Professor Jarek Mäestu continues as head of the Institute of Sport Sciences and Physiotherapy

At its meeting on 9 June, the council of the Institute of Sport Sciences and Physiotherapy unanimously re-elected Professor of Human Movement and Exercise Biology Jarek Mäestu as the head of the institute for a second term.

According to Mäestu, his past term was busy and instructive, bringing several developments that could not have been anticipated three years ago. He considers it most important that the institute has remained strong and its curricula are attractive.

In his new term of office, one of Mäestu’s main goals is to align curricula with the new higher education standard. As a first step, the Ministry of Education and Research approved updates to the master’s programme in Physiotherapy this spring, so next year, admissions will begin based on the revised curriculum.

In addition, Mäestu considers it important to find new research funding opportunities both in Estonia and internationally, so that the institute’s researchers can continue to promote public health. “Our priority is people’s physical activity habits, disease prevention, and evidence-based solutions related to these,” he said.

Mäestu emphasises that people play a central role in the institute’s development. “Ultimately, everything comes down to our people, their motivation and their satisfaction in their work. This must not be overlooked – it requires continuous attention, and we also need to create opportunities for the new generation of talented young people,” he said. He also thanked colleagues at the institute and the dean’s office for their continued trust and cooperation.

Jarek Mäestu graduated from the University of Tartu Faculty of Exercise and Sport Sciences with a master's degree in 2001 and defended his doctoral degree in Exercise and Sport Sciences in 2004. Since then, he has worked at the University of Tartu as a research fellow and associate professor and has been Professor of Human Movement and Exercise Biology since 2022. His main areas of research are the adaptation of the body to exercise, the monitoring of physical performance and the links between physical performance, physical activity and health.