of interest in the subject and show you how it could be studied further. His assessment method is motivating because the grade fully depends on the student's contribution. He does not just test your theoretical knowledge with his tests but builds on practice, helping you to learn better. The tasks he prepares allow using your creativity to consolidate what you have learned, and you can always get feedback from him after you have completed the task.

Uusberg also asks for and listens to student feedback. He shares examples from research, yet is also open to approaches that are still looking for a science-based answer. The topics he teaches are well interlinked, and the way the course is structured creates a sense of security in the learner. All materials are available, and clear instructions are given on how to access them. The structure of his Moodle course is the best I have seen so far.

Best teaching staff award of the Faculty of Medicine

Lecturer in Functional Morphology Raivo Puhke

Thanks to Raivo Puhke, students have acquired a strong basic knowledge of the subject, which helps them to master other subjects more quickly. Students say that his lectures and seminars are never boring. Raivo Puhke is always positive, inspires his students and knows how to make even the most difficult topics understandable with humorous expressions, real-life examples and exceptionally good explanations. One can see that he really likes his specialisation. It also motivates students to work harder and do more reading at home. Raivo Puhke knows how to create a safe environment for students – they are not embarrassed to ask questions and interesting discussions arise during the classes. Students are motivated to attend lectures and seminars and always look forward to them.

Best teaching staff award of the Faculty of Science and Technology

Analytical Chemistry Ivo Leito

Ivo Leito, according to his students, is an incredibly charismatic and lively lecturer who is a role model for all. His every sentence radiates an enthusiasm that makes even the dullest topics interesting. In each lecture, he gives real-life examples of how analytical chemistry can be applied to study the environment around us.

In one of his most legendary lectures, he described the process of chemical analysis from start to finish, using the example of pesticide analysis in tangerines. Thanks to Ivo Leito's ability to bring clarity and excitement to complex terms and abbreviations, this process has been etched in every student's memory as a model of chemical analysis on which to build.

Using the flipped learning method, he constantly engages students in discussions and creates a very safe environment for asking questions in lectures. It is worth noting that Professor Leito does not proceed with the lecture until he is absolutely convinced that every last person in the room has understood what he has just said.

In addition to his dedication to educating students in the classroom, he is always available for every learner outside of working hours. He will be happy to answer all your analytics-related questions at the earliest opportunity. It is not an exaggeration to say that he is available 24/7, even when he is abroad. He takes a genuine interest in the progress and development of every student. Ivo Leito also holds regular meetings with all his students planning to graduate in the spring to see if their thesis is going well and to give advice on how to advance with the task. Sometimes he will drop into the lab to ask how it is going and whether the students still like their project. He is genuinely happy every time he gets a positive answer to this question.

2021

Best teaching staff award of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities

Antonina Kostina

According to students, Antonina Kostina, Teacher of Norwegian Language of the College of Foreign Languages and Cultures, consciously creates a supportive and open learning atmosphere, where students are not afraid to experiment or make mistakes. In addition to language skills and in-depth knowledge of Scandinavian literature and history, her students acquire public speaking skills, analytical and critical thinking, teamwork skills and the necessary digital competencies for research in the humanities.

Best teaching staff award of the Faculty of Social Sciences

Professor Triin Vihalemm

Students say that Triin Vihalemm, Professor of Communication Studies of the Institute of Social Studies, is excellent in her work. She gives students the opportunity to contribute to the development of Estonia already at the university. Her lectures foster exciting discussions, are up-to-date and student-friendly. Vihalemm’s feedback to students is always constructive, inspiring and explicit, making the students feel and know that they are seen and understood, that their ideas are important and accepted.

Best teaching staff award of the Faculty of Medicine

Professor Külli Kingo

Students describe Külli Kingo, Professor in Dermatology and Venereology of the Institute of Clinical Medicine, as very thorough, intelligent and student-friendly. She uses a variety of teaching and assessment methods that support learning. Professor Kingo is also an excellent communicator who helps to solve problems and explains the material in an inspiring and comprehensive manner. Students have said they learn more in her courses than ever before.

Best teaching staff award of the Faculty of Science and Technology

Ene Kook

According to students, Ene Kook, Lecturer of Botany of the Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, stands out for her exceptional wealth of knowledge, helpfulness and a clear mission to spark interest in every student. All her courses are excellently organised, and the way she shows links between different topics, courses and everyday life increases the value of teaching. Kook is professional, adequately strict and demanding, and the way she loves her field from all her heart and enjoys teaching fascinates her students.