Rector Volli Kalm hosts colleagues from Vilnius University and the University of Latvia

Today and tomorrow rector Volli Kalm will host colleagues from Vilnius University and the University of Latvia. The rectors are going to discuss the specific development problems and challenges faced by universities of smal countries.

Rector of the University of Latvia Professor Indrikis Muižnieks and rector of Vilnius University Professor Artūras Žukauskas are visiting Tartu to attend the annual trilateral meeting of the rectors of leading Baltic universities held since 2011. The previous meeting of this series took place last April in Vilnius. In addition to the meeting, the rectors will also visit the Maarjamõisa technology campus.

“The cooperation of the three leading universities of the Baltic countries supports on our shared responsibility for ensuring positive changes in our countries and societies,” rector of the University of Tartu Professor Volli Kalm said to point out the importance of this meeting. “Cooperation between the universities has continued for more than 25 years already, but the three national universities together can even more powerfully highlight the role of universities in educating smart generations and solving important problems of the future,” Kalm added.

In order to encourage the cross-border cooperation of the three Baltic countries and the cooperation of their leading universities in academic affairs, and to promote among students the language and culture studies of other Baltic countries, the three rectors intend to sign an agreement to establish a scholarship for students proficient in all the official languages of the three Baltic countries. The scholarship of 2000 euros will be awarded in turns by the rectors of the University of Tartu, the University of Latvia and Vilnius University. In addition, every year the rectors support three scholarship candidates from their university who reach the final round to cover their travel costs.

Additional information:
Kristi Kerge, UT head of international cooperation, 737 6123, kristi.kerge@ut.ee