News

On November 24, the early-career researchers' workshop, "Ethics and Emotions", will take place in Jakobi 2-114. The workshop brings together Susimetsa Philosopicum’s visiting scholars from the University of Geneva and the University of Lund, as well as local researchers from the University of Tartu. Everyone interested, including students, is most welcome!

Reedel, 31. novembril valiti Maarja Ojamaa Tartu Ülikooli senati poolt uueks kultuurisemiootika professoriks.

On 31 October, the senate of the University of Tartu decided to award the University of Tartu Grand Medal to former rector, Professor emeritus Jaak Aaviksoo, Professor Marlon Gerardo Dumas Menjivar, Professor Kalle Kirsimäe, and Professor Ivo Leito. 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 also been selected.

The 10th conference will take place on the 27th–28th of November at the University of Tartu Library.

The University of Tartu was founded on 25 October 393 years ago. This year, the anniversary was marked by memorial ceremonies, a concert and other events.

Interest in the European Research Council (ERC) programme has grown among University of Tartu researchers. In response, the Grant Writing Unit is organising an ERC Information Event on 4 November 2025, focused on individual ERC Starting, Consolidator, and Advanced Grants.

Deadline for submissions: 15 November 2025

The University of Tartu and Tallinn Health University of Applied Sciences have strengthened cooperation in intersectoral doctoral studies to support academic succession at the professional higher education institution and enhance its research capacity. In September, the first intersectoral doctoral researcher began their studies in the collaboration between the two institutions.

From 1 to 31 October, FitSphere invites students and staff to take part in the step challenge Sügissammud 2025, aiming to promote regular physical activity. Also, the most physically active higher education institution in Estonia will be determined .

With the annual awards, the university aims to recognise its employees’ and students’ outstanding achievements in teaching, doing research and serving society.

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.

On 1 October 2025 at 10:15, the Department of Semiotics of the University of Tartu, Jakobi 2, room 306, will host a public lecture by Senior Lecturer and ecosemiotician Xany Jansen van Vuuren from South Africa. Jansen van Vuuren will discuss how animal welfare work functions as interspecies translation. Special attention will be given to equine-based welfare work in South Africa.

On 27 October from 13–18, the University of Tartu development conference “A university for us, Estonia and the world” took place at the assembly hall of the university's main building and online to initiate a discussion on topics important for society and the university. The discussion were be based on the new University of Tartu strategic plan approved in June.

This year the Paulson Lectures in the Study of Religion will be held by Kevin Schilbrack. He is an internationally renown scholar of methodological and theoretical issues in study of religion.

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.

On 22 September from 17:00–20:00, a bicycle market takes place on Vabaduse pst in Tartu, offering the opportunity to buy a reasonably priced second-hand bicycle or to sell your working condition bicycle.

On 25–26 September 2025, the University of Tartu will host international scholars of ancient philosophy. This year’s Tartu Workshop in Ancient Philosophy focuses on ancient philosophers’ views on women, but other topics will be discussed as well. The workshop is organised by Riin Sirkel, Associate Professor of Ancient Philosophy at the University of Tartu.

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

The new collection shows how emotions and affects shape political identities, amplify polarisation in times of crisis, and often turn public debate into emotional confrontation. „Power of Emotions. On the Affective Constitution of Political Struggle“ is edited by Andreas Ventsel, Professor of Political and Sociosemiotics at the University of Tartu, and Peeter Selg, Professor of Governance and Political Analysis at Tallinn University.

All in all, there are 16,052 students at the university.