News: university

On Thursday, 1 October, the second lecture “How strong is our will to defend?” was held in the lecture series by the University of Tartu’s first Professor of Resilient Futures, Martin Herem. The topic was explored by guest lecturer Kairi Kasearu, Professor of Empirical Sociology.

We have asked four laureates of honorary decorations what the University of Tartu means to them.

On 26 October, ticket sales for the 107th anniversary ball of the national university began. The celebration, which will take place on 1 December at the Vanemuine Concert Hall, will bring together the students, alumni and staff of the University of Tartu. The headline performer of the ball is the band SADU, and the theme of the evening is "Patterns".

On 30 October, the University of Tartu senate decided to award the Johan Skytte medal to President Alar Karis. The highest award for university members, the University of Tartu Grand Medal, is given to Ruth Oltjer, Liina Lindström and Maris Laan. Also, the recipients of the University of Tartu Star of Appreciation, Medal, Badge of Distinction and the decoration “100 Semesters at the University of Tartu” have been selected.

In October, the European Cyber Security Month, we encourage members of the University of Tartu to develop secure digital habits and increase their awareness of cyber threats.

There can never be too much dancing and laughter. We look forward to celebrating the 107th anniversary of the beginning of Estonian-language higher education on 1 December 2026!

On 23 October, the 394th anniversary of Academia Gustaviana was celebrated. The occasion was marked by a commemorative ceremony honouring the university’s founders, a lecture by Jüri Luik, and a free concert “Passion and madness” at the university’s assembly hall.

On 20 October 2026, a seminar entitled "Research Assessment Reform in Europe: What Does It Mean for the University of Tartu?" was held at the University of Tartu Library. The aim of the seminar was to provide participants with an overview of the objectives of the international Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment and to discuss the changes needed to implement its principles in practice at the University of Tartu.

On 14 October, the mental health promoter Peaasi.ee awarded the University of Tartu the third-level label in its recognition scheme of mental health-friendly organisations.

On 13 October, the University of Tartu hosted representatives of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and the leading universities of Singapore, who presented their organisations, research strengths and opportunities for collaboration in entrepreneurship and innovation.