Today, 27 February, Tallinn University of Technology marked the 108th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia with an academic ceremony and recognised its best of 2025 among both staff and students.
Rector Tiit Land opened the ceremony with a speech, emphasising that even a technical university in a small country can have a significant global impact if its community acts together and believes in its ability to achieve this. “I mean the belief of researchers in their colleagues, in the power of collaboration – in the understanding that a shared goal is always greater than any individual effort, no matter how desperate. I mean belief as the conviction that a university of a small nation can grow into a force of great influence. That right here, in the minds of our researchers, in our laboratories and lecture halls, ideas are born that help keep our country free, independent and successful.”
This year’s anniversary address was delivered by Pirjo Spuul, Director of the Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology and member of the Senate Research Committee. She placed particular emphasis on the importance of looking towards the future and on ensuring a strong and healthy Estonia. She also highlighted the need for adaptability in today’s turbulent world. “As a natural scientist, I know that evolution does not reward the strongest, but the most adaptable,” she said.
The Rector then inaugurated Professor Gert Jervan as Dean of the School of Information Technologies for a new term of office.
As is tradition at the Independence Day academic ceremony, the University’s best performers of the previous year were subsequently recognised. More detailed information about all award recipients can be found in the March issue of Mente et Manu or on the University’s website.
- Professor Andres Krumme, Institute of Materials and Environmental Technology, School of Engineering.
- Senior Researcher Andrii Chub, Institute of Electrical Power Engineering and Mechatronics, School of Engineering.
Field of Natural Sciences, Exact Sciences and Health:
"Repeat-element RNAs integrate a neuronal growth circuit" - Eitan Erez Zahavi, Indrek Koppel, Riki Kawaguchi, Juan A. Oses-Prieto, Adam Briner, Aboozar Monavarfeshani, Irene Dalla Costa, Erna van Niekerk, Jinyoung Lee, Samaneh Matoo, Shane Hegarty, Ryan J. Donahue, Pabitra K. Sahoo, Shifra Ben-Dor, Ester Feldmesser, Julia Ryvkin, Dena Leshkowitz, Rotem Ben-Tov Perry, Yuyan Cheng, Eli Farber, Ofri Abraham, Nitzan Samra, Nataliya Okladnikov, Stefanie Alber, Christin A. Albus, Ida Rishal, Igor Ulitsky, Mark H. Tuszynski, Jeffery L. Twiss, Zhigang He, Alma L. Burlingame, Mike Fainzilber.
Field of Engineering and Technology:
"Deep Learning methodology for charging management applications in battery cells based on Neural Networks" - Rolando Antonio Gilbert Zequera, Viktor Rjabtšikov, Anton Rassõlkin, Toomas Vaimann, Ants Kallaste.
"Statistical analysis of fluorescence intensity transients with Bayesian methods" - Hamed Karimi, Martin Laasmaa, Margus Pihlak, Marko Vendelin (2025).
Field of Social Sciences and Humanities:
"Microfoundations of rationality in the age of AI: On emotions, bodies and intelligence" - Mari-Klara Stein, Arisa Shollo.
Best University-Level Textbook of 2025:
"Ehitusgeodeesia" - Vello Kala, Sander Varbla, Mairolt Kakko and Artu Ellmann.
Best Monograph of 2025:
"The Data Welfare State" - Anne Kaun, Anu Masso.
I Place:
„C2GRID - AI-Based 3D Situational Awareness and Decision Support Platform“, Vladimir Kuts, Yevhen Bondarenko, Ivan Symotiuk, Rostyslav Boychuk, Daniil Rõbnikov, Saamuel Stepanov.
II Place:
„SmartAGRO – Portable Laboratory-Grade Soil Nutrient Analysis Platform for Precision Agriculture“, Jekaterina Mazina-Šinkar, Jelena Gorbatšova, Martin Jaanus, Mari-Liis Leinus, Evelin Halling, Mihkel Kaljurand, Merike Vaher.
III Place:
„Development of Risk- and Condition-Based Asset Management Principles“, Jako Kilter, Ants Kallaste, Guido Andreesen, Sajjad Asefi, Madis Leinakse, Marko Tealane, Jaanus Kaugerand, Sadok Ben Yahia, Muhammad Shafiq, Andri Riid, Toomas Vaimann, Henri Manninen, Kaur Tuttelberg, Lauri Kütt, Konstantin Bilozor, Lizaveta Miasayedava, Tarmo Trummal, Mari Löper, Ivar Kiitam, Paul Taklaja.
- Associate Professor Erki Eessaar, Institute of Software Science
- Senior Lecturer Toomas Lepikult, IT College
- Lecturer Andres Eek, Thomas Johann Seebeck Department of Electronics
- Doctoral Researcher and Junior Research Fellow Mihkel Kask, Institute of Civil Engineering and Architecture
- Senior Lecturer Natalja Savest, Institute of Materials and Environmental Technology
- Senior Lecturer Olga Dunajeva, Virumaa College
- Dean of the School of Science, Professor Andrus Salupere
- Lecturer Signe Rosenberg, Institute of Economic Analysis and Finance
- Lecturer Kristo Krumm, Institute of Business Administration
- Senior Lecturer Jarmo Kõster, Estonian Maritime Academy
First-cycle studies:
Visiting Lecturer Piret Mellik, Institute of Materials and Environmental Technology.
Second-cycle studies:
Associate Professor Laivi Laidroo, Institute of Economic Analysis and Finance;
Senior Lecturer Erik Väli, Institute of Geology.Doctoral supervisor:
Professor in Tenure Targo Kalamees, Institute of Civil Engineering and Architecture.
- Külli Taro, Programme Director of “Public Sector Management and Innovation”.
- Oliver Järvik, Programme Director of “Environmental, Energy and Chemical Engineering”.
- Kristi Timmo, Programme Director of “Green Energy Technologies”.
- Irene Lill, Programme Director of “Building Design and Construction Management”.
- Manager of Studies Kaie Lehtme, Tartu College, School of Engineering
- Chief Specialist for School Cooperation and Admissions Marketing Keiu Org, Preparatory Center
- Financial Analyst Laidi Lembaru, Finance Office
- Support Service Development Manager Brita Laurfeld, Office of Director for Administration
- Web Project Manager Kadri Jürissaar, Marketing and Communications Office.
- Sustainability Months
- Integration of sustainable development, the green transition and circular economy into both degree and continuing education.
Cultural Achievement:
The Tallinn University of Technology Wind Band's album “Seitsmest viieni” (“From Seven to Five”).
Sports Achievement:
Student Achievement:
- Gregor Kokk, TalTech Tartu College student, member of the Student Society and lecturer.
- Information Technology Students’ Council (ITÜK).