News

On 10 November, the council of the University of Tartu Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology reappointed Maia Kivisaar as the institute’s director.

On 17 November at 18:00, the University of Tartu assembly hall will host the pianists’ gala “Romantic piano music” as part of the “Harmonia Universitatis” concert series.

On 30 October, the University of Tartu senate decided to award the Johan Skytte medal to President Alar Karis. The highest award for university members, the University of Tartu Grand Medal, is given to Ruth Oltjer, Liina Lindström and Maris Laan. Also, 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 been selected.

On Thursday, 29 October, the University of Tartu will conduct a crisis exercise simulating a cyber incident affecting the normal work, study and communication arrangements of the university’s staff and students. As part of the exercise, there will be interruptions to MS Teams and Outlook services during the working day.

In October, the European Cyber Security Month, we encourage members of the University of Tartu to develop secure digital habits and increase their awareness of cyber threats.

In October, a step challenge takes place at the University of Tartu. We invite members of the university community to be more active, log their steps using the StepUp app, and take part in a friendly competition. The six most active participants will receive prize packages, and additional prizes will be drawn among everyone who records at least 200,000 steps during the month.

On 20 October 2026, a seminar entitled "Research Assessment Reform in Europe: What Does It Mean for the University of Tartu?" was held at the University of Tartu Library. The aim of the seminar was to provide participants with an overview of the objectives of the international Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment and to discuss the changes needed to implement its principles in practice at the University of Tartu.

On 26 October, ticket sales for the 107th anniversary ball of the national university began. The celebration, which will take place on 1 December at the Vanemuine Concert Hall, will bring together the students, alumni and staff of the University of Tartu. The headline performer of the ball is the band SADU, and the theme of the evening is "Patterns".

There can never be too much dancing and laughter. We look forward to celebrating the 107th anniversary of the beginning of Estonian-language higher education on 1 December 2026!

Registration is now open for the University of Tartu’s three-minute thesis competition for doctoral researchers, which will take place on 21 October at the University of Tartu Library. The deadline for registration is 12 October.

On 23 October, the 394th anniversary of Academia Gustaviana was celebrated. The occasion was marked by a commemorative ceremony honouring the university’s founders, a lecture by Jüri Luik, and a free concert “Passion and madness” at the university’s assembly hall.

The University of Tartu invites staff and students to apply for the 2027 Active UT role model programme. Up to six people will be selected for the programme to prepare for the Tartu Maraton events, share their experiences, and inspire other university members to be more physically active. Applications are open from 5 to 25 October.

From 17 September to 30 September, University of Tartu alumni are invited to take part in a survey aimed at understanding alumni expectations, needs and their sense of connection to the university.

On 2 October, as part of its 25th anniversary celebrations, the Centre for Ethics of the University of Tartu invites everyone interested to the public international conference “Ethics in a Changing World: New Directions in Ethics, Education and the Age of Artificial Intelligence”.

From the beginning of this academic year, free menstrual pad dispensers have been installed in the university study buildings to ensure that hygiene products are always available when needed. A total of 39 dispensers have been placed in the buildings.

University of Tartu students can stay active and exercise at the university sports hall at a reduced price. A semester pass costing just €50 provides a wide range of opportunities for physical activity throughout the semester.

On Monday, 31 August at 10:00, the 2026/2027 academic year was opened in front of the university's main building. The programme of the ceremony included a musical performance by Puuluup.

Nominations for the Estonian Science Communication Awards can be submitted to the Estonian Research Council (ETAG) until 15 September. The competition aims to recognise outstanding and active science communicators as well as innovative initiatives that promote science to wider audiences.

From 1 to 23 September, University of Tartu students and alumni, including staff members, can apply for the mentoring programme, which is held for the tenth time this year. Applications can be submitted on the university website.

Staff and students of the University of Tartu can take part in Tartu Maraton events with a 30% discount. This gives university members an affordable opportunity to represent the University of Tartu at sporting events together with colleagues and fellow students.