University of Tartu's new strategic plan

We promote excellence in research. The academic staff in all our fields of research are internationally recognised. We create a stimulating environment to enhance the stability and sustainability of high-level research groups and support our academic staff in applying for international research grants.

We step up international mobility for students and staff. We strengthen our teaching and research cooperation with partner universities to provide a diverse and high-quality international learning and working environment for students and researchers. We develop international digital learning. We foster cooperation with international networks. We follow the principles of responsible internationalisation.

To enhance international competitiveness and support research and teaching activities, we are developing modern, high-quality infrastructure, support services, and relevant technological solutions and capabilities. By building modern academic and research facilities, we will achieve better integration of research and teaching, interdisciplinary cooperation, and increased international attractiveness.

In a changing international context, we strengthen partnerships with universities, the integration of which into the European Research and Higher Education Area supports democracy and academic freedom. We offer cooperation opportunities to researchers and students whose academic activities are at risk, and support the free movement of knowledge through joint projects and academic programmes.

We support students’ engagement in studies and develop evidence-based and learning-centred teaching. We provide an attractive and cultivating learning environment to capable students from Estonia and abroad. We enhance and broaden flexible and lifelong learning opportunities that help people increase their competitiveness in the rapidly changing labour market. We develop teaching methods and content based on technological solutions and sustainable development. We support students’ ability to cope in a changing world and contribute to the advancement of Estonia’s economy and society.

We promote interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary cooperation to overcome societal and economic challenges. Interdisciplinary cooperation is essential in teaching, research and development, and relationships with external partners. We design effective funding measures, structures and management processes that support interdisciplinary collaboration between our researchers and students at the university, in Estonia and globally.

We actively participate in shaping a knowledge-based society by making the results of research available and applicable in the economy, policymaking and society at large. The university’s business cooperation will grow, be knowledge-intensive, significantly contribute to Estonia’s economy and make companies more future-proof. We contribute to the balanced regional development of Estonia.

We are responsible for maintaining and developing the Estonian language as a language of research and higher education. We support the creation of Estonian terminology and scientific texts, as well as stronger research communication in Estonian, to ensure that the university’s knowledge reaches the wider society.

We promote an excellent leadership culture that ensures a cultivating and safe working and learning environment. We guarantee that every employee has the opportunity to develop professionally at every stage of their career. We promote work-life balance and foster equal treatment, an inclusive and values-based organisational culture. We maintain connections with alumni so that they can contribute to the university’s progress.

We ensure the next generation of academic staff by connecting talented young researchers with the university early on and supporting their academic careers. We aim to increase the value of doctoral degrees in society and to expand doctoral studies. We take into account demographic and labour market changes, and improve the flexibility and attractiveness of the academic career model for both Estonian and international students.

We ensure the University of Tartu’s crisis resilience in a changing security environment. We enhance security and develop risk management capabilities. In increasing preparedness for crises, we are an active cooperation partner to the state, local governments, and other partners. We aim to reduce the university’s harmful environmental impact in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Tõnu Esko, Vice Rector for Development (chair of the committee)
2. Mari Moora, Vice Rector for Research
3. Aune Valk, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs
4. Kstina Noormets, Director of Administration
5. Kalle Hein, Head of Finance
6. Taivo Raud, Head of Rector’s Strategy Office
7. Kristi Kerge, Head of International Cooperation
8. Urmas Nõmmik, Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Studies
9. Klaarika Marton, Head of Dean's Office at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities
10. Margit Keller, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Associate Professor in Social Communication
11. Uku Vainik, Associate Professor of Behavioural Genetics
12. Sander Pajusalu, Vice Dean for Research at the Faculty of Medicine, Associate Professor of Clinical Genetics
13. Priit Kaasik, Professor in Functional Morphology
14. Johann Langemets, Vice Dean for Research at the Faculty of Science and Technology, Associate Professor in Functional Analysis
15. Liis Siinor, Research Fellow of Physical Chemistry
16. Jaanika Anderson, UT Library Director
17. Renar Kihho, President of Student Body, student representative
18. Martin Meitern, Development Adviser