University of Tartu has announced this year’s recipients of honorary decorations

On 31 October, the senate of the University of Tartu decided to award the University of Tartu Grand Medal to former rector, Professor 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.

The University of Tartu Grand Medal is the highest recognition granted to university members for services of particular value. Based on the senate resolution, the Grand Medal is awarded to Jaak Aaviksoo, Professor emeritus and rector from 1998 to 2006; Marlon Gerardo Dumas Menjivar, Professor of Information Systems; Kalle Kirsimäe, Professor of Geology and Mineralogy; and Ivo Leito, Professor of Analytical Chemistry.  

Professor emeritus Jaak Aaviksoo is one of the most influential higher education leaders in Estonia over recent decades. He has guided the development of the University of Tartu and the entire Estonian higher education and research system.

Professor Marlon Gerardo Dumas Menjivar is one of the most outstanding representatives of Estonian and international computer science, whose long-standing work at the University of Tartu has left a profound mark both on the Institute of Computer Science and the field of research. Through active publishing, he has become one of Estonia’s most highly cited researchers.

Professor Kalle Kirsimäe is an internationally renowned researcher and a promoter of geological science in Estonia. For years, he has led geology-related research and teaching at the University of Tartu, and he is a respected expert for both the private and public sectors.

Professor Ivo Leito is an internationally renowned expert in analytical chemistry and a dedicated lecturer who has successfully combined high-level fundamental research, metrological precision, and innovative teaching.

The university also announced university members who were granted the University of Tartu Medal, Badge of Distinction and the decoration “100 Semesters at the University of Tartu”, and people outside the university who were awarded the University of Tartu Star of Appreciation for rendering excellent services to the university. In total, the university grants honorary decorations to 123 people.

Recipients of the University of Tartu Star of Appreciation are statesman Siim Kallas, conductor of the Chamber Choir and the Academic Women’s Choir of the University of Tartu Triin Koch, Ambassador of France to Estonia Emmanuel Mignot, computer scientist Härmel Nestra, science journalist Jaan-Juhan Oidermaa, former member of the University of Tartu council Kari Olavi Raivio, Swedish entrepreneur Björn Erik Savén, former Solaride leader Asso Soosalu, and long-time conductor of the Academic Women’s Choir of the University of Tartu Vaike Uibopuu.

The list of all other recipients of the honorary decorations has been published on the university website. Rector Toomas Asser will present the university’s honorary decorations at a ceremony on 21 November at 16:00 in the University of Tartu assembly hall.

All university members may nominate candidates for the honorary decorations of the University of Tartu. See this year’s and earlier recipients of honorary decorations in the awards and recognition database on the university website. Read more about honorary decorations on the university website.