Tallinn University of Technology
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The Senate

The Senate is the academic decision-making body of Tallinn University of Technology. It is responsible for the University’s teaching, research, and development activities, and for ensuring their high quality. The Senate operates in accordance with the Tallinn University of Technology Act and the University Statutes.

The conditions, procedures, and principles for forming and operating the Senate are established in the University Statutes. The composition of the Senate is approved by the Rector for a term of up to three years. The mandate of the current Senate runs from 01.09.2025 to 31.08.2028.

The Senate consists of:

  • the Rector, who serves as the Chair of the Senate;
  • one representative of the academic staff from each institute (including colleges) and from the Estonian Maritime Academy;
  • eight student representatives, two of whom are doctoral students from different faculties, while the others are selected from each faculty and level of study;
  • a representative of the support units.

Composition of the Senate until 31.08.2028

  • Tiit Land – Rector, Chair of the Senate;
  • Irene Lill – Representative of the Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture;
  • Toomas Vaimann – Representative of the Department of Electrical Power Engineering and Mechatronics;
  • Alar Konist – Representative of the Department of Energy Technology;
  • Maarja Grossberg-Kuusk – Representative of the Department of Materials and Environmental Technology;
  • Kristo Karjust – Representative of the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering;
  • Paavo Kuuseok – Representative of Kuressaare College;
  • Aime Ruus – Representative of Tartu College;
  • Allar Niidu – Representative of Virumaa College;
  • Maksim Jenihhin – Representative of the Department of Computer Systems;
  • Innar Liiv – Representative of the Department of Software Science;
  • Ivo Fridolin – Representative of the Department of Health Technologies;
  • Alar Kuusik – Representative of the Thomas Johann Seebeck Department of Electronics;
  • Andres Käver – Representative of IT College;
  • Olle Hints – Representative of the Department of Geology;
  • Pirjo Spuul – Representative of the Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology;
  • Alar Leibak – Representative of the Department of Cybernetics;
  • Rivo Uiboupin – Representative of the Department of Marine Systems;
  • Laivi Laidroo – Representative of the Department of Economics and Finance;
  • Jaanus Müür – Representative of the Ragnar Nurkse Department of Innovation and Governance;
  • Merli Reidolf – Representative of the Department of Business Administration;
  • Kristi Joamets – Representative of the Department of Law;
  • Loreida Timberg – Representative of Estonian Maritime Academy;
  • Hele-Riin Pihel – Representative of Administrative and Support Units;
  • Annette Miller – Representative of Doctoral Students;
  • Helena Kuivjõgi – Representative of Doctoral Students;
  • Nora Eensalu - Representative of Students;
  • Karoliine Orav - Representative of Students;
  • Alexander Rein Robas - Representative of Students;
  • Rasmus Tammis - Representative of Students;
  • Mark Toomsalu - Representative of Students;
  • Karol Törmikoski - Representative of Students.

  1. performs the tasks set out in § 5 (3) of the Tallinn University of Technology Act (TTÜKS);
  2. submits to the University Board draft versions of the University Statutes, Development Plan, and Budget Strategy;
  3. discusses the University’s budget before it is submitted to the University Board by the Rector;
  4. may, within one month, exercise a veto on the Rector elected by the University Board and on the Statutes adopted by the University Board;
  5. may make a proposal to the University Board or give an opinion regarding the dismissal of the Rector before the expiry of the contract term;
  6. approves, on the basis of the Development Plan, the strategic directions of the University’s research and development activities;
  7. decides on the opening, modification, and closure of study programmes and approves study programmes (including the language of instruction);
  8. decides on the opening of joint curricula, approves the conclusion of cooperation agreements for joint curricula, and confirms the joint curricula;
  9. establishes the admission requirements for higher education, including the possibility to set an upper limit on the number of students admitted to a study programme or to group them in accordance with § 13 (2) and (3) of the Higher Education Act (KHS);
  10. designates the study programmes referred to in § 14 (4) of the Higher Education Act (KHS);
  11. carries out the tasks of a research council arising from the Organisation of Research and Development Act, unless otherwise provided by law;
  12. submits to the University Board for approval the University’s academic structure at the faculty level;
  13. approves the academic structure at the institute level;
  14. discusses the University’s activity plans and reviews reports on their implementation;
  15. establishes the procedures for filling academic positions and for electing individuals to decision-making bodies;
  16. adopts the principles of academic ethics and the statutes of the Academic Ethics Committee;
  17. establishes the procedures for recognising and honouring individuals who have rendered distinguished services to the University;
  18. approves the University’s symbols;
  19. may confer the titles of Professor Emeritus and Associate Professor Emeritus;
  20. appoints Honorary Doctors and Honorary Members;
  21. adopts the Rules of Procedure of the Senate;
  22. discusses and takes positions on matters raised by the University Board, the Rector, or the Senate;
  23. may establish permanent or ad hoc committees to prepare matters falling within the competence of the Senate;
  24. performs other tasks assigned to it by law or the Statutes.