The EEA Baltic Research Programme has been a driving force in fostering collaboration between Estonian higher education institutions and their partners in Norway and Iceland. Funded by the European Economic Area (EEA) financial mechanisms from 2014 to 2024, with contributions from these donor countries – Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, the programme aimed to internationalise Estonian higher education and strengthen academic ties across borders.
Through this programme, ten higher education cooperation projects and one mobility project were funded. These initiatives created strong partnerships between Estonian higher education institutions and their counterparts in donor countries. Faculty and staff enhanced their expertise, established professional networks, and collaborated on projects of shared interest. Students benefited from valuable international experience, improving their job prospects both in Estonia and abroad.
In addition to the open application rounds, the programme supported two pre-defined projects. One focused on teaching Norwegian language and literature at the University of Tartu, while the other aimed to improve the teaching quality of an inclusive education curriculum in collaboration of University of Tartu and Tallinn University.
Join the discussion!
This conference offers a unique opportunity to review the programme’s achievements and discuss the lessons learned by Estonian university staff and discuss on topics concerning internationalisation more broadly. It will also provide insights from Nordic best practices in higher education internationalisation. As the international landscape changes, it's crucial to balance openness with responsibility, especially in areas like research ethics, human rights, and academic freedom. Universities must navigate these challenges to ensure the integrity and safety of academic work.
See photos from the conference on our Flickr gallery!
Further information:
Evelin Einla-Polluks
Scholarships and Grants Team Leader
+372 5884 7962
[email protected]
09.30 – 10.00 Registration
10.00 – 10.15 Opening ceremony
10.15 – 10.30 Opening remarks
Marius Dirdal, Ambassador of Norway to Estonia
Renno Veinthal, Estonian Ministry of Education and Research, Deputy Secretary General
Jaak Raie, Estonian Education and Youth Board, Director General.
10.30 – 13.00 MORNING SESSION
Challenges and future trends of internationalisation of higher education in Estonia
Speaker: Representative of Estonian Ministry of Education and Research
Fostering international collaboration and partnerships at the University
Kristi Kerge, University of Tartu, Head of International Cooperation
Promoting responsible international knowledge cooperation
Torill Iversen Wanvik, Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills, Senior Adviser
Panel session: "Enhancing international cooperation in higher education: lessons learnt from EEA grants projects"
Ave Matsin, University of Tartu “Estonian and Norwegian local sheep wool - research and study materials for textile students in higher education”
Helen Kiis, TTK University of Applied Sciences “Electronic workbook of cross border assignments from Estonian and Icelandic companies (E-CBA)
Maria Cecilia Sarmiento Guerin, Tallinn University of Technology “An innovative platform for Estonia-Norway research-based teaching in bioinformatics and gene editing”
Kristiina Urb, Estonian Business School “Creative Industries Learning Module (CCILM)”
13.00 – 13.45 Lunch and networking
13.45 – 16.00 AFTERNOON SESSION
Inclusion and excellence through student and staff mobility in Estonia
Heli Aru-Chabilan, Estonian Education and Youth Board, Head of Education Programmes Centre
Widening participation in academic staff mobility
Guðlaug Matthildur Jakobsdóttir, Reykjavik University, Director of International Office
Best practices in student mobility
Astrid Foldal, Norwegian School of Economics, Head of Section, International Relations
Panel session: "Enhancing the academic mobility – opportunities and challenges"
Äli Leijen, University of Tartu, Institute of Education, Vice Director for Research and Development
Heli Aru-Chabilan, Estonian Education and Youth Board, Head of Education Programmes Centre
Katariina Järve, Federation of Estonian Student Unions, Chairperson of the Board
16.00 – 16.45 Closing Plenary
Project Acknowledgements and Closing Summary
Rait Toompere, Estonian Education and Youth Board, Head of Department of Youth Affairs and Internationalisation
16.45 – 18.00 Snacks and networking
Please read about the projects and check the videos on our programme´s website.
Last updated: 28.10.2024
