Topic: recognition 

The research award 2025 is granted to the research team led by Professor Triin Laisk for their outstanding work in clarifying the molecular mechanisms underlying women’s health disorders, illustrating the potential of genetic studies for better understanding women’s health.

Ahead of the anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, the University of Tartu announced the recipients of the contribution to society award, research award, language award and the teaching staff of the year awards for 2025.

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

On 21 November, Rector Toomas Asser handed over the university’s this year’s 123 honorary decorations. This marked the beginning of the traditional events of the 106th anniversary of Estonia’s national university.

On 21 November, the University of Tartu senate decided to make nominations for the national research awards of the Republic of Estonia.

On 1 December, the ceremony of the 106th anniversary of Estonia’s national university took place at the University of Tartu assembly hall. As part of the ceremony, the University of Tartu Honorary Doctor Professor Svante Pääbo delivered a lecture “About Neandertals, and how they live on in many of us”.

On 12 November, at the Estonian Research Council’s annual science communication conference, the traditional science popularisation awards and special prizes were presented to those who speak about science in an inspiring way.

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.

Triin Laisk, Associate Professor of Genomics and Reproductive Genetics at the University of Tartu, has become the first person from the Baltics to be selected as one of eight finalists in the Scientific Achievement category of the Inspiring Women in Science competition organised by the journal Nature.

All university staff and students are invited to nominate candidates who deserve to be awarded the university’s honorary decoration for their outstanding achievements.