21.11.2025
research
Lisateave
Tene Viiburg
MA (English Language and Literature)
Area of Vice Rector for Research
Grant Office
Head of Cooperation Processes
+372 514 1421
Ülikooli 18a-111

Research funding information day ‘Funding Nudge 2026’

Grandimüks 2025 joonis
Author: Andres Tennus

On 12 February from 10:00 to 16:00, the Grant Office invites researchers and project managers to the research funding information day “Funding Nudge 2026”, which will take place at the university library.

The aim of the event is to support researchers in navigating funding opportunities, preparing successful applications, and ensuring the smooth implementation of research projects.

This year’s information day focuses on researchers’ (general) competencies and division of roles:

  • What skills are needed for successful funding applications and project implementation
  • What tasks the researcher undertakes themselves
  • Why a project manager is needed
  • How support specialists can assist

The event will be held in Estonian, with live English neural translation available on site.

Registration has ended.

To join the waiting list, write to [email protected].


The summary of the 2025 Funding Nudge event can be read on the intranet.

10:00 Welcome coffee

10:30 Opening remarks by Kristin Kraav, Deputy Head of the Department of International Research Cooperation at ETAG and moderator of the day

10:35–10:45 Introduction to the information day by Professor Mari Moora, Vice Rector for Research at the University of Tartu

10:45–11:15 A broader framework and recent developments in the European research‑funding landscape. The presentation will be delivered by Vallo Mulk, Senior Specialist for International R&D Cooperation at the University of Tartu Grant Office. He brings long‑standing experience in coordinating international research collaboration and networks. His background includes leading the Estonian Liaison Office for EU RTD in Brussels as well as overseeing national research infrastructure Roadmap projects at the Estonian Research Council. Drawing on this extensive expertise, he will provide an informed overview of the broader European research‑funding landscape and its recent developments.

11:15–11:45 Professor Toivo Maimets (Professor of Cell Biology, University of Tartu) on researchers’ general competencies required for the successful preparation and implementation of research projects. Professor Maimets has served as Director of the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of Tartu and has held several senior positions at the university and national level, including Vice Rector for Research and Development and Minister of Education and Research.

11:45–12:15 Panel discussion on researchers’ general competencies and the division of roles. Participants: Mari Moora, Toivo Maimets, Tene Viiburg, Margit Meiesaar. Moderator: Kristin Kraav.

12:15–13:00 Lunch

13:15–14:45 Workshops

13:15 Reesi Lepa on the role and importance of project managers. She is an expert in science and innovation projects and an Associate Partner at the consulting company Civitta. With more than 20 years of experience in the fields of science, technology and innovation policy and projects, she has been involved in science diplomacy, policy development, as well as the design and management of international cooperation initiatives.

13:45 Marge Vaikjärv on building a project‑manager community at Tallinn University. Vaikjärv is a project advisor and coordinator of the ASTRA+ project at Tallinn University and leads the Network of Research Project Coordinators. Before joining Tallinn University, she worked in the private sector, where she managed and advised on the preparation of international cooperation and research‑project proposals and the implementation of funded projects under various European funding schemes.

14:15–14:45 Panel discussion on the contribution of project managers to research projects and on developing project‑management practices at the University of Tartu. Participants: Reesi Lepa, Marge Vaikjärv, Kadri Raav, Laura Tomson. Moderator: Kristin Kraav.

14:45–16:00 Networking and coffe

Töötoas arutame, kuidas üldise infokülluse ja tähelepanukriisi tingimusis leida õiged tegevused ja kanalid, mis aitaksid sinu teadustööl väiksema vaevaga jõuda inimesteni, kes neid teadmisi päriselt vajavad. Testime praktilisi töövahendeid, mis aitaks sul erinevaid tegevusi paremini läbi mõelda, sihipäraselt oma teadustöö heaks kasutada ning samas ka meie ühiskonnale olulisi tähendusi luua.

Arutame lähemalt, kuidas alustav teaduskommunikatsiooni labor ja ka ülikooli kommunikatsioonivõrgustik saab seejuures abiks olla.

Piret Ehrenpreis (Research Communication Adviser, Marketing and Communication Office), Ebe Pilt (Junior Research Fellow in Communication Studies, Institute of Social Studies)

„Ma olen teadlane, mitte müügimees. Minu töö on avastada, mitte arveldada.“ – kas kõlab tuttavalt?

See praktiline töötuba aitab sul märgata ja lahti harutada mõtteid, mis hoiavad sind tagasi – eriti neid, mis tekivad hetkel, kui otsustad järgmisele granditaotlusele lisaks proovida kätt teaduspõhises ettevõtluses.

Töötoas uurime, kuidas kasvatada enesekindlust oma ideede katsetamiseks, olgu need esimesed sammud ettevõtluses või hoopis hulljulged maailmavallutusplaanid.

Aleksander Tõnnisson (Innovation Scout, Institute of Technology)

Hea teadustöö ei sünni pelgalt teadlase enda pingutustest. Tartu Ülikoolis tegutseb mitmeid tugiteenuseid, mis toetavad teadlasi andmehaldusega seotud küsimustes kogu uurimisprotsessi vältel. Käesolev töötuba annab ülevaate olemasolevast tugivõrgustikust, selgitab, millal ja kelle poole pöörduda ning aitab arutelu kaudu mõista, miks läbimõeldud andmehaldus on teadustöö lahutamatu osa. Osalejad saavad väärtuslikku teavet ning praktilisi näpunäiteid, et tagada oma teadustöö sujuv ja tõhus kulg.

Heleri Inno (Data Manager, ELIXIR), Diana Pilvar (Data Manager, ELIXIR)

Töötoas jagavad oma praktilisi kogemusi 2025. aasta taotlusvoorudes edukad olnud humanitaarteadlased. Mis tõi edu taotlemisel ja milliseid soovitusi saab värske grandiomanik teistele jagada? Oodatud on kõik tulevased granditaotlejad!

Vestlust juhib Riho Altnurme (Vice Dean for Research at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities)

What should you consider and know before starting to write a grant application and ultimately securing funding? Grant advisors describe this journey through five steps, share their experiences about common mistakes researchers make, and introduce the services offered by the Grant Office’s Project Writing Unit.

Viktoriia Biliaieva (Head of the Project Writing Unit, Grant Office)

Discover six powerful ways to uncover research funding opportunities and boost your success in grant applications. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to leverage tools like Pivot-RP, explore UT´s research dashboards, and tap into insider resources such as the Grant Office and funding newsletters. We’ll also show you how systematic project management materials (TÜPA) can simplify the entire grant lifecycle. Whether you’re new to funding searches or looking to refine your approach, this session will give you practical tips and direct access to the best resources available. Join us to become a more informed, proactive, and successful researcher in securing external funding. Laptops are a must!

Kalmer Lauk (Analyst of Research and Development, Grant Office)

12 Feb

Research funding information day "Funding Nudge"

University of Tartu Library, W. Struve 1
12 Feb 2026 10:00
Organiser: