Uudised

From the University of Tartu, 110 students and 205 staff members signed up for the step challenge that took place from 1 to 31 October.

University of Tartu Professor of Nanomedicine Tambet Teesalu has become the first Estonian researcher to receive a Synergy Grant from the European Research Council, which supports collaboration of top-level research teams in tackling highly complex and ambitious scientific challenges.

On 31 October, the senate of the University of Tartu decided to award the University of Tartu Grand Medal to former rector, Professor emeritus Jaak Aaviksoo, Professor Marlon Gerardo Dumas Menjivar, Professor Kalle Kirsimäe, and Professor Ivo Leito. The recipients of the University of Tartu Star of Appreciation, Medal, Badge of Distinction and the decoration “100 Semesters at the University of Tartu” have also been selected.

Külalisseminari viib läbi Karolinska Instituudi molekulaargeneetika professor Juha Kere.

On 27 October from 13–18, the University of Tartu development conference “A university for us, Estonia and the world” took place in the university assembly hall and online. Keynote speakers were Toomas Hendrik Ilves, Kersti Kaljulaid and Kristina Kallas.

The three-minute thesis competition for doctoral researchers, held at the University of Tartu Library on 22 October, featured 13 popular-science short lectures in Estonian and 14 in English.

On 20 October, Rector of the University of Tartu, Toomas Asser, recognised the Solaride team, which had recently achieved second place in the world championships in Australia.

The University of Tartu three-minute thesis competition offers everyone the opportunity to learn in simple language how the research of current doctoral researchers contributes to making the world a better place to live in the future. The competition will be held on Wednesday, 22 October at 10:00 in the conference hall of the University of Tartu Library.

The University of Tartu was founded on 25 October 393 years ago. This year, the anniversary was marked by memorial ceremonies, a concert and other events.

Interest in the European Research Council (ERC) programme has grown among University of Tartu researchers. In response, the Grant Writing Unit is organising an ERC Information Event on 4 November 2025, focused on individual ERC Starting, Consolidator, and Advanced Grants.

From 13 October to 16 November, the university family and all others are invited to complete the orienteering course “160 years of making sense of weather observations”.

From 1 to 31 October, FitSphere invites students and staff to take part in the step challenge Sügissammud 2025, aiming to promote regular physical activity. Also, the most physically active higher education institution in Estonia will be determined .

With the annual awards, the university aims to recognise its employees’ and students’ outstanding achievements in teaching, doing research and serving society.

The University of Tartu has a Student Union (UTSU) of nearly 140 members, which has been steadfastly standing for students’ rights and solving their concerns for years. Full of initiative, student representatives have brought numerous ideas to life within the university and drawn attention to various institutional shortcomings.

On 27 October from 13–18, the University of Tartu development conference “A university for us, Estonia and the world” took place at the assembly hall of the university's main building and online to initiate a discussion on topics important for society and the university. The discussion were be based on the new University of Tartu strategic plan approved in June.

During the Peeter Tulviste memorial week held from 27 October to 2 November, a memorial conference takes place in the university assembly hall, and the exhibition “Bibliophile Peeter Tulviste” opens at the university library.

On 22 September from 17:00–20:00, a bicycle market takes place on Vabaduse pst in Tartu, offering the opportunity to buy a reasonably priced second-hand bicycle or to sell your working condition bicycle.

A recent overview published by the Estonian Research Council (ETAG) reveals that Estonia has performed exceptionally well in the European Union’s framework programme for research and innovation, Horizon Europe (2021–2027). Among Estonian institutions, the University of Tartu has been the most successful participant in the programme, receiving almost €90 million in funding.

In June 2025, the University of Tartu Academic Sports Club conducted a survey on the physical activity habits of the university community.

Until 31 October, nominations can be submitted for the “Contribution to Estonian National Identity” award.