The election of the next Rector of Tallinn University of Technology is entering its decisive phase. Ahead of the election of the 18th Rector, the candidates are participating in various meetings with the university’s structural units and cooperation partners. We are pleased that one of these important stops was the Estonian Maritime Academy.
Rector candidates Professor Tiit Land and academician and marine scientist Tarmo Soomere presented their visions for the future of Tallinn University of Technology — including the Estonian Maritime Academy — to EMERA’s staff. They also took part in a lively discussion that raised topics such as the funding of higher education, research cooperation, and the strategic development of maritime education and science.
Tiit Land: Much has been achieved, but more lies ahead
Professor Tiit Land, who is running for a second term as Rector, emphasized that while recent years have seen significant development, many initiatives still require consistent advancement. His vision focuses on three main directions: contributing to high-tech industry, developing the defense industry, and expanding the role of artificial intelligence in education and science.
“The cooperation between the Maritime Academy’s research groups and other faculties is remarkable and certainly an important direction to further develop,” Land noted. He also highlighted the need to update the academic career model and discussed opportunities for modernizing infrastructure and research equipment, including the idea of establishing a dedicated infrastructure fund.
Tarmo Soomere: “Ask not what your country can do for you…”
Academician Tarmo Soomere, who has been affiliated with TalTech for over two decades, emphasized the university’s role in serving society. His approach is based on the belief that a university must not limit itself to education and research alone but should also actively participate in societal discussions and policy-making.
“If the university wants to be among the leaders, it must consciously embrace that role,” said Soomere. He stressed the need to strengthen cooperation with industry and to make TalTech a valuable partner at the national decision-making level.
Maritime Education in the Context of the University’s Future
The meeting conveyed a clear understanding that Estonia, as a maritime nation, needs strong maritime education and research. Professor Land remarked that the Estonian Maritime Academy is on the right path, but its search for a clear role and potential must continue with ambition. Academician Soomere added that one of the keys to serving society lies in translating domain-specific knowledge into policy and public debate.
The Estonian Maritime Academy highly values the candidates' commitment to direct engagement and their recognition of maritime education and research as an integral part of the comprehensive development of Tallinn University of Technology.