The Institute of Psychology - News

This autumn, doctoral researchers of the University of Tartu will again have the opportunity to participate in the three-minute thesis competition. The competition will be held on 21 October in the conference hall of the University of Tartu Library.

This spring, at the Student Union's intitative, information about the principles of equal treatment was shared at the university. Now, the Marketing and Communication Office would like to know whether and how these messages reached the university community and what impression they made.

The University of Tartu’s mascot, Tiksu, has already won over the hearts of the entire university community with its academic yet playful appearance and its presence at all major university events. Now, you can buy your own Tiksu stuffed toy from the university’s gift shop. The toys will arrive by mid-July.

Researchers from the Institute of Psychology at the University of Tartu are participating in the Baltic-German collaborative project “Feelings in the Eyes: Toward Standardized Pupillometric Analysis in Emotion Regulation Research”, together with researchers from Vilnius University and Ruhr University Bochum. The project aims to advance methodological standards in pupillometry research.

University of Tartu graduation ceremonies take place from 12 to 20 June. Live streaming, recordings and photos of the ceremonies are available on UTTV.

The legacy of Endel Tulving, the world-renowned researcher of human memory and one of the best-known scientists of Estonian origin, arrived at the University of Tartu Library from Toronto. It includes works on neuroscience, his personal archive of research articles and materials, as well as items and awards related to his scientific achievements.

TEDx University of Tartu brings people together to share “ideas worth spreading” across diverse topics on 2 June at the University of Tartu Delta Centre.

On 13 May, the Ministry of Education and Research and the University of Tartu concluded an administrative contract for 2026–2028. It sets out the objectives of increasing student admissions in fields with higher labour demand, expanding the volume of doctoral research related to artificial intelligence, and supporting internationalisation and talent policy.

European Doctoral Day is held on 13 May to inspire students to pursue doctoral education, increase employers’ awareness of the value of doctoral degrees, and showcase the diverse career opportunities.

Academic freedom refers to the ability of students, teaching staff, and researchers to express their views freely and ensures the independence of universities. In Estonia, academic freedom remains high, but according to a recent report, it is declining worldwide.

Diversity Day is celebrated in Estonia and across Europe on 13 May, the second Wednesday in May, and the whole month is marked as Diversity Month. The aim is to value the uniqueness of every individual and emphasise the importance of an inclusive, respectful and fair working environment.

On 15 May, from 10:15 to 11:45, he gives a public lecture “Applying for ERC grants. The future of European research” in the building of the Institute of Cultural Research (Ülikooli 16–216).

On 29 April, Denim Day will be marked in Estonia for the first time to express support for survivors of sexual violence and to emphasise that no choice of clothing ever constitutes consent. Everyone is invited to wear jeans on this day as a sign of solidarity with survivors of sexual violence.

This spring, the University of Tartu opens 192 doctoral positions. Everyone who wants to gain new knowledge and pursue a career as a researcher, top specialist, or manager is welcome to apply.

From 20 April, all University of Tartu staff and students will receive an email invitation to participate in a study that aims to provide an overview of attitudes, knowledge and experiences related to sexual harassment, workplace bullying and discrimination at the university.

The University of Tartu Spring Run, held on 15 April, featured a more varied programme and brought more than 1,000 sports enthusiasts to the banks of the river Emajõgi.

The University of Tartu museums, with their rich collections, offer discovery and excitement for visitors of all ages. During the spring holidays, you are welcome to visit the university’s museum, art museum, botanical garden, natural history museum and the library. Read and find out which exciting exhibitions and events are taking place in Tartu during the holiday week.

The call for applications for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships is open until 9 September 2026. In April and May, the Estonian Research Council (ETAG) will host info sessions to help prospective applicants prepare their applications.

From 24 April, Eveliis Padar will start work at the university as an equality officer to support university members in cases of unequal treatment and to help handle them in a fair and professional manner.

The university is launching a physical activity and wellbeing programme to support the mental and physical wellbeing of the university community and shape a learning and working environment that fosters physical activity.