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At the first meeting of the new council of the Estonian University of Life Sciences, held today, January 29, professor and academician Tarmo Soomere was elected as the chairman of the council.

Tarmo Soomere stated that it is a great honor to be elected as the chairman of a university council where one of the fields of science has achieved an extremely prestigious position in global rankings and holds an indisputably high position in Estonia. "To be significant, one does not need to be large. The University of Life Sciences is one of those institutions that embodies the preamble of the Constitution, as food security is one of the prerequisites for the survival of the Estonian nation, language, and culture through the ages."

Soomere emphasized that in today's world, it is not enough to be exceptionally strong in one’s field and provide excellent education in that domain. "It is becoming increasingly important to realize this cultivated potential through enhancing the country’s overall competitiveness and improving people's well-being."

The new composition of the university council includes newly appointed members: Associate professor in herd health, Kerli Mõtus, and Professor of Rural Economics, Rando Värnik, who were nominated by the Senate of the Estonian University of Life Sciences; entrepreneurs Ivar Dembovski and Robin Saluoks, appointed by the Ministry of Education and Research; and professor and academician Tarmo Soomere, nominated by the Estonian Academy of Sciences. Continuing from the previous council are entrepreneur Anu Hellenurme, appointed by the Ministry of Education and Research, and Professor of Forest Sciences, Paavo Kaimre, nominated by the university's Senate. All council members present at the meeting voted in favor of Tarmo Soomere's candidacy for chairman.

At their next meeting, the council members wish to discuss in more detail the role of the Estonian University of Life Sciences in society and the university’s mission. The council intends to actively participate in the development of the university’s new strategic plan, which will be subject to in-depth discussions throughout the spring.

During the first meeting, the university's rectorate briefly introduced key topics in the fields of education, research, financial management, and development. The council's working procedures were reviewed, the spring semester work plan was outlined, and meeting schedules were agreed upon. In February, the formation of the council’s budget committee, amendments to the council’s rules of procedure, and other related matters are planned.

According to the Estonian University of Life Sciences Act, the council is the university’s highest governing body, responsible for ensuring the university’s long-term and sustainable development, making key economic, financial, and asset-related decisions, and achieving the university’s objectives.