News

In a nationwide survey on career expectations and employer reputation, students assessed the attractiveness of 326 organisations in Estonia. The University of Tartu ranked third among all students and first among humanities students.

From the beginning of this academic year, free menstrual pad dispensers have been installed in the university study buildings to ensure that hygiene products are always available when needed. A total of 39 dispensers have been placed in the buildings.

Until 30 October, nominations can be submitted for the “Contribution to Estonian National Identity” award, with which the university recognises individuals whose creative work has made an outstanding contribution to promoting the national identity of Estonians and Estonia.

University of Tartu students can stay active and exercise at the university sports hall at a reduced price. A semester pass costing just €50 provides a wide range of opportunities for physical activity throughout the semester.

The DNA of two randomly selected people is approximately 99.9% identical. However, differences in the remaining 0.1% of the genome influence many individual traits, including appearance, disease risk, and the body's response to medications. A study by researchers at the University of Tartu found that this small amount of genetic variation may also be linked to several personality traits.

On 19 September, Solaride’s solar car will compete at the iLumen European Solar Challenge, the largest solar car race in Europe, held at Circuit Zolder in Belgium.

On 16 September, Arun Kumar Singh, Professor of Motion Planning, at the University of Tartu, will give his inaugural lecture titled “Beyond Scaling: Building Safe and Data-Efficient Learning Robots”.

A recently completed study on conspiracy theories, the most extensive one ever conducted in Europe, found that narratives circulating across national borders adapt to local history, cultural memory and social tensions. A book presenting the study’s findings has now been published, co-edited by Mari-Liis Madisson, Associate Professor of Semiotics at the University of Tartu.

At the start of the 2026/2027 academic year, nearly 300 international degree-seeking students and 270 international visiting students began their studies at the University of Tartu.

On 31 August, Prime Minister Kristen Michal convened a government advisory board of digital safety experts, including five researchers from the University of Tartu, who advocate evidence-based solutions.

On Monday, 31 August at 10:00, the 2026/2027 academic year was opened in front of the university's main building. The programme of the ceremony included a musical performance by Puuluup.

At the Rowing Championship of the European University Sports Association (EUSA Rowing 2026), held in Zagreb, Croatia, from 6 to 9 August, University of Tartu athletes represented the university with distinction, achieving excellent results in strong international competition.

Nominations for the Estonian Science Communication Awards can be submitted to the Estonian Research Council (ETAG) until 15 September. The competition aims to recognise outstanding and active science communicators as well as innovative initiatives that promote science to wider audiences.

From 1 to 23 September, University of Tartu students and alumni, including staff members, can apply for the mentoring programme, which is held for the tenth time this year. Applications can be submitted on the university website.

Speech of the President of the University of Tartu Student Union Eneken Riin Salong at the opening ceremony of the 2026/2027 academic year.

Registration is now open for the University of Tartu’s three-minute thesis competition for doctoral researchers, which will take place on 21 October at the University of Tartu Library. The deadline for registration is 12 October.

Speech by Professor Toomas Asser, Rector of the University of Tartu, at the opening ceremony of the academic year on 31 August 2026.

Staff and students of the University of Tartu can take part in Tartu Maraton events with a 30% discount. This gives university members an affordable opportunity to represent the University of Tartu at sporting events together with colleagues and fellow students.

Submissions are invited for a special issue of the Estonian Journal of Education (Eesti Haridusteaduste Ajakiri), Vol. 15, No. 2, which is scheduled to be published in November 2027.

Maciej Eder is a Visiting Professor of Digital Humanities at the University of Tartu. Inspired by Tartu’s historic academic past, Maciej is helping to build an international research centre dedicated to exploring language, literature and the ways digital technologies are transforming both.