University of Tartu recognised teaching quality promoters and announced teaching awards of the year 

Teaching awards 2025 were given to the following initiatives:

• Organisation of the international anatomy Olympiad for university students in Tartu (team: Andres Arend, Kertu Kallaste, Marti Pastak, Villem Kerge, Rihard Laasma, Kaisa Padur and Mikk Rooden);

• Creation the master’s curriculum of Narva College “Robotics and Applied Data Science” in cooperation of three units (team: Heisi Kurig, Radwa Mohamed El Emam El Shawi, Kuldar Taveter, Reet Kurg, Karl Kruusamäe, Alvo Aabloo, Deniss Ruder, Lilian Ariva, Erika Lorents, Piret Kärtner, Indrek Reimand and Katri Raik);

• Launch of the extensive and innovative micro-degree programme “Genetics in Personalized Medicine” that is highly necessary for doctors (team: Maris Laan, Sander Pajusalu, Kristiina Rull, Triin Laisk, Anu Ustav and Katrin Õunap).

According to Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Aune Valk, the awarded initiatives of 2025 are characterised by innovation-oriented collaboration that crosses borders – both between academic units and with employers, as well as on an international level. “These initiatives aim to create a comprehensive learning pathway tailored to learners’ needs, ensuring that contemporary and future knowledge reaches the labour market and supports the development of different regions. All the initiatives employ novel formats and methods that go beyond traditional teaching: the micro-degree programme is adapted for working professionals, the new curriculum is based on project-based learning and personalised study paths, and the anatomy Olympiad combines factual knowledge with creative, playful and problem-based tasks,” said Valk.

“Moreover, it is gratifying that the anatomy Olympiad, organised together with students, brought international recognition to the university and highlighted the Year of the Estonian Book through inventive workshops and situational tasks. All the award-winning initiatives have a clear societal impact and a high academic standard,” Valk added.

The teaching award is given to recognise up to three initiatives that help value effective collaboration, development and innovation in the university's degree studies and continuing education. All members of the university had the opportunity to submit candidates. The academic affairs committee selected the award recipients. The amount of the prize of the teaching award is 5,000 euros.

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The teaching quality award went to the Faculty of Arts and Humanities whose aim is to ensure a modern, learner-centred and effective learning process that supports students’ development and the professional growth of teaching staff. The faculty follows the University of Tartu’s general quality principles: the commitment of staff and learners, shared values and experiences, collaboration, and the desire for continuous improvement.

To actively involve teaching staff in achieving teaching quality goals, a series of experience days was launched, providing an opportunity to share experiences, success stories and lessons learned with colleagues. “These experience days have led to a more cohesive and open community of teaching staff within the faculty. It has helped break down barriers – teaching staff now feel confident to speak openly about failures and challenges, making collaboration and mutual learning a natural part of our work,” explained Anneli Saro, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.

According to Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Aune Valk, it is noteworthy that the faculty has managed to initiate a dialogue on teaching and establish a culture of learning from colleagues. A similar format is already in use in the Faculty of Social Sciences and serves as an example for others. “Such cooperation offers teaching staff fresh ideas and practical tools to improve the quality of their courses, it is systematic and consistent, guided by strategic objectives, and helps advance teaching quality,” said Valk.

The teaching quality award is given to recognise an institute, college or faculty of the university for activities that have been designed and implemented successfully within the past three years. It is important that both employees and students work together to make these changes. The amount of the prize is 30,000 euros.