News

Prenatal screening for chromosomal disorders gains a significant improvement this week as the DNA analysis technology developed by scientists from the University of Tartu makes the Niptify test more accurate and up to date. Previously, the Niptify test applied DNA analysis technology transferred and adapted from the Leuven laboratory in Belgium, now the test is entirely based on genetic engineering and informatics solutions developed by Estonian scientists.

On Thursday, 4 November, Tartu will host Gustavus Adolphus Day celebrations to mark the 389th anniversary of the founding of the University of Tartu. The programme includes laying flowers on monuments, a book presentation, a concert and a film premiere. Swedish King Gustavus Adolphus signed the foundation decree of Academia Dorpatensis (Academia Gustaviana) in 1632. The day dedicated to this event begins on 4 November at 15:20 with the laying of flowers on the monuments of Gustavus Adolphus and the University of Tartu’s first chancellor Johan Skytte.

European Union’s research and innovation community representing over 1,000 universities, 56 academies of science and 33 rectors’ associations, as well as thousands of Europe’s most distinguished researchers, made a joint statement to the European Commission and President Ursula von der Leyen to finalise the United Kingdom’s association to Horizon Europe immediately

At its meeting on Tuesday, 2 November, the University of Tartu Rector’s Office decided that block mode study will be organised in distance learning until the end of December. The reason for the decision is the critical situation in Estonian hospitals due to the spread of COVID-19. As block-mode students come together from all over Estonia and usually do not permanently live in the place of study, it increases the risk of spreading the virus.

The university aims to keep studies open as long as possible, which is why stronger safety measures are imposed. Safe distancing should be maintained between people during classes, in public rooms and all, including those who are vaccinated, must wear masks in the university buildings. Only protective masks, not scarves or visors, may be used to cover the nose and mouth.

Recipients of honorary decorations of the University of Tartu

Ahmed Awad, Professor of Big Data of the University of Tartu, will deliver his inaugural lecture “Big Data Analytics from the Rich Cloud to the Frugal Edge” in the UT assembly hall on 28 October at 16:15.

This week's results of the waste water analysis led by the University of Tartu show that the index describing the average situation in Estonia has again taken a step upwards within a week. The most significant increase in the amount of coronavirus has occurred in southern Estonia.

The University of Tartu invites all Master’s and doctoral students to participate in virtual Winter School course Equity and Equality in Education and Medicine, taking place from 15-19 November 2021. Registration is open until 31 October and participation is free of charge for all.

A study led by the University of Tartu shows that the prevalence of coronavirus among adults has increased at a moderate rate. Over the past month, the prevalence of coronavirus antibodies has remained unchanged. However, the number of people who have been in close contact with the infected has increased, and there are more and more people who do not change their everyday behaviour after close contact.

Within Erasmus+ project Student as Digital Civic Engagers has been done extensive research on students’ digital civic engagement in partner countries and in the collaboration has been completed a Guide to Digital Civic Engagement which is available in 4 languages: English,

In order to keep the working and learning environment as normal as possible in the new academic year, the general rule of conduct applies that staff and students who work and study in the university buildings have been vaccinated against the coronavirus or wear masks.

The most recent results of the waste water analysis led by the University of Tartu show that the number of people infected with coronavirus continues to grow rapidly in the coming weeks. The situation is becoming particularly serious in Ida-Viru County, where the virus levels have risen to a record high.

Andrey Makarychev, Professor of Regional Political Studies of the University of Tartu, will deliver his inaugural lecture “Regionalism: a Biopolitical Perspective” in the White Hall of the UT Museum on 21 October at 16:15.

Olaf Mertelsmann, Professor of Eastern European History of the University of Tartu, will deliver his inaugural lecture “Eastern European “Backwardness” and the Coronavirus Pandemic” in the White Hall of the UT Museum on 14 October at 16:15.

This week’s results of the waste water monitoring study led by the University of Tartu confirm a continuing increase in coronavirus amounts all over Estonia. Over the week, the largest increase in the number of viruses was observed in the waste water of Ida-Viru County. Virus amounts are predominantly high or very high everywhere in Estonia.

On 13 October, a new stage in the coronavirus prevalence study led by the University of Tartu started. It will give an overview of the prevalence of coronavirus and its antibodies in the adult population by 26 October.

The University of Tartu invites 2nd and 3rd-year bachelor’s students of all curricula to apply to the Global Engagement Module, which offers great opportunities for internationalisation and teamwork.

On 7 and 8 October, the ENLIGHT online conference “Social Responsibility in Challenging Times” will take place, where renowned European researchers discuss the importance of social sciences in the changing times.

The largest business festival in the Baltics Startup Day was held at the end of August, bringing together 3,000 participants from 67 countries. Among others, also spin-offs of the University of Tartu introduced themselves to the international audience.