News

The Solaride team, comprising students from Estonian universities, secured third place in the Cruiser Class at the iLumen European Solar Challenge held last weekend at Circuit Zolder in Belgium. During the 24-hour competition, both the car’s technical performance and the team’s strategy and resilience were put to the test.

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.

The Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies and the Ukraine Centre of the University of Tartu are participating in the international project RESTART, which aims to enhance the research and innovation capacity of Sumy State University in Ukraine and support its integration into the international research community.

The University of Tartu, together with seven leading European university networks and research organisations are calling on EU policymakers to increase investment in research and innovation in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).

In a nationwide survey on career expectations and employer reputation, students assessed the attractiveness of 326 organisations in Estonia. The University of Tartu ranked third among all students and first among humanities students.

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.

Until 30 October, nominations can be submitted for the “Contribution to Estonian National Identity” award, with which the university recognises individuals whose creative work has made an outstanding contribution to promoting the national identity of Estonians and Estonia.

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.

The DNA of two randomly selected people is approximately 99.9% identical. However, differences in the remaining 0.1% of the genome influence many individual traits, including appearance, disease risk, and the body's response to medications. A study by researchers at the University of Tartu found that this small amount of genetic variation may also be linked to several personality traits.

On 19 September, Solaride’s solar car will compete at the iLumen European Solar Challenge, the largest solar car race in Europe, held at Circuit Zolder in Belgium.

On 16 September, Arun Kumar Singh, Professor of Motion Planning, at the University of Tartu, gave his inaugural lecture titled “Beyond Scaling: Building Safe and Data-Efficient Learning Robots”.

A recently completed study on conspiracy theories, the most extensive one ever conducted in Europe, found that narratives circulating across national borders adapt to local history, cultural memory and social tensions. A book presenting the study’s findings has now been published, co-edited by Mari-Liis Madisson, Associate Professor of Semiotics at the University of Tartu.

At the start of the 2026/2027 academic year, nearly 300 international degree-seeking students and 270 international visiting students began their studies at the University of Tartu.

On 31 August, Prime Minister Kristen Michal convened a government advisory board of digital safety experts, including five researchers from the University of Tartu, who advocate evidence-based solutions.

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.

At the Rowing Championship of the European University Sports Association (EUSA Rowing 2026), held in Zagreb, Croatia, from 6 to 9 August, University of Tartu athletes represented the university with distinction, achieving excellent results in strong international competition.

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.

Speech of the President of the University of Tartu Student Union Eneken Riin Salong at the opening ceremony of the 2026/2027 academic year.