The agreement was signed by TalTech Rector Professor Tiit Land and Annette Miller, a member of the TalTech Doctoral Students’ Council board. In his speech, Rector Land emphasized the importance of the doctoral students’ role in university governance: “Doctoral students are the heart of a research university, and their active involvement in decision-making processes helps shape a more holistic and future-oriented academic environment.”

Changes have also been made to TalTech’s statutes. Starting from summer 2024, at least two doctoral student representatives will always be members of the university’s academic decision-making body, the Senate. This change guarantees greater voting rights and a stronger role for doctoral students in university governance, increasing their participation in higher decision-making bodies.

Annette Miller also highlighted another important aspect: “In addition to professional development, doctoral students value a strong sense of community. This agreement helps us organize events and initiatives that create more opportunities for mutual interaction and sharing of experiences.”

The funding agreement is an important step in improving the well-being and inclusion of doctoral students at TalTech. It also supports the university’s strategy to be a research-based, collaborative, and mutually supportive organization.

The university and the TalTech Doctoral Students’ Council will continue to cooperate to ensure the active role of doctoral students in the university’s development and to strengthen the sense of community, which is one of the core values of a research university.