Meist meedias

In 2025, the study that drew the most attention in public digital channels was led by Professor of Botany Meelis Pärtel and confirms the negative effect of human activity on wildlife biodiversity.

In the recent call for the European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator Grants, University of Tartu researchers received funding for three projects: to study the climate impact of air pollution particles, the formation of cell patterns in plant leaves, and women’s hormonal sensitivity. Each grant amounts to nearly two million euros, and the projects last for five years.

At the meeting on 8 December, the council of the University of Tartu Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences re-elected Professor in Molecular Ecology Maarja Öpik as director of the institute.

The general assembly of the Estonian Academy of Sciences elected seven new members of the academy, including six from the University of Tartu.

Adult learners are welcome to participate in micro-degree programmes starting in the spring semester to acquire an additional specialisation or competence in a narrow field. Applications can be submitted until 25 January.

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

On 1 December, the 106th anniversary of Estonia’s national university, 142 doctoral degrees were conferred.

On 21 November, Rector Toomas Asser handed over the university’s this year’s 123 honorary decorations. This marked the beginning of the traditional events of the 106th anniversary of Estonia’s national university.

On 21 November, the University of Tartu senate decided to make nominations for the national research awards of the Republic of Estonia.

The analytics company Clarivate revealed its 2025 list of Highly Cited Researchers, which includes four researchers affiliated with the University of Tartu.

On 12 November, at the Estonian Research Council’s annual science communication conference, the traditional science popularisation awards and special prizes were presented to those who speak about science in an inspiring way.

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.

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.

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.

A new Estonian-language poetry collection titled Kass on kassas has been published with support from the University of Tartu. The author Mohsen Shourgashti is originally from Iran, but now lives in Tartu and works at the university as a Specialist in Plant Ecology. The book explores the nuances and playfulness of the Estonian language in a humorous and thought-provoking way.

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.

All university staff and students are invited to nominate candidates who deserve to be awarded the university’s honorary decoration for their outstanding achievements.

The mentoring programme that has been popular in the previous years will be held again this autumn semester.