Strategic management and reporting

The Estonian University of Life Sciences is a public university. This means that we have a considerable degree of autonomy in our activities.

Our operations are based on the Estonian University of Life Sciences Act. The provisions of Act are further specified in the university’s statutes, which outline the university’s purpose and tasks, describe its membership, governance, structure, assets, and budget.

The university’s identity and development goals are defined in its strategic plan. The new strategic plan for 2026–2035 entered into force on 1 January 2026.

 

 

Sinised õied rohelise põllu taustal

Mission – reason for existence

We create harmony between nature and humanity. We foster a mindset that values sustainability, science and creativity. Our knowledge, skills and actions help to maintain and promote life on Earth – today and in the future. Through academic freedom and global excellence, we serve Estonian society and its people, promote the health of people and the environment, and contribute to the preservation of the Estonian nation, language and culture across generations.

Sinised õied rohelise põllu taustal
Noored klassiruumis
Noored klassiruumis

Vision

By 2035, the Estonian University of Life Sciences will be a leading university in the Baltic Sea region in the sustainable use and cultivation of renewable natural resources, smart valorisation, circular bioeconomy innovation and the One Health field. The University aims to become a future-proof institution where a sustainable mindset, world-class research and smart technologies evolve alongside entrepreneurship.

We help shape green trends and build the future together with people who care. We are a centre of excellence where researchers, students, entrepreneurs and communities co‑create nature‑based solutions – from idea to product. Through science and innovation, we strengthen the climate resilience of field and horticultural crops, develop climate-smart forestry, improve soil and water quality, and foster a healthy living environment. We advance animal science with full regard for animal welfare and cutting-edge veterinary medicine, develop smart engineering solutions, and design food systems that support health and life on Earth. We generate new knowledge and test, apply and make it visible and usable worldwide.

Eesti Maaülikooli logomärk

Core Values

Sustainability and partnership with nature

The University shapes a sustainable and environmentally responsible mindset.

Collaboration

The best ideas emerge through co‑creation. We listen, share and create together, and remain open to partnerships that support societal development.

Innovativeness and the courage to experiment — and, when necessary, to fail

We experiment, learn from mistakes, create and implement solutions that meet the expectations of tomorrow. We cultivate a creative environment that supports the academic community and nurtures students’ intellectual curiosity.

Caring

We value every individual. We value academic continuity and the preservation of traditions. We foster and uphold equal opportunities, an atmosphere of tolerance and a spirit of synergy.

Forward‑looking thinking

Our knowledge supports life in a changing world. We contribute to the sustainable development of Estonia through high‑quality research, excellent education and dedicated service to society.

Academic freedom and responsibility

We uphold the principle that members of the University community may freely present their views and research findings, without undue external constraints, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge and the service of society. Our guiding principles are objectivity, ethics, honesty, responsibility, fairness and professionalism.

Eesti Maaülikooli logomärk
Inimesed istuvad koosolekuruumis pika laua ümber, laual on arvutid, käib arutelu

University Council

According to the Estonian University of Life Sciences Act, the Council is the university’s highest governing body. It is responsible for the university’s long-term and sustainable development, as well as for making key economic, financial, and asset-related decisions to ensure the achievement of the university’s objectives.

The Council consists of seven members, appointed as follows:

  • Three members are appointed by the Senate.
  • One member is appointed by the Estonian Academy of Sciences.
  • Three members are appointed by the minister responsible for the field.

The composition of the Council is determined for a five-year term by the Government of the Republic of Estonia through an order proposed by the Minister of Education and Research.

View the Council members
Inimesed istuvad koosolekuruumis pika laua ümber, laual on arvutid, käib arutelu
Inimesed seisavad grupipildil ja vaatavad kaamera poole
Inimesed seisavad grupipildil ja vaatavad kaamera poole

University Senate

The Senate is the university’s academic decision-making body, responsible for the university’s research, development, creative, and educational activities, ensuring their high quality.

Regular Senate meetings are held at least six times per academic year according to the Senate’s approved work plan. Extraordinary Senate meetings may also be convened if necessary.

The Senate consists of 19 members, and the Rector serves as the Chair of the Senate.

View the Senate members

Management

The university's management consists of the heads of responsibility areas within the Rectorate, including the Rector, Vice-Rector for Research, Vice-Rector for Studies, Development Manager, Finance Manager, and the Directors of the Institutes.

Portreefoto rektor Ülle Jaakmast

Rector Ülle Jaakma

The Rector is the university’s legal representative, overseeing its daily operations based on the university’s development plan, budget, and other strategic documents

Meesterahva portreepilt

Vice-Rector for Research Kalle Olli

Oversees the field of research activities and is responsible for research and development, doctoral studies, and other duties assigned by the university's legal regulations.

Õppeprorektor Endla Reintami portreefoto

Vice-Rector for Studies Endla Reintam

Oversees the field of education and is responsible for degree studies, academic organization, continuing education, and other duties assigned by the university's legal regulations.

Aret Vooremäe portreefoto

Director of the Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Aret Vooremäe

Toomas Tiirats portree

Director of the Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences Toomas Tiirats

Instituudi direktor Marek Metslaiu portreefoto

Director of the Institute of Forestry and Engineering Marek Metslaid

Naise ametifoto

Finance Manager Anu Angerjas

Meesterahva portreepilt

Development Manager Linnar Pärn

Structure of the Estonian University of Life Sciences

The university consists of three institutes, which encompass 20 academic chairs. Together with the Language Center and the Centre for Science Studies located in the Karl Ernst von Baer House, these are referred to as academic units.

The university’s core activities are supported by 12 administrative and support departments, cross-disciplinary units, experimental and training facilities, and legal entities established by the university. The umbrella organization for the student body is the Student Union

Struktuurijoonis, kus ülikooli üksused on joonistatud kastikestesse ja paigutatud hierarhiliselt (juuni 2025)

Budget and Reports

Here you will find key documents related to university management, from the budget to the annual financial report.

More information

Lea Michelson

Academic Secretary

Rector's Area of Responsibility

Rector's Office

+372 7313063

+372 7313063

5118621

5118621
[email protected]
More info