News

The festive ceremony is the most significant event in the University's academic calendar, where we promote our new doctors and honorary doctors, and present recognitions and scholarships. This year, the academic ceremony of the Estonian University of Life Sciences took place earlier than usual, on October 6^th, as it was associated with the celebrations of the 175^th anniversary of veterinary medicine.

According to Rector Ülle Jaakma, this year's celebration was even more festive than usual, as it marked the jubilee of the University, which is connected to the founding of the Tartu veterinary higher educational establishment in 1848. In her anniversary speech, Rector Jaakma noted that the role of a veterinarian has become much broader compared to earlier times. "In the last couple of years, there has again been a reason to talk about veterinary education because there is a shortage of veterinarians in Estonia. Veterinary education, however, remains the most expensive specialty in our University. It would be reasonable to reduce English-language instruction and focus on Estonian-language veterinary education considering the needs of Estonia," Rector Jaakma stated. She also added that the University can and must be a balancing force in society, providing support in finding solutions to crises and problems. This can be best achieved through interdisciplinary cooperation.

The promotion of doctors and honorary doctors is always part of the ceremony. This year's honorary doctor is also associated with veterinary medicine. In recognition of outstanding achievements in veterinary medicine research and long-term supportive and effective collaboration, the Senate awarded the title of Honorary Doctor to Professor Ulf Magnusson from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. Ulf Magnusson held an academic lecture titled "Antibiotic use and resistance in livestock – concerns for animal and public health?"

Awards are also presented during the festive meeting. For the first time, the University introduced the 'Rohesamm - Green Step' award to acknowledge those whose activities contribute to sustainable development. Doctoral student Sharib Khan was honored with the Green Step award for the electrochemical valorization of lignin in a protic ionic liquid environment.

The Green Step award is open for nominations for individuals, working groups, and organizations both within and outside the university that promote environmentally friendly practices in alignment with certain fields of activity at the University. This innovative approach transforms waste, previously considered of little value, into materials and chemicals rather than being discarded or burned.

The honorary title of Distinguished Professor of Estonian University of Life Sciences was bestowed upon Professor of Hydrobiology Tiina Nõges and Professor of Crop Science and Plant Biology, Academician Ülo Niinemets. This title is awarded to particularly outstanding professors who are at the forefront of their field globally. The University awarded the title of Distinguished Professor for the first time.

Senior research fellow in applied entomology Enno Merivee was recognized as the Medal of Merit laureate. The Medal of Merit is awarded to the University members for outstanding achievements in their work and field of activity, as well as to individuals outside the University who have notable merits for the University.

For the popularization of science, I prize was awarded to Professor Mati Roasto for the series of activities 'Food Hygiene and Public Health.' II prize was given to lecturer Liina Jürisoo for activities related to urban tree landscaping. III prize was awarded to senior research fellow Priit Zingel, senior research fellow Helen Agasild, Associate Professor Arvo Tuvikene, and senior research fellow Lea Tuvikene for their participation in the series of activities 'Popularization of Estonian Water Sciences.'

The Applied Science Award was given to Professor Hardi Tullus and Assistant Professor Reimo Lutter for the project 'Growth development of hardwood plantations on former agricultural lands through forest selection and management.'

The internal university cooperation project award was given to the research team, which included Professor Meelis Ots, junior researcher Andres Olt, lecturer Kaire Loit, chief specialist Britt Puidet, Professor Tõnu Püssa, and chief specialist Linda Rusalepp, for an application-oriented research on the impact of fungicide treatment on forage crops on silage mycotoxin content, fermentation, and dairy cow performance, milk quality, and safety.

Lecturer of the Year, Professor Mati Roasto, was selected for his students' feedback and implementation of innovative teaching methods.

At the suggestion of the Open University and institutes, Heino Pihlap, lecturer from the Chair of Biosystems Engineering, was named Continuing Education Lecturer of the Year.

At the suggestion of the Alumni Association's board, Tõnu Post, the Chairman of the Council of Saaremaa Piimaühistu, has been named Alumnus of the Year 2023.

Joosep Toots Foundation scholarships were awarded.

• Baltic Agro scholarships – Villem Rehkalt 'Effect of early spring fertilization with liquid phosphorus fertilizer on yield and crop quality' and Marian Põldmets 'Use of biological control agents based on selected living microorganisms in the suppression of plant pathogen populations'
• State Forest Management Centre Endel Laas scholarships– Reeno Sopp, Karin Kütt.            
• State Forest Management Centre Heino Teder scholarships – Risto Kiisk, Karel Kaja.
• Estonian Large Farmers Club scholarship – Johanna Piibor.            
• Reginett scholarship – Tõnis Kuusk.                                                     
• Eesti Põllumajandusloomade Jõudluskontrolli AS scholarship – Mart Vaino.
• Junior veterinarian-animal breeder scholarship – Katrin Kahu; award – Kristi Männamets.                
• PetCity scholarships – Carolina Kass, Kelly Hiietamm, Rauno Kivimägi, Mari-Liis Oberg, Oliivia Ossipov, Kristel Rjabov.         
• Alumni Association scholarships – Karina Paškovitš, Kelly Hiietamm, Maare Mõttus.                                        

The Ukrainian Student Scholarship of the University was awarded to Kyrylo Tymoshenko, a student of veterinary medicine.

At the festive meeting, musician Mari Kalkun and the male choir Gaudeamus performed.