Estonian University of Life Sciences to confer honorary doctorate at festive meeting

This year, the Estonian University of Life Sciences will confer an honorary doctorate on Professor Markku Tapio Kulmala of the University of Helsinki, an internationally renowned atmospheric and climate scientist. His research focuses on the formation of tiny particles in the atmosphere, known as aerosols, and their effects on air quality and climate. Kulmala is among the world's most highly cited geoscientists and has made significant contributions to research on interactions between the atmosphere and ecosystems.

As is tradition, the newly conferred honorary doctor will deliver an academic lecture at the festive meeting. Professor Kulmala's lecture is entitled “For the Only Planet We Have”.

According to Ülle Jaakma, Rector of the Estonian University of Life Sciences, the festive meeting provides an opportunity to recognise those whose work and dedication contribute to the university's development. “The festive meeting is an occasion for us to express our gratitude to members of our university community. We will recognise outstanding lecturers and researchers and present the university's highest distinction, the Medal of Merit. For the fourth consecutive year, we will also present the Green Step Award (Rohesamm), which recognises sustainable thinking and environmentally friendly initiatives,” said Jaakma.

During the festive meeting, new doctoral graduates will be formally conferred their degrees, and the winners of research competitions, the Lecturer of the Year and the Continuing Education Trainer of the Year will be recognised. The Achievement of the Year 2026 and the winner of the Green Step Award will also be announced. Special recognition will be given to university employees who have completed 50 years of service at the university.

This year's festive meeting is also significant in the university's history, as it marks 75 years since the establishment of the Estonian Agricultural Academy (EPA). Founded in 1951, the academy was a predecessor of today's Estonian University of Life Sciences, although the university's roots extend much further back to the Tartu Veterinary School, established in 1848. The anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the university's history and acknowledge the work carried out over generations to advance agriculture, forestry, veterinary medicine and other fields represented at the university.

The anniversary festive meeting of the Estonian University of Life Sciences will take place on Friday, 13 November, starting at 12:00 in the assembly hall of the university's main building (F. R. Kreutzwaldi 1a, Tartu). The event will be livestreamed at video.emu.eelink opens in new page.