News

Over the past decade, widening countries (those with lower research and innovation performance) have made substantial progress in increasing their participation in European research and innovation programmes. However, differences have emerged in the development capacity and needs of research institutions in these countries.

On 6 May, the Rector’s Office met with the rector and representatives of the University of Latvia, who also visited Delta Centre and the Estonian Biobank.

As many as 248 students and 231 staff members signed up for the step challenge that took place from 1 to 30 April.

Estonian researchers have created the AI Barometer where users can compare the responses of language models and assess their proficiency in Estonian. Everyone is welcome to try out the barometer at baromeeter.ai. The researchers aim to collect at least 50,000 comparisons by the end of June.

On 16–17 May, the first Startup Bootcamp of the health technology accelerator Health Founders Estonia (HFE) will take place in Tartu, aimed at promoting healthcare innovation. Researchers, healthcare professionals, startup entrepreneurs, IT specialists, and all others with an idea for healthcare innovation are welcome to participate. Registration is open until 7 May.

The University of Tartu Summer School 2025 will take place from 28 July to 8 August, offering 10 interdisciplinary courses across a variety of fields.

IN MEMORIAM. Jürgen von Ungern-Sternberg

Teaching staff of the University of Tartu are encouraged to nominate their course for the ENLIGHT Teaching and Learning Award 2025, which will be presented at the annual Teaching and Learning Conference held in Uppsala, Sweden, from 8 to 10 October. The central theme of this year’s conference will be Playfulness for the Future of Higher Education.

On 25 April, the solar car Solaride III Enefit was presented in the underground car park of the University of Tartu Delta academic building.

The dining room is now a cosy area to take a quick lunch.

All Estonian public universities will celebrate Diversity Week from 5–11 May for the second year. This year’s focus is on encouraging people to notice and to act.

Most of the events taking place during the Tartu Student Days Spring Festival from 25 April to 3 May are organised by student organisations from Tartu’s higher education institutions.

Representative team of the University of Tartu School of Law made it to the top 32 in the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot.

The winner of the three rectors’ scholarship competition, which was held for the eighth time this year, is Arnita Agrita Umalas, who was born and raised in Latvia but is studying Estonian language and linguistics at the University of Tartu, focusing on the Livonian language in her master’s thesis.

The new Career Hub website of the University of Tartu provides information and advice to support learning paths and careers planning.

On 16 April, despite the rainy weather, the third University of Tartu Spring Run took place, with over 700 participants reaching the finish line.

Doctoral studies are a part of the career path, giving you the knowledge and future skills needed to become a top specialist or manager.

In collaboration with the University of Tartu and the city of Tartu, the green area in the Maarjavälja district will become an urban nature oasis where residents can experience a rich natural environment without leaving the city.

The university opens 182 student places in doctoral studies this spring. Everyone who desires to create new knowledge and pursue a career as a researcher, top specialist or manager is welcome to apply.

On 4 April, the council of the Institute of Bioengineering elected Associate Professor of Molecular Biology Ilona Faustova as the institute’s director. Her three-year term of office starts on 1 May.