University of Tartu
University of Tartu (UT) was founded in 1632 and is the largest university in Estonia and the highest ranked university in the Baltic states. UT belongs to the TOP 1% of the world’s most cited universities and research institutions in 15 fields of research. Moreover, around 80 of UT researchers are in TOP 1% of the most cited researchers in the world. UT has more than 3 500 employees and approximately 15 000 students, 11% of students are international. University has 188 study programs, 24% of them are English taught. On the doctoral level, the number of international students is higher, reaching ca. 30%.
Institute of Bioengineering
The Institute of Bioengineering coordinates the IMIM study program from the University of Tartu side. It distinguishes itself among IMIM partners as the hub for digitalization of biology and incorporating AI technologies in synthetic biology. In 2023, the EU funded the establishment of the “Centre for Digitalization of Biology Towards the Next-Generation of Biosustainable Products”. This centre represents a partnership between the Estonian Centre for Biosustainability (ECB), which includes UT and Tallinn University of Technology, and the Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Biosustainability at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). The aim of the centre is to develop a research and technology platform (so called biofoundry) to facilitate development and acceleration of the bioproduction of the next-generation biomaterials by utilizing data-driven disruptive bioengineering solutions and AI technologies. As part of this collaborative project, training of the highly qualified personnel is also planned.
Therefore, this initiative introduces new perspectives and opportunities for students who select UT as one of their higher education institutes / universities for the IMIM programme. With experts in synthetic biology, gas fermentation technologies, virology, and AI, UT will offer students unique opportunities to transition from the proof-of-concept to prototype in a shorter timeframe compared to previous standards. This will facilitate the acquisition of interdisciplinary skills and provide extensive practical laboratory experience. From design and testing of new drug candidates to development of innovative biomaterials, UT’s Bioengineering programme aligns with the BBB philosophy of the IMIM programme.