Today, 7 November, the Estonian University of Life Sciences (EMÜ) celebrated its 20th anniversary under its current name — the day in 2005 when the former Estonian Agricultural University became the Estonian University of Life Sciences. At the academic ceremony, the University recognised its researchers, lecturers, and cooperation partners.
During the event, the University conferred one Honorary Doctorate and promoted 26 new Doctors, whose doctoral defences took place over the past academic year.
In her anniversary address, Rector Ülle Jaakma referred to a lecture delivered by Professor Tiit Paaver on 18 November 2005. Already then, Professor Paaver highlighted that Estonia was changing rapidly — and that the University must also evolve swiftly and profoundly, even anticipating those changes, since the role of a researcher is to foresee, guide, and support development.
Rector Jaakma emphasised that this message remains highly relevant today, as the University’s new Development Plan nears completion and the goals for the next ten years are being set.
“Especially in times of uncertainty, it is knowledge that provides confidence and courage to make forward-looking decisions — to stand firmly on the ground, serving our land and our people as a university,” she said.
“That is why it is vital that the Estonian state and society understand and value higher education and science — and that this will also be reflected in our new administrative agreement.”
During the ceremony, acknowledgements and awards were also presented
The title of Honorary Doctor of the Estonian University of Life Sciences was awarded to Professor Petras Rimantas Venskutonis of Kaunas University of Technology in recognition of his outstanding scientific achievements in food science and his long-term successful cooperation with EMÜ.
Accepting the honour, Professor Venskutonis recalled that his first contact with the University dates back to 1987. He said that this recognition is perhaps the greatest of his career, and he expressed hope to continue broad cooperation with the University in the future. Deeply moved by the distinction, he added that he will now always think of the Estonian University of Life Sciences as his second home university.
The title of Act of the Year 2025 was awarded to the team behind the implementation of OPU–ICSI (Ovum Pick-Up and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) technology in Estonia, leading to the birth of the country’s first test-tube foals. The achievement was led by Elina Tsopp, with team members Ants Kavak, Anni Viljaste-Seera, Andres Reilent, and Felipe Correa from EMÜ, and Andrés Gambini from the University of Queensland. The project was also made possible through collaboration with Luunja Stud OÜ and Perila Stables.
The University Medal of Merit was awarded to Marika Kose, Senior Lecturer in Nature Tourism. Marika Kose is both a dedicated and talented educator and a committed researcher, whose work ranges from theoretical aspects of plant ecology to nature conservation and bioeconomy. She is known as an empathetic and open colleague, always ready to engage with fellow staff and to support students in search of their path.
The ceremony featured performances by the University Chamber Choir Camerata Universitatis and musicians Marianne Leibur and Joel Remmel.
A recording of the ceremony can be viewed at video.emu.eelink opens in new page.
In total, 26 new Doctors were promoted — a number that reflects the growing strength of doctoral studies at the University.
Doctors promoted:
Himansu Sekhar Mishra
Kristiina Palm-Hellenurm
Johanna Piibor
Marek Uri
Vivian Kuusk
Peeter Lääniste
Giovanni Marcone
Daniela Ghia
Sigmar Naudi
Britt Puidet
Banafsheh Khalegh Doust
Teele Paluots
Subhashini Muhamdiram Muhamdiram Ralalage
Heino Pihlap
Valentina Oborina
Pauls Zeltinš
Heiki Hepner
Alfonso Díaz Suárez
Helena Madsen
Merit Sutri
Paul Teesalu
Ricardo Martinez Prentice
Nicola Pavanetto
Edison Patricio Paredes Carranza
Mari Tobias
Sharib Khan
Three awards were presented this year in recognition of outstanding efforts to popularise science.
The first prize was awarded to the research group consisting of Eve Runno-Paurson, Peeter Lääniste, Erkki Mäeorg, and Ülo Niinemets for their series of activities titled “Plant Cultivation in the Climate of the Future – New Opportunities.”
The second prize went to Ivar Sibul for his consistent, versatile, and widely visible contribution to the popularisation of forestry education and, more broadly, the natural sciences in society.
The third prize was awarded to Maare Mõtsküla for her study on the spread of canine heartworm in Estonia.
The Applied Science Award was presented to the research team comprising Priit Karis, Siim Teder, Anette Matto, Hanno Jaakson, Katri Ling, and Meelis Ots, in collaboration with the business partner Anu Ait OÜ. They were recognised for their research on supplementary feed that supports the metabolism of dairy cows in the postpartum period.
The Internal University Collaboration Project Award this year went to the project “TransFarm – Future Food Production from Recycled Water.” This award highlights collaborative work that brings together researchers from multiple departments with specialised competencies. The project is led by Professor Mait Kriipsalu, with team members Priit Tamm, Härmo Hiiemäe, Merrit Shanskiy, Merilin Noormets, Rihard Reissaar, and Daaniel Maanas.
In addition, the “TransFarm” project also received the University’s Green Step Award this year, which recognises initiatives and projects that promote sustainability.
Based on student feedback, Mariana Maante-Kuljus, a lecturer in Horticulture, was named Lecturer of the Year at the Estonian University of Life Sciences. Students praise her as a diligent, supportive, and friendly instructor whose lectures are well-structured, engaging, and motivating. Mariana provides prompt and constructive feedback, uses interesting examples, and supports students both during lectures and in independent study. Her teaching helps students connect theory with practice and develop critical thinking skills. Students also highlight her approachable attitude and willingness to provide help whenever needed.
The Continuing Education Award was presented to Katrin Laikoja, a lecturer in Food Science. Katrin is an experienced instructor whose training sessions are highly popular among students and businesses. She explains complex topics clearly and understandably, uses practical examples, and creates a positive, stress-free learning environment in both in-person and online courses. Her trainings promote learners’ personal development, maintain engagement and motivation, and are an important part of the AKIS program as well as corporate training projects. The award recognises her dedication and contributions to ensuring the safety and quality of food production.
Lauri Bobrovski has been named Alumnus of the Year by the Estonian University of Life Sciences, recognised for his work in organic poultry farming
Awards from the University Scholarship Funds were also presented
At the anniversary ceremony, scholarships from the Joosep Toots Fund, supported by more than nine companies and organisations, were presented to outstanding students. Scholarships facilitated by the Arthur Nilson Fund were also awarded. The university expressed its gratitude to six companies for their support in entrepreneurship and internship collaboration.
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