RECORDING: University of Tartu rector candidates’ debate in university assembly hall

On Tuesday, 4 April, University of Tartu rector candidates Professor Toomas Asser, Professor Raul Eamets and Professor Jaak Vilo met for a public debate where they introduced the key points of their election platforms and answered the questions of the university family. The university family was welcome to the assembly hall; all others could follow the debate on UTTV.

The debate was moderated by Professor Raili Marling, chair of the election commission, and Renar Kihho, a student of the Faculty of Medicine. "It will be a fascinating debate, as we have three strong candidates, each with his own vision for the future of the university," said Marling before the debate. 

At the beginning of the debate, each candidate had up to seven minutes to present their platform. This was followed by a debate on the main points of the university's strategic plan and questions from the university family. Candidates could also ask questions from each other, and at the end of the debate, the floor was open to the audience. 

All members of the university family could submit their questions to the rector candidates via the online form until 30 March. The debate took about two hours and was broadcast by UTTV and Postimees. Simultaneous interpretation into English was provided both at the assembly hall and on UTTV.

Rector candidates will also hold meetings at all faculties, where all staff and students of the faculty are welcome. The meetings at faculties will also be broadcast on UTTV.  

• On 5 April at 16:00, the Faculty of Science and Technology can meet the rector candidates in Omicum (Riia 23b–105). The debate will be led by Professor Leho Ainsaar, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology. Questions can be submitted until 3 April via the online form.  
• On 10 April at 16:00, the rector candidates meet the Faculty of Medicine in Biomedicum (Ravila 19–1006). The debate will be led by Visiting Associate Professor Andres Soosaar. Questions can be submitted until 6 April via the online form.  
• On 12 April at 13:00, the rector candidates' debate organised by the Faculty of Arts and Humanities takes place at Pärimusmuusika Ait in Viljandi. The debate will be led by Juko-Mart Kõlar, Director of the University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy. Questions can be submitted until 10 April via the online form. 
• On 13 April at 13:00, the rector candidates meet with the Faculty of Social Sciences at Jakobi 2–226. Professor Margit Sutrop will lead the debate. Questions can be submitted until 11 April via the online form.

At the election meeting on 20 April, the rector of the University of Tartu will be elected by the electoral council, the list of which will be approved as at 3 April. The rector's five-year term of office starts on 1 August 2023. 

Rector elections are governed by the Statutes of the University of Tartu and Rector election rules. For more information, see the website ut.ee/en/rectorelections.