University of Tartu awarded Badge of Distinction and letter of appreciation to Professor Irja Lutsar

Today, on 19 June, Rector Toomas Asser handed over the Badge of Distinction and letter of appreciation of the University of Tartu to Professor of Medical Microbiology Irja Lutsar. The university appreciates her commitment to evidence-based counselling of the university and state leaders during the emergency situation.

According to the rector, Irja Lutsar with her constructive and supporting cooperation contributed to ensuring the welfare of the university during the emergency situation, and her advice was of great help to the Rector’s Office during the complex epidemiological situation.

At the end of March, the government emergency committee appointed Professor Lutsar the head of the COVID-19 science council. The science council made recommendations to the government committee to prevent the spread of coronavirus, and collected and analysed expert information.

The Badge of Distinction and the letter of appreciation were handed to Professor Lutsar at the senate meeting today.

The rector also handed over the Skytte Medal to Tanel Kiik, Minister of Social Affairs. The university recognised Kiik for his substantial contribution to promoting evidence-based governance in Estonia and involving the University of Tartu and its researchers in the management of the emergency situation.

Further information: Tõnis Karki, Academic Secretary, University of Tartu, + 372 529 7917, tonis.karki@ut.ee