Topic: recognition 

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.

On 23 January, the University of Tartu Foundation recognised the scholarship recipients of the autumn semester of 2025 and thanked the foundation’s donors in the White Hall of the University of Tartu Museum. Scholarships were awarded from 33 funds in a total amount exceeding €200,000.

During the Faculty of Social Sciences Winter Days, the recipients of the Outstanding Societal Contribution Award and the Act of the Year were announced.

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 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.

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

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

Wai Ming Choi’s MA thesis explores the oracle practice Kau Cim as a social and interpretive process. Drawing on first-hand ethnography, the study highlights how ritual divination fosters community connection.

Dronashish Goswami’s University of Tartu Asia Centre scholarship thesis explores how Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness index could inform Estonia’s sustainability and well-being policy framework.