News

According to a Kantar Emor survey conducted in May this year among Estonian residents aged 15–74, representatives of all age groups consider the University of Tartu to be Estonia’s most reputable higher education institution. In addition, 65% of the respondents pointed out the University of Tartu’s contribution to fighting the coronavirus, primarily research studies.

Today, on 19 June, Rector Toomas Asser handed over the Badge of Distinction and letter of appreciation of the University of Tartu to Professor of Medical Microbiology Irja Lutsar. The university appreciates her commitment to evidence-based counselling of the university and state leaders during the emergency situation.

This year, traditional graduation ceremonies bringing together hundreds of people are not held at the University of Tartu, but ceremonies take place online. The university also makes a gift to the graduates: they now have their own tree and a bench in Tartu city centre. Also, the university main building and the sculpture on the Town Hall Square will be decorated.

Medical researchers of the University of Tartu and doctors of Tartu University Hospital have an ambitious plan to take their novel combination of stereotactic body radiotherapy and immunotherapy to treatment guidelines and thus reach suitable patients suffering from lung cancer. Up to 20 lung cancer patients will be included in the study SynAct Lung to assess the safety and efficiency of the new combination.

Studying the inflammatory and metabolic markers in the different stages of schizophrenia spectrum disorders is of great importance. At the University of Tartu, a study on this topic was completed and the results will help diagnose the disease, and monitor and avoid the manifestation of side effects of the treatment.

From May 11, family doctors in Saaremaa and Õismäe started to invite volunteers to take part in the study on coronavirus antibodies KoroSero-EST organised by the University of Tartu. Based on random sampling, the vein blood of 1,080 participants from both communities will be analysed for the presence of antibodies to estimate the number of people having been exposed to coronavirus. After the pilot study, a larger study across Estonia is planned.

Researchers at the University of Tartu studied the dietary habits, health related physical fitness and body composition of school children in the City of Tartu. Based on the results, they recommend schools to offer a varied menu including a diverse selection of fruit and vegetables, teach adolescents to understand the connections between physical fitness and health, and to get them to consciously develop in this area.

The results of a study conducted by the University of Tartu on the prevalence of the coronavirus were presented to the Government Committee responsible for the emergency situation today. The results from the second week of the study continue to confirm the low prevalence of the virus in Estonia.

Admissions to the University of Tartu take place based on the schedule announced in winter. According to current plans, admission requirements will remain largely unchanged. The application period to Estonian-taught master’s programmes runs until 1 July. From 18 June to 1 July, applications are accepted to bachelor’s, professional higher education and integrated curricula, and from 1 May to 15 June, to doctoral programmes.

Teaching and studies at the university continue in online environments until the end of semester. To minimise the movement of students, we ask that all exams and pass/fail assessments be conducted online. If online classes are not enough for students to pass the course, face-to-face sessions are planned. In planning face-to-face learning, the following should be kept in mind:

Today, the first week’s results of a study conducted by the University of Tartu on the prevalence of the coronavirus in Estonia were presented to the Government Emergency Committee. According to the results, COVID-19 is not widespread in Estonia.

Researchers at the University of Tartu Faculty of Medicine examined whether lower physical activity and sleep disturbances in 14-16-year-old girls is a precursor for more frequent depressive symptoms later in life.

Today, the University of Tartu researchers start a three-month study on the prevalence of coronavirus in Estonia among both symptomatic and asymptomatic people. For that, at least 16,000 residents of Estonia based on a random statistical sample will be interviewed and invited to be tested for coronavirus.

At the beginning of April, research integrity counsellors started work at each faculty of the University of Tartu. They offer advice and support for university members who have questions about adhering to the principles of research integrity or suspect that research integrity has been violated.

A study conducted under the lead of Estonian researchers shows that men with prostatitis-like symptoms (PLS) suffer under more intercurrent diseases than men without any complaints and are characterised by various unhealthy habits and attitudes.

In the current emergency situation where mental health problems are on the rise, services to address these problems are becoming increasingly important. Mindlift is a platform that connects those in need of help with mental health experts. They can communicate with selected experts on the platform either by messaging, phone call or video, without long waiting times or expensive service fees.

With the permission of the Ethics Committee, scientists from the University of Tartu Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine analysed blood plasma samples taken at Tartu University Hospital from patients suffering from COVID-19 and confirmed the effectiveness of their method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. In the course of their study, which was carried out with the permission of the Ethics Committee, the scientists gained confirmation of the effectiveness of the method they had developed for detecting SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.

Six tenants of UT residence hall confirmed to have coronavirus. In connection with this we publish the address of the Rector of the University of Tartu in both text and video. Today we have received alarming news both for the University of Tartu and the entire Estonia. Students of the University of Tartu, who are tenants of the residence hall in Raatuse street, have been infected with coronavirus.

Dear students and members of the teaching staff, On 15 April, several media channels wrote about the court case between a UT alumnus and a member of the teaching staff over an insulting comment in the confidential course feedback questionnaire. Understandably, this has shaken the trust in the feedback system and pointed to problems we want to avoid in the future. On the other hand, it is clear that the university cannot develop without substantial feedback.

Estonian Research Council submitted the names of 80 Estonian researchers to the portal of leading female researchers, AcademiaNet, including 12 members of the Faculty of Medicine.