14.01.25 NEWS ... Tallinn faces challenges in transitioning to Estonian-language education, particularly in the fourth grade, with teacher preparedness, methodology, and funding being key concerns as the city moves to integrate non-native speakers.

14.01.25 NEWS ... The Ministry of Education and Research is advancing its plan to bring Estonia's secondary education under state control by 2035. A school system analysis, set to be completed this May, will guide the next steps in the transition.

12.01.25 NEWS ... Many people have, at some point, pulled out their grandmother's recipe book to prepare a delicious dish. Traditional songbooks can reveal ancient folk songs, while old knitting guides might feature intricate mitten patterns. These are just a few examples of heritage skills that have been passed down from generation to generation, yet have gradually fallen into obscurity.

09.01.25 NEWS ... A recent study published by the National Institute for Health Development reveals significant changes in food composition and product selection over the two years the research compared. Unfortunately, the study does not show a reduction in the levels of salt, sugar or saturated fats in products. In many cases, these levels have actually increased.

08.01.25 NEWS ... One of the greatest success stories in Estonia's evidence-based policymaking is the presence of scientific advisers within ministries. However, the country's science advisory system lacks a clear leader and on the complex journey from researchers to ministers, crucial expertise may get lost without effective mediation. This shortcoming might also shed light on former President Kersti Kaljulaid's recent remarks directed at Estonian researchers.

02.01.25 NEWS ... The University of Tartu invites international students interested in English-taught curricula to submit their applications in DreamApply. Studies will start at the beginning of September 2025.

31.12.24 NEWS ... Aurora hunters have reason to celebrate, as a strong geomagnetic storm is expected at the end of the year. Under optimal conditions, the glow of the northern lights might be visible as far south as northern Poland.

30.12.24 NEWS ... Physics teacher Martin Vällik highlighted that 2024 offered a series of extraordinary cosmic phenomena, including the appearance of a "second moon," a total solar eclipse, a comet visible to the naked eye and intense northern lights that could even be admired from Tallinn's city center. According to Vällik, astronomy enthusiasts remain excited this year about another glowing star set to shine brightly in the western sky.

24.12.24 NEWS ... Overindulging in Christmas food for a couple of days during the holidays is not a big deal – but it cannot go on indefinitely, said Biomedical Professor Mihkel Zilmer.

23.12.24 NEWS ... Jõuluvana, verivorst, hapukapsas, päkapikk, piparkook – in Estonia and among the diaspora, Christmas-related words like these are likely familiar even to those who don't speak much Estonian. But where do they come from?

23.12.24 NEWS ... More than 28 tons of phosphorite extracted from the Aru-Lõuna limestone quarry were transported, after drilling operations concluded, to the opposite end of Lääne-Viru County, to the Arbavere Research Center of the Estonian Geological Survey. There, the phosphorite will be stored until it is determined when and by whom industrial studies of the phosphorite and other unearthed mineral resources will begin.

23.12.24 NEWS ... Piparkoogi Kuningriik (Gingerbread Kingdom), a unique gingerbread museum, is located in the attic of Atla Manor in Rapla County. Here, visitors can explore the long history of gingerbread making. According to Kristel Luige, the lady of the manor, who spoke on the program "Maahommik," gingerbread has not always been made solely for eating.

23.12.24 NEWS ... Estonia's tradition of lavishly set festive tables has been influenced by the Baltic German culture of hospitality. The rhythm of celebrations and communal meals is also reflected in the body mass index of Estonians, which tends to be higher in winter than in summer, ethnologist Anu Kannike and psychologist Uku Vainik explained.

23.12.24 NEWS ... The Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture has proposed to the Ministry of Climate to allow more gray seal hunting in Estonia. Fishers welcome the ministry's initiative, as seals significantly damage fish stocks.

22.12.24 NEWS ... The new Harku weather radar is online, and has been providing data for the Estonian Weather Service (EWS) website and ILM+ app since Friday.

19.12.24 NEWS ... The Estonian Academy of Arts (EKA) is forming a working group to discuss future plans regarding cooperation with Israeli universities, EKA communications director Laura Jüristo told ERR on Thursday.

19.12.24 NEWS ... The total expenditure on research and development (R&D) in Estonia amounted to €702 million in 2023, representing a 9 percent increase compared to the previous year. The share of R&D expenditure as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) stood at 1.84 percent in 2023, marking the highest level in recent years.

18.12.24 NEWS ... Estonian science photographers were recognized in five categories at this year's international Wikipedia Science Photo Competition, with one of them taking first place in their category.

17.12.24 NEWS ... The Estonian Academy of Arts (EKA) issued a statement on Tuesday explaining their recent decision to suspend an agreement with an Israeli university, noting their desire maintain a safe working and creative environment at the academy.

17.12.24 NEWS ... Starting next year, the Ministry of Education and Research will end funding for the free school psychologist hotline 1226. The Estonian Association of School Psychologists (EKPÜ) is now seeking sponsors to continue offering the service.

13.12.24 NEWS ... While Estonians entering military service may be in their prime in general, a long-term study has found that the age group's males' Vitamin D reserves can be very low.

12.12.24 NEWS ... With approval from the Ministry of Education, the Tallinn Education Department will be testing out virtual teaching for math classes across several schools simultaneously. Veteran educators, however, are skeptical of the plan.

12.12.24 NEWS ... Starting next February, Estonia's language policy will be centralized under a single official – Kairi Kaldoja, the newly appointed deputy secretary general for language policy at the Ministry of Education and Research.

12.12.24 NEWS ... Due to a teacher shortage, the Tallinn Education Department will be experimenting next spring with one teacher delivering math lessons virtually to several schools' classes simultaneously.

12.12.24 NEWS ... Several local governments in Estonia are planning on offering free or significantly reduced-priced breakfast porridge in schools starting next year.

11.12.24 NEWS ... Fifteen shipwrecks were found by the Transport Administration during survey work this year. The most intriguing finds were German warships that hit a minefield in 1916.

10.12.24 NEWS ... The Ministry of Education and Research will abolish doctoral performance-based bonuses by 2026, but instead increase operational support for universities. While Tallinn University agrees with the solution, the University of Tartu considers it a poor decision.

09.12.24 OPINION ... Investment in higher education is a matter of political choices and priorities. Above all, it is a question of whether we consider higher education to be an investment or an expense, and whether we view our higher education system as being efficiently organized to serve the interests of society, the state, the economy and the citizens of Estonia – or not, writes Tõnu Viik.

08.12.24 NEWS ... Extending compulsory school attendance in Estonia to age 18 may lead to a shortage of specialists who work with youth, local governments warn. Minister of Education Kristina Kallas (Eesti 200) disagrees, downplaying the concern.

08.12.24 NEWS ... Tallinn and Tartu will not be joining the education agreement, citing insufficient resources. Critics say the agreement in question was weaponized politically.

05.12.24 NEWS ... The Riigikogu passed a law raising Estonia's compulsory school age to 18, but two former education ministers have criticized the move, arguing that its vocational education reform component is doomed to fail.

04.12.24 NEWS ... With less than a week remaining before the deadline to join the new education agreement, most of Estonia's local governments have not signed on, nor do they intend to do so.

03.12.24 NEWS ... Five schools in Tallinn will take part in a project to reduce the use of smart devices in schools next year. The city is still finalizing the details.

03.12.24 NEWS ... The great tit is now the most commonly spotted garden bird in Estonia, the national birdwatching organization has said.

03.12.24 NEWS ... Tartu Alexander Pushkin School is leaving its old name behind in 2024, and starting off 2025 with a new one referencing the area's history – Tartu Jogentaga School.

02.12.24 NEWS ... Although significantly fewer women participate in Estonia's national breast cancer screening program than recommended internationally, the incidence and mortality rates of advanced-stage breast cancer have significantly declined over the past 30 years, according to a doctoral dissertation defended at the University of Tartu.

02.12.24 NEWS ... The impact of shorter winter days on human health has been relatively understudied, but one important factor affecting health and mood may be a reduced interest in outdoor activities and physical exercise.

28.11.24 NEWS ... Almost half of young people prescribed sedatives have misused them, according to a study by the University of Tartu and the National Institute for Health Development (TAI).

28.11.24 NEWS ... Novaator visited the Estonian Forensic Science Institute (EKEI) to explore how forensic experts work. In the technology department, we toured the underground shooting range, viewed EKEI's firearms collection and learned about the new types of weapons that currently pose the greatest challenges for the experts.

27.11.24 NEWS ... Novaator visited the Estonian Forensic Science Institute (EKEI) to learn about the work of forensic experts. In the biometrics department, they observed how fingerprints and facial images are collected and processed. Discussions also touched on what kind of person is well-suited to comparing dozens of fingerprints and facial images day after day.

26.11.24 NEWS ... Although the Lutheran Church has lost a significant portion of its membership over the past 30 years, the church is not disappearing, according to a recently defended doctoral thesis. However, the decline in membership has led the church to adopt a more conservative stance than before.

26.11.24 NEWS ... The ERR Novaator team visited the Estonian Forensic Science Institute (EKEI) to get a behind-the-scenes look at the work of forensic experts. In the DNA department, the visit highlighted cutting-edge methods for extracting information from blood or saliva stains left on clothing and an AI-based semen detection tool set to simplify the investigation of rape cases starting next year.

25.11.24 NEWS ... Although the harsh winter frost has not yet arrived, the heating season has already begun. However, it's advisable not to overheat your home during winter, as statistics show that people living in excessively warm homes are more likely to take sick days.

25.11.24 NEWS ... ERR's Novaator portal recently visited the Estonian Forensic Science Institute (EKEI) to learn more about the work of forensic experts. During the visit to the Northern Estonian Forensic Medical Department, it became clear how autopsies are conducted without undue invasiveness and which new methods are being tested to determine the time of death more precisely.

25.11.24 OPINION ... Tallinn University's new Central and Eastern European Security Hub (CEEShub) aims to challenge Western-dominated, state-centric approaches by embracing diverse, relational security perspectives that highlight the interconnectedness of threats ranging from military to environmental. Researchers stress the urgency of democratizing security dialogues to reflect the experiences of grassroots actors and marginalized regions, offering insights critical to sustainable global peace efforts.

21.11.24 NEWS ... Fertilizing disused peat extraction sites with both woody biomass and oil shale ash can spark more vibrant plant growth, overcoming nutrient-poor conditions, some researchers have found.

18.11.24 NEWS ... The introduction of tuition or administrative fees in Estonian universities needs to be subject to discussion and an impact analysis, said TalTech Rector and Chair of the Estonian Rectors' Council Tiit Land. According to education analyst Jaak Aaviksoo, structural problems related to Estonian higher education ought to be discussed.

15.11.24 NEWS ... Performing can energize and uplift, and singing, linked to breathing and body awareness, is especially beneficial. According to one doctoral student of musicology, karaoke is thus an all-around valuable activity.

14.11.24 NEWS ... In the Nordic countries, elderly and retirees often continue working because employers try to retain them by offering various benefits. In Estonia, however, many pensioners have no choice but to keep working. As a result, companies do not need to make any special effort to keep such individuals employed, according to a recent study.

13.11.24 NEWS ... To ensure the survival of the Estonian people, language and high culture, the population does not need to keep growing, said Ene-Margit Tiit, professor emeritus of the University of Tartu, mathematician, statistician and demographer, on the talk show "Plekktrumm."