Topic: university

Academic freedom is not merely an abstract principle, but one of the essential foundations of democratic societies, scientific progress, and international research cooperation. It is also fundamental to Europe’s competitiveness and to our ability to attract and retain world-class talent.

The legacy of Endel Tulving, the world-renowned researcher of human memory and one of the best-known scientists of Estonian origin, arrived at the University of Tartu Library from Toronto. It includes works on neuroscience, his personal archive of research articles and materials, as well as items and awards related to his scientific achievements.

University of Tartu graduation ceremonies take place from 12 to 20 June. Live streaming, recordings and photos of the ceremonies are available on UTTV.

On 15 May, the University of Tartu opened the Estonian Marine Institute’s new research building and modern living quarters for students and staff conducting fieldwork in Kõiguste, on Saaremaa island.

On 13 May, the Ministry of Education and Research and the University of Tartu concluded an administrative contract for 2026–2028. It sets out the objectives of increasing student admissions in fields with higher labour demand, expanding the volume of doctoral research related to artificial intelligence, and supporting internationalisation and talent policy.

In the next academic year, the professorship of liberal arts at the University of Tartu will be held by one of the most distinctive creators of audiovisual works in Estonia, the film director, stage director and screenwriter Rainer Sarnet.

According to recent data from the international Web of Science database, the University of Tartu now also ranks among the top 1% of the world’s most highly cited research institutions in the field of physics. This is the sixteenth field of research in which research carried out at the University of Tartu has reached the global top level in impact.

In Estonia, public warnings are delivered via SMS alerts sent through the EE-ALARM system, mobile apps Eesti app and “Ole valmis!”, warning sirens, or channels of the Estonian Public Broadcasting.

The University of Tartu museums, with their rich collections, offer discovery and excitement for visitors of all ages. During the spring holidays, you are welcome to visit the university’s museum, art museum, botanical garden, natural history museum and the library. Read and find out which exciting exhibitions and events are taking place in Tartu during the holiday week.

On 25–26 March, the cyber defence exercise “Locked Shields 2026 Partners’ Run” took place, where a joint team of the University of Tartu and the Estonian Defence League’s Cyber Defence Unit achieved first place for the second consecutive year.