News

Research co-authored by Tartu Observatory's Senior Research Fellow Mihkel Pajusalu has gained international interest: among others, CNN covered the topic on their front page. The study focuses on researching the conditions that would potentially host life outside of Earth.

On 13 May, the UT Institute of Psychology and the Estonian start-up Triumf Health started an impact study of a digital health game intended for children. The game aims to support children’s psychosocial well-being and thus prevent mental health issues. Children from 7 to 14 years of age are invited to take part in the study.

University of Tartu researchers analysed the genomic sequences of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) taken from six Estonians. Compared to the initial virus strain that spread in China, researchers have identified eight mutations in Estonia that have been also found in other parts of the world and two mutations which so far seem to be unique to Estonia.

As a result of recent research, researchers of the University of Tartu and Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) have identified six compounds with an inhibiting effect on SARS-CoV-2. Researchers believe these antiviral compounds can benefit the whole world, as they can help the healthcare systems and the society to be better prepared for possible viral outbreaks in the future.

In a live interview on Wednesday, 13 May at 13:00, Rector of the University of Tartu Toomas Asser spoke how the university has coped with the crisis. The interview discussed how the University of Tartu scientists have helped the government during the emergency situation, and about the response to the virus outbreak in the Raatuse dormitory. In addition, the rector spoke of the university’s return to its normal rhythm of work. The live interview was held in Estonian. The recording has English subtitles.

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.

The Government Committee tasked with resolving the issues related to events caused by the spread of the COVID-19-causing coronavirus and issues of public health and the economy assembled a scientific advisory board and confirmed its members. The task of the advisory board is to provide expert information to the Government Committee on the emergency situation.

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:

On Tuesday, 5 May at 13:00, the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Aune Valk talked in a live webcast about when and how the university could resume regular teaching and studies, and what lies ahead of us before the end of the academic year. Among other issues, she discussed everything related to graduations; for example, graduation ceremonies, exams and theses. Watch the video with English subtitles:

The University of Tartu Startup Lab is inviting all student teams to participate in the pre-selection round of the students’ business ideas competition Kaleidoskoop on 14 May. To participate, the teams have to send a three-minute video pitch of their business idea. Ten best teams will be selected to the finals.

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.

The University of Tartu and the company Selfdiagnostics are cooperating on developing a rapid SARS-CoV-2 test enabling more rapid detection of coronavirus infection at a lower price. The new rapid test will significantly increase testing capacity and deliver greater resource efficiency. The project has been awarded an EIT Health product development grant by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology.

Balbiino has introduced a new apricot-honey yoghurt ice cream with probiotic ME-3 bacteria discovered by medical researchers from the University of Tartu. In addition to Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3, the ice-cream has been enriched with other gut-friendly probiotics, such as bifido- and acidophilic bacteria, and is low on fat.

At the final meeting of the strategic headquarter on 2. May, those in attendance agreed that the restrictions of movement and the separation of residents within the dormitory have produced the desired results. Mayor Urmas Klaas, head of the Tartu crisis team, thanked all parties for their excellent work. “All authorities were very operational in their work and quickly joined forces to stop the virus from spreading further from the hotspot,” added Klaas.

We intend to start the new academic year at the usual time – this year on 31 August. With regard to the arrival of international students and international visiting students who start their studies, we are flexible and take the situation into account.

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.

Today, on 24 April, the senate of the University of Tartu elected Juko-Mart Kõlar, lecturer in creative entrepreneurship and management, and head of Department of Culture Education at Viljandi Culture Academy, as the new director of Viljandi Culture Academy.