In 2032, we will celebrate the 400th anniversary of the University of Tartu. The university was founded in 1632, when King Gustavus II Adolphus of Sweden signed the deed of founding the Academia Gustaviana. The opening ceremony took place on 15 October 1632, or 25 October according to the new calendar.
This webpage brings together information about preparations for the university’s 400th anniversary and is updated continuously.
The University of Tartu has played an important role in safeguarding free research and education for nearly 400 years. The Estonian-language University of Tartu, established in the early days of the Republic of Estonia, laid the foundation for higher education in Estonian and created an intellectual community that has had a profound influence on the development of the Estonian state, society, and culture as a whole.
In seven years’ time, we will celebrate a notable anniversary together as a university community. To ensure that we mark the occasion extensively and with dignity, we have already begun preparations, and we invite all members of the university to take part.
Professorship of resilient futures
The professorship of resilient futures aims to bring recognised thinkers and practitioners with significant societal influence to the University of Tartu to reflect on the future of Estonia, democracy and the free world. The first Professor of Resilient Futures, in the 2026/2027 academic year, is General Martin Herem.
The establishment of the professorship is one of the landmark initiatives of the programme marking the approaching 400th anniversary of the University of Tartu. Through this, the university aims to strengthen its role as a centre of free thought and evidence‑based discussion, and to connect academic knowledge with individuals whose activities have significantly contributed to the preservation and advancement of the values of the free world. The professor of resilient futures delivers public lectures, participates in teaching and research, and helps bring new perspectives to the university’s discussions.
UT staff and students were invited to a brainstorming session on celebrating the university’s 400th anniversary
On 16 January 2026, university members were invited to participate in a brainstorming session on the 400th anniversary of the University of Tartu. Staff and students are very welcome to contribute their ideas on how to celebrate the university’s anniversary.
If you are unable to participate in the brainstorming session, please email your ideas to [email protected].
Schedule
- 13.00–13.10 Introduction by Rector Toomas Asser and Kristjan Vassil, Professor of Applied Technology Studies and project leader of “University of Tartu 400”
- 13:10–13:45 Short presentations
- 13:45–16:30 Discussion in small groups, where participants reflect on the anniversary programme’s key themes (university investments, memory, security and community)
- 16:30–17:00 Summary
