During this spring and summer, the University of Tartu received a record number of applications for doctoral studies. Out of 1,043 applications, 204 were submitted by applicants from Estonia and 839 by international applicants. Compared to last year, the number of applicants from Estonia increased by 19%.
Professor Marlon Dumas from the University of Tartu Institute of Computer Science received the European Research Council (ERC) Proof of Concept Grant, which is designed to help researchers bridge the gap between the results of their pioneering research and the early phases of its commercialisation or societal application.
From 25 to 29 June, the Rector of the University of Tartu Toomas Asser participated in the 15th international higher education think tank "Trust and Truth – How they impact the complex Relationship between Science and Society” in Glion, Switzerland.
Adult learners are welcome to participate in micro-degree and micro-credential programmes starting in the autumn semester. The programmes are delivered in block mode or online, suitable for working people.
As part of the ENLIGHT campaign Faces of ENLIGHT, members of the network who exemplify excellence in their professional achievements and personal attributes are being introduced over a three-year period. The University of Tartu is highlighting six individuals, the second of whom is Anette-Mai Pirk-Birk, Vice-Chair of the Student Council
The UNCAN-Connect project (Decentralized Collaborative Network for Advancing Cancer Research and Innovation), led by the Estonian Cancer Network (ESTCAN) at the University of Tartu, aims to establish an international cancer data sharing platform to facilitate cancer prevention, monitoring, research, and treatment.
The Axiom Mission 4 was launched from Kennedy Space Center on 25 June at 9:31, delivering volcanic algae to the International Space Station (ISS) for an experiment for which key electronic components were developed at Tartu Observatory.
The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) and the University of Tartu have agreed on up to 100 million euros financing for the construction of the university’s academic and research buildings in Tartu and Tallinn, Estonia.
The Genome of Europe (GoE) has launched a public awareness survey across five European countries (Estonia, France, Greece, Portugal and Slovenia) to assess citizens' understanding and attitudes towards genetics and genomics-based personalized medicine. The survey is part of a wider scientific and societal effort to ensure that all Europeans can benefit from the promises of modern genomic medicine.
On 16 June, the University of Tartu council adopted the university’s new strategic plan. We spoke with Vice Rector for Development and chair of the strategic planning committee Tõnu Esko about how the strategic plan came about.
On 16 June, the council of the University of Tartu approved the new strategic plan, which sets the direction for the university’s activities for the next ten years.
Leho Tedersoo, Professor of Mycorrhizal Studies at the University of Tartu, has received the Advanced Grant from the European Research Council to systematise and describe members of the 95% majority of previously unclassified microscopic fungi, and other eukaryotic organisms not yet included in the current tree of life system. Using the kingdom Fungi as an example, a new system for DNA-based classification of organisms can then be created.
In June, all interested are invited to communal work in the Maarjavälja experimental area (between Viljandi road and the University of Tartu Physicum) and at Jaamamõisa stream.