News

A doctoral thesis defended in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Tartu fundamentally changes the current understanding of atherosclerosis treatment. The results show that at the cellular level, this chronic disease progresses differently in men and women, laying the groundwork for more precise and individualized therapies.

As possible ways forward, participants proposed strengthening digital and health literacy, providing institutional support for professionals, and raising awareness among both healthcare workers and patients.

On 27 November, the University of Tartu announced its teaching excellence ambassadors, who set an example for the entire university community. The title is given to recognise 20 academic staff members who develop their teaching based on evidence and support an open teaching culture that values learning.

From 26 November to 2 December, donations are invited to the University of Tartu Seventh Pillar Fund, which offers scholarships for young researchers and outstanding students.

Today, on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the main building is lit up in orange. On the initiative of the President Kaljulaid Foundation, buildings in Estonian cities are illuminated in shades of orange to draw attention to the issue of domestic abuse and call everyone to notice, care and take action.

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.

A doctoral thesis defended in the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Tartu opens new possibilities for the earlier detection and more precise treatment of gynecological diseases, including cancer and endometriosis.

Selged ja adressaadiga arvestavad, teaduspõhised, ent inimeste toimevõimekuse suhtes lugupidavad sõnumid toetavad suhtluses osalejate vastastikust usaldust ning abistavad inimesi informeeritud terviseotsuste tegemisel.

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.

We asked four recipients of honorary decorations to share what makes the University of Tartu special to them.

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.

The Faculty of Medicine Anniversary Thematic Conference on 3 October will be opened by Andrew Epaphroditus Tay, Head of Wellbeing at the National University of Singapore.

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.

At the 11 September meeting, the council of the Institute of Pharmacy elected Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Ivo Laidmäe as the new head of the institute.

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.

Last year, Elmo decided to challenge himself by joining the University of Tartu mentoring programme. His mentee was Grete Sakteos, a bachelor’s student in astrophysics.

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.

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