The 30th anniversary of the BOVA Network brought Baltic and Nordic partners to the Estonian University of Life Sciences

The BOVA university network (Baltic Forestry, Veterinary and Agriculture University Network) is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, the Estonian University of Life Sciences hosted partners from the Baltic and Nordic countries this week.

Representatives of universities from the Baltic and Nordic countries met in Tartu. Photo author: Jassu Hertsmann

Representatives from the Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technologies, the Agriculture Academy of Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy, and the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Veterinary Academy gathered in Tartu. The meeting was also attended by the head of the Nordic counterpart network NOVA, Ragnheidur Inga Thorarinsdottir, Rector of the Agricultural University of Iceland.

The two-day meeting focused on current activities at partner universities and future directions for cooperation. Discussions also addressed how universities can contribute to solving regional challenges. Members of the Estonian Parliament, Mait Klaassen (former Rector of the Estonian University of Life Sciences and a founding member of the BOVA network) and Timo Suslov (President of the Baltic Assembly), also took part in the panel discussion.

The anniversary event also provided an opportunity to recognise colleagues who have contributed to BOVA’s development over the years. At the formal dinner, awards were presented to Vineta Tetere, Kristine Vugule, Anastasija Novikova, Minvydas Liegus, Rasa Adomkienė, David Arney and Simon Bell.

Since its establishment, BOVA has aimed not only to promote internationalisation but also to enhance the quality of education and research at partner universities through the exchange of knowledge and experience. Each year, the network organises international intensive courses for bachelor’s and master’s level students, open to participants from both BOVA and NOVA member universities. In 2025, more than 200 students took part in these courses.

The collaboration has led to several research projects and a temporary joint study programme. Notably, many former participants of BOVA courses now work at partner universities and teach the next generation of students. These courses often provide students with their first international experience and encourage them to broaden their perspectives beyond their home universities.

During the meeting, a new cooperation agreement between BOVA and NOVA was signed for the next three years, giving further momentum to joint activities.