Universities Agree on Further Cooperation
The rectors of the University of Tartu and University of Tallinn met on October 13 to discuss cooperation between the two main academic research centers, cited as vital to the country's sustainable development.
According to University of Tallinn Rector Andres Keevallik, the main aim of the two universities besides providing academic excellence is to work together developing their international curricula and avoid duplication of efforts.
Rector of Tartu University Alar Karis said the universities cannot continue under the current financing scheme and will submit their proposals to the Ministry of Education and Research concerning an overhaul of funding principles. "Above all, this concerns increasing the proportion of basic funding, accounting for depreciation and for the curriculum's research orientation as well as giving universities more power to decide how to use EU program funds," said Karis.
The two universities also envisaged their roles in regional development, detailing perspectives of their projects in regions outside Tallinn and Tartu. The meeting resulted in an agreement to begin developing shared electronic information systems.