Awards and Recognition
The university recognises its members and prominent public figures for their outstanding deeds and achievements.
The university gives recognition on three levels:
- central forms of recognition: the Contribution to Estonian National Identity award, the grant of honorary doctorate, the grant of honorary fellowship, the Pillar of the University award, and honorary decorations;
- annual awards for university members;
- awards and recognition granted by structural units.
At the end of 2019, the senate of the University of Tartu adopted the new Regulations for Giving Recognition, creating an integrated system of giving recognition. The design of all medals was updated and in the new design, the Skytte Medal, the Grand Medal and the Medal can be worn on chest. The newly designed awards and the rector’s chain of office form a stylistically uniform set.
For further information on the honorary decorations of the University of Tartu, see the information booklet.
All persons who have been awarded a Skytte Medal, a Grand Medal or a Medal before 2020 have the right to receive a pinned medal. The respective application should be sent to the academic secretary.
All university members may make proposals for awarding an honorary decoration of the university. The proposals can be submitted via the proposal form.
Johan Skytte Medal 2020
Kersti Kaljulaid
The University of Tartu Senate decided to award the Johan Skytte Medal to the President of the Republic of Estonia Kersti Kaljulaid, who led the University of Tartu Council from 2012 to 2016. The council is the highest decision-making body of the university, holds responsibility for the long-term development of the university and ensures the achievement of the university’s goals. As the Council Chair, Kaljulaid supported the preparation of the university’s governance and structural reform and helped to increase the renown of Estonia’s national university as an international research university. Before becoming a member of the council, Kersti Kaljulaid was a member of the university’s board of governors. The senate also highlights the fact that as the President of the Republic, Kersti Kaljulaid supported the signing of the Estonian Research Agreement between researchers, politicians and entrepreneurs, helping to ensure the development of Estonian research and innovation by a social covenant.
Tanel Kiik
On 19 June 2020, the University of Tartu awarded the Johan Skytte Medal to Tanel Kiik, the Estonian Minister of Social Affairs. The university recognises Kiik for his substantial contribution to promoting evidence-based governance in Estonia and involving the University of Tartu and its researchers in the management of the emergency situation. Rector Toomas Asser said that Tanel Kiik has been a determined advocate of relying on the expertise of universities and scientists in decision-making processes.
Tanel Kiik was born on 23 January 1989. He is a cum laude graduate from the University of Tartu Pärnu College in Entrepreneurship and Project Management and is continuing his studies in the master’s programme of European Studies. As a representative of one of the founders of Tartu University Hospital Foundation, he has a major role in directing the development of the university hospital.
Honorary Doctors 2020
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Aleksander Pluskowski | Göran Bolin | Robert-Jan Simons |
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Helena Kääriäinen | Richard Kerner |
Contribution to Estonian National Identity Award 2020
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Lea Tormis In 2020, the University of Tartu gives the award “Contribution to Estonian National Identity“ to the theatre researcher and historian, critic and lecturer Lea Tormis. |
Honorary Fellow 2017
Grand Medal 2020
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Toomas Haldma | Raul-Allan Kiivet | Andres Merits |
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Olev Must | Helle Metslang |
Medal 2019
Lea Pild |
Badge of Distinction 2019
Ülo Mander Martin Mooses Sirje Haas Tambet Teesalu Kristel Mikkor Aivar Kriiska Peeter Torop Triin Paaver Lea Altnurme Ragne Kõuts-Klemm Kristel Ruutmets Janek Saluse Maarja Mai Lõokene Kerli Meister Sven Janno Triin Jagomägi Mario Plaas Ingrid Jalak Toomas Raus Aveliina Helm Tuul Sepp Merike Petuhov Annika Tina Lili Milani Ines Kerikmäe Liisi Lembinen Terje Kapp Marko Ojakivi Piret Saluveer Mariann Raisma Riin Prikk Ave Suija Helen Laube Viivika Eljand-Käpp Virve Vall Reet Ruusmann Madis Arukask Ermo Tikk Heili Varendi Margot Sakson |
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Teaching Staff of the Year 2019/20
Alexander Stewart Davies Senior Research Fellow in Theoretical Philosophy, Institute of Philosophy and Semiotics, Faculty of Arts and Humanities |
Liina Lepp Lecturer in Didactics, Institute of Education, Faculty of Social Sciences |
Doris Vahtrik Lecturer of Muscoskeletal System, Institute of Sport Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine |
Meelis Käärik Associate Professor in Probability Theory, Institute of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science and Technology |
Programme Director of the year 2020
Ene Kõresaar Programme Director of the master’s curriculum “Ethnology, Folkloristics and Applied Anthropology”, Associate Professor Ethnology, Institute of Cultural Research, Faculty of Arts and Humanities |
Triin Vihalemm Programme Director of the master’s curriculum “Change Management in Society”, Professor of Communication Studies, Institute of Social Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences |
Oivi Uibo Programme Director of the English-taught integrated bachelor's and master’s curriculum “Medicine”, Associate Professor of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine |
Indrek Zolk Programme Director of the bachelor’s curriculum “Mathematics”, Lecturer in Mathematical Analysis, Institute of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science and Technology |