Events of Tartu World University Brought Together Scientists and South Estonians
As part of the main programme of the European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024, the Tartu World University series of events organised 47 meetings that connected scientists and communities, attended by 17,966 people. Together, they sought solutions to global problems using local examples and vice versa. Communities will continue to address World University themes and organise events in the future.
The Art of Survival in South Estonian Communities
The Tartu World University events were organised by the Centre for Ethics of the University of Tartu in collaboration with 13 institutions and organisations from South Estonia. „I am pleased that our goal to increase understanding in South Estonian communities about the benefits of science, shared values, and open-minded discussions has been achieved,“ said project manager Triinu Laan. „Together, we created what I would call in my native language „inemiseperi ilma“ – a world that lasts and where we feel good.“
The community academy-type events held from 2022 to 2024 focused on the art of survival. Over three years, the World University brought together residents of the South Estonian region and scientists to discuss sustainability topics important to locals, outside major urban centres.
Effective Cooperation Leads to Mutual Benefit
The themes connecting the events were community cohesion, cooperation, and societal values. For example, dialogue evenings were organised in the villages of Peipsiääre municipality to bring people together to discuss how to reduce exclusion and learn to listen to each other. According to Mari-Liisa Parder, an ethics researcher at the University of Tartu and an expert in the DIACOMET research project, this was a valuable experience for everyone, where the dialogue method developed by Finnish researchers was practically applied. „We learned together how to conduct value discussions calmly, even when they could become heated,“ said Parder.
Research Interviews with All 13 Partners
Research interviews were conducted with representatives of all 13 partners of the World University, revealing much interesting information about the communities' current challenges and value systems. The interviews highlighted that with the university's help, the topics were clearly and understandably explained at the events. There was also joy that the scientists did not come to teach from above but offered a broader overview and context.
Additionally, the Centre for Ethics team game „A Hundred Choices: A Discussion Game about Ethics“ promotes value and dialogue culture and is widely used at the World University events. „This serious yet fun game supported the search for common values in communities and society at large,“ confirmed the game's project manager Triin Paaver.
Impact of Events and Future Plans
The organisers confirm that although the year of the Capital of Culture is coming to an end, the valuable connections created at the World University events will endure. Next year, the analysis of the interviews will continue, and both popular science coverage and scientific articles in collaboration with researchers from the University of Tartu's Institute of Social Sciences are expected. This will help scientists and communities make future cooperation plans.
Recordings of the World University lectures and discussions and summary articles of the programme can be found. You can also listen to the podcast „Eetikakeskustelu“ and the South Estonian popular science audio lecture series „Tiidüsjutt“.
The World University helped bring science and scientists closer to South Estonians. Community events will continue with greater knowledge and the courage to invite scientists to reflect on everyday topics and solve problems. „This remarkable series of events represents the best idea of science communication as a two-way interaction. Dialogue in rural areas, outside major centres, is important for both local residents and scientists," praised Piret Ehrenpreis, the University of Tartu's science communication advisor.
The Tartu World University project by the Centre for Ethics of the University of Tartu was part of the main programme of the European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024. The project organised community academy-type events in South Estonia, where active South Estonians met with top scientists worldwide to exchange experiences and seek solutions to global and local problems. The Tartu 2024 project „South Estonian Community Programme“ team was also involved as a partner in the activities of the Tartu World University.
