University of Tartu development conference explores how the university can strengthen its global influence and shape Estonia’s development

On 27 October from 13–18, the University of Tartu development conference “A university for us, Estonia and the world” takes place in the university assembly hall and online. Keynote speakers are Toomas Hendrik Ilves, Kersti Kaljulaid and Kristina Kallas.

Rector of the University of Tartu, Toomas Asser, said that while the strategic plan adopted this June laid down the university’s key objectives for the next decade, the development conference aims to gather ideas on how to achieve these objectives and what factors and decisions will affect the journey.

“The development conference is not merely an internal matter of the University of Tartu, but a forum to discuss how the university can help steer the development of Estonia by maintaining and enhancing international competitiveness of both the university and the country, shaping a new academic generation, and ensuring that the knowledge created at the university will reach society,” Asser said.

The discussions will focus on three topics that will shape the future of higher education and research in Estonia over the next decade: the responsible internationalisation of the university, ensuring academic succession, and the transfer of research results to society and the economy.

Keynote speeches are delivered by President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, President Kersti Kaljulaid and Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas. After each presentation, the vice rectors of the university, Aune Valk, Tõnu Esko and Mari Moora, will explain which objectives have been agreed upon in these thematic areas in the new strategic plan.

In discussion panels, external partners help seek answers to how to achieve the objectives and about the university’s role in it.

The conference programme, introduction of speakers, and the link for online participation can be found on the conference website. The university’s strategic plan for the next decade is available on the university website.