Topic: Semiotics

We invite all interested parties to attend the defence of semiotics theses on 20 January 2026, either in person at Jakobi 2–305 or in Zoom (ID: 955 3332 4547, Password: 594333).

Applications are now open for the international master’s programmes in Semiotics and in Philosophy in Practice at the University of Tartu. Prospective students can apply until 15 March. Interested applicants are also warmly invited to our virtual open day on 15 January, where you can learn more about the programmes, admissions, and studying in Tartu.

Are you considering applying to one of our international master's programmes in 2026? If so, join us online for the Virtual Open Day 2026 on 15 January at 12:00 (GMT+2) – no matter where in the world you are!

On 20 November 2025 was published the edited volume Transmedia in Translation and Transculturation, edited by Vasso Giannakopoulou (University of Cyprus) and Elin Sütiste (University of Tartu). The book was released by John Benjamins Publishing Company.

The Juri Lotman Fund announces its scholarship contest for graduate students from the University of Tartu whose research continues the tradition of Lotman and his school in semiotics and Slavic philology. Application deadline is 30 January 2026, and the grantees of the scholarships will be announced on 28 February 2026.

Värske kogumik näitab, kuidas hirm on muutunud tänapäeva meediastunud ühiskonnas üheks keskseks jõuks, kujundades sõnumeid ja suunates avaliku elu arenguid. Raamatu „Through the Lens of Dread: Exploring the Meaning-Making of Fear in the Mediasphere“ („Läbi hirmu prisma: hirmu tähendusloome uurimine meediasfääris“) on toimetanud Merit Maran Tallinna Ülikoolist ja Juri Lotmani semiootikavaramust ning Mari-Liis Madisson ja Andreas Ventsel Tartu Ülikooli semiootika osakonnast.

On 2 December 2025, Paul Cobley — Honorary Doctor of the University of Tartu — delivered a public lecture titled “Thinking: close and distant” as part of the Juri Lotman Lecture Series. The lecture is now available to watch online.

Selgunud on tänavused Tartu Ülikooli teenetemärkide kavalerid. Filosoofia ja semiootika instituudist pälvisid Tartu Ülikooli aumärgi Siobhan Ann Kattago, poliitikafilosoofia kaasprofessor ja Ene-Reet Soovik, semiootika osakonna toimetaja.

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

On October 8, 2025, the candidates for the Professorship of the Semiotics of Culture at the University of Tartu – Maarja Ojamaa, Sara Bédard-Goulet, and Mari-Liis Madisson – delivered their venia legendi lectures. The public lectures can be re-watched via UTTV links available under each lecture title.