News

An international research team, including scientists from the University of Tartu, has published a genomic study in Nature Genetics showing that the genetic risk factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection differ markedly from those observed for earlier variants.

At the end of last year and the beginning of this one, the University of Tartu hosted a delegation of grant advisors, project managers and financial managers from the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE). The study visit was organised by the UT Grant Office within the framework of the European Commission–funded BRIDGE project, which aims to strengthen the resilience and capacity of Ukrainian research institution KSE.

22.–23. jaanuarini toimub Omicumi õppe- ja teadushoone (Riia 23b/2–105) auditooriumis Tartu Ülikooli molekulaar- ja rakubioloogia instituudi (MRI) ning genoomika instituudi (GI) aastakonverents.

The Institute of Genomics at the University of Tartu is seeking to appoint a postdoctoral Research Fellow in Ancient Metagenomics, as part of the Centre of Excellence “Estonian Roots” (CoE for transdisciplinary studies on ethnogenesis and cultural diversity).

The OPTOMICS project, co-led by Professor Reedik Mägi of the Institute of Genomics at the University of Tartu, has been recognised by the European Commission’s Innovation Radar. The project focuses on developing a prevention method for type 2 diabetes.

From 5 to 30 January, digital clutter will be cleaned up at the University of Tartu. The university invites everyone to spend at least 30 minutes every week tidying up their personal or unit’s digital space.

Ancient DNA data have helped identify that certain herpesviruses, which most people encounter during their lifetime, became part of the human genome thousands of years ago.

Have you ever wondered how your personality is related to how you do in life? Estonian researchers have put together a large overview of personality profiles – a so-called “personality atlas” that helps us better understand how different combinations of personality traits are related to people’s choices and life events.

All full-time students of the University of Tartu, the University of Latvia and Vilnius University may apply for the 2,000-euro scholarship if their proficiency in one of the Baltic countries’ languages is at least at C1 level and in the other two languages at least at A2 level. Visiting international students who study at one of the three universities in both semesters of this academic year may also apply.

In the recent call for the European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator Grants, University of Tartu researchers received funding for three projects: to study the climate impact of air pollution particles, the formation of cell patterns in plant leaves, and women’s hormonal sensitivity. Each grant amounts to nearly two million euros, and the projects last for five years.

The European Research Council (ERC) decided to fund Associate Professor Triin Laisk’s research project, which aims to get a better understanding of the factors affecting women’s health and improve women’s well-being throughout their lives.

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

On 1 December, the 106th anniversary of Estonia’s national university, 142 doctoral degrees were conferred.

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”.

The analytics company Clarivate revealed its 2025 list of Highly Cited Researchers, which includes four researchers affiliated with the University of Tartu.

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.