University invites nominations for the “Contribution to Estonian National Identity” award

Until 31 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.

Nominations for the “Contribution to Estonian National Identity“ award can be submitted by permanent residents of Estonia and legal entities registered in Estonia. Reasoned proposals for nomination should be sent to the rector at Ülikooli 18, 50090 Tartu, or by email to [email protected] Candidates from previous years who have not been elected may also be nominated.

To select the recipient of the award, the senate forms an 11-member committee comprising the rector, the recipient of the award from the previous year, four members from the university and five members from outside the university. The award will be presented on 1 December at the ceremony marking the 105th anniversary of the Estonian national university in the university’s assembly hall.

The “Contribution to Estonian National Identity” award was established in 2004. Previous awardees include writer and ethnologist Ilmar Talve, composer Veljo Tormis, academician Endel Lippmaa, artist Kaljo Põllu, writer Ain Kaalep, ethnologist and scholar Ants Viires, writer Mats Traat, cleric and publicist Vello Salo, screenwriter and film director Arvo Kruusement, artist and collector of traditional handicraft Anu Raud, theologian and scholar Toomas Paul, writer Arvo Valton, filmmaker and cameraman Andres Sööt, zoologist and populariser of nature Fred Jüssi, translator and theologian Kalle Kasemaa, poet and publicist Hando Runnel, theatre researcher Lea Tormis, composer Erkki-Sven Tüür, writer Viivi Luik, stage director Merle Karusoo, and historian of journalism and museologist Krista Aru.