Uudised

The Rector’s Office of the University of Tartu has decided that the university continues face-to-face teaching in spring semester 2021/22. To be able to meet in classrooms and avoid major viral outbreaks, it is still important to get vaccinated, stay home when ill and postpone large events.

Estonian Education Week is held at the World Expo in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, from 12 to 16 December. Minister of Education and Research Liina Kersna, Rector of the University of Tartu Professor Toomas Asser, researchers, representatives of enterprises and rectors of other Estonian universities will take part in the event in Dubai.

Results of the most recent wave of the coronavirus prevalence study led by the University of Tartu indicate that the booster dose of the vaccine can reduce the risk of coronavirus infection several times. Compared to October, the number of adults with coronavirus antibodies has increased significantly. The proportion of virus carriers has fallen by a third within a month.

In 2022, teaching and studies continue according to the principles agreed upon at the beginning of the academic year.

Prenatal screening for chromosomal disorders gains a significant improvement this week as the DNA analysis technology developed by scientists from the University of Tartu makes the Niptify test more accurate and up to date.

Previously, the Niptify test applied DNA analysis technology transferred and adapted from the Leuven laboratory in Belgium, now the test is entirely based on genetic engineering and informatics solutions developed by Estonian scientists.

The university aims to keep studies open as long as possible, which is why stronger safety measures are imposed.

Safe distancing should be maintained between people during classes, in public rooms and all, including those who are vaccinated, must wear masks in the university buildings. Only protective masks, not scarves or visors, may be used to cover the nose and mouth.

To help promote vaccination in Tartu and Tartu County, on Saturday, the vaccination bus of Tartu University Hospital moves from Raatuse 22 to the city centre, next to Tartu Kaubamaja. On the bus, it is possible to get vaccinated from 10 to 16.

The results of a study conducted with the participation of researchers from the University of Tartu will enable couples struggling with infertility to be treated more effectively in the future. The researchers found that the progesterone supplements used to promote pregnancy in infertility treatment cause different reactions than expected in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, including inflammatory effects in uterine mucosal cells.

We'd like to start teaching and studies in the autumn as normally as possible and meet face to face in class, and therefore it is important that as many of our new and returning students and university staff as possible are vaccinated. The nearest vaccination locations can be found on the website vaktsineeri.ee.

At the meeting on 30 June, the council of the University of Tartu Institute of Clinical Medicine elected Professor in Neurology Pille Taba as the head of the institute. Her term of office starts on 1 September.

The Guild voices its concerns regarding the existing regulatory frameworks on health data which are putting medical research in Europe under a threat. Access to a large volume and diverse range of data is crucial for the improvement of diagnostic techniques and treatments, and for preventive and health strategies.

The graduation ceremonies of the University of Tartu are held from 15 to 30 June in person. In Tartu, the ceremonies take place on the square in front of the Old Anatomical Theatre. The graduation of Viljandi Culture Academy will take place as individual ceremonies that were well-received last year. In Narva, Pärnu and Tallinn, graduation ceremonies are held indoors.

The university’s orienteering month – May – is about to end, but as the initiative has attracted much interest, the orienteering course will remain open until 6 June. The university invites all employees, students, alumni and their families as well everyone else to orienteering in the city of Tartu. Come to discover places where the university family has done exercise and sports since the early 19th century!

Despite the government’s decision to allow face-to-face studies also in higher education starting from 17 May, the university continues work as previously planned. Decisions about the organisation of studies continue to be made by the head of institute in cooperation with the vice dean for academic affairs.

The only change is that the requirement not to exceed 25% room capacity has been lifted. The allowed percentage of room capacity is to be decided by the head of institute.

Pregnant women and young children do not have many options to relieve pain or lower fever. The best known and most commonly used remedy is paracetamol. Medical researchers of the University of Tartu started a research project that is innovative in many ways and is expected to bring clarity to whether foetal/infant exposure to paracetamol affects brain development and behaviour in later life.

The Office of Academic Affairs in cooperation with the Student Union have chosen the new course registration start time. Based on the results of the survey conducted, registration will start at 21:00.

Recreational use of cannabis is increasing worldwide, including in Estonia. A study by medical researchers of the University of Tartu shows that the first use of cannabis in Estonia is taking place in increasingly younger age groups – more and more people try cannabis before the age of 16. From the point of view of brain development, this is too early.

In 2021, the anniversary events of the Faculty of Medicine will take place on October 7^th- 8^th. We invite everybody to submit abstracts to the scientific conference no later than June 30^th.