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Vision Day

FROM KNOWLEDGE TO IMPACTFUL SOLUTIONS

📅 13. October 2026

📍 Öpiku Conference Centre, Valukoja 8, Tallinn

We invite you to the Vision Day of Estonian Universities of Applied Sciences, where we will explore how knowledge, applied research and collaboration can help create solutions that make a real difference to Estonian society and the economy.

Estonia is facing major changes. Demographic challenges, labour shortages, security concerns, technological development and growing societal expectations all call for stronger links between education, research and practice. This is where universities of applied sciences have an important role to play.

  • What value does applied research and development create for businesses, the public sector and communities?
  • Does Estonia need more research and development with practical impact?
  • What kind of research and funding model is needed to support universities of applied sciences?
  • How does research and development contribute to the quality of education and prepare learners for changes in the world of work?

The Vision Day will bring together policymakers, higher education institutions, businesses, public-sector representatives and partners to discuss how knowledge can be translated into greater societal impact.

The event will be moderated by journalist Mirko Ojakivi.

We invite you to take part in the Vision Day – register here.

Programme

9:30–10:00 Registration and Morning Coffee

10:00–10:15 Opening Remarks

  • Kristina Kallas, Minister of Education and Research
  • Andrus Pedai, Chair of the Council of Rectors of Estonian Universities of Applied Sciences

10:15–10:45 International Keynote Presentation

  • Prof. Dr. Crispino Bergamaschi, President, FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland

10:45–11:15 International Keynote Presentation

  • Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Dorner, Vice President Research and Transfer, Deggendorf Institute of Technology

Stretch Break

11:20–11:45 Universities of Applied Sciences in the Research Landscape: Quality of Education and Societal Impact

  • Jaan Looga, Rector of Tartu Applied Health Sciences University

11:45–12:15 Applied Research in Practice

  • Road Safety Study for European Modular System (EMS). Helen-Liis Ridbeck, Mobility Project Manager, Republic of Estonia Transport Administration
  • Innovation in Textile Weaving: MultiWeave. Kadi Pajupuu, textile artist, designer and inventor
  • The Use of Unmanned Aircraft for Data Collection at Road Accident Scenes in Estonia. Sten Truija, Expert, Estonian Police and Border Guard Board
  • International Collaboration in Breast Cancer Radiotherapy: From a University of Applied Sciences to Scientific Impact. Siret Kivistik, Principal Lecturer, Tartu Applied Health Sciences University 

12:15–13:00 Lunch

13:00–13:30 Poster Session

A showcase of the best examples of applied research, development and collaboration projects from Estonian universities of applied sciences.

13:30–14:15 Parallel Sessions: Impactful Examples from Practice

Applied Research and Quality of Education

  • ARTEMIS, Alliance for Regional Transition, Equality, Mobility, Inclusion and Sustainability. Tarmo Sildeberg, Vice-Rector for Development, and Kaido Kokk, Head of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre, TTK University of Applied Sciences
  • Care About IT. Terje Losvik, Project Manager, Tallinn Health University of Applied Sciences
  • Intelligent: Innovative Teaching and Learning of Generations Z and Alpha in Higher Education. Andrejs Rusinovskis, Head of Curriculum (Game Design and Development), Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences

Applied Research and Security

  • Presentation Title TBC. Aleksander Raketski, Frontex Lead, and Tõnu Pärn, Junior Researcher at the Remote Sensing Research and Development Centre, Estonian Academy of Security Sciences
  • Classical and Artificial Intelligence–Based Algorithms for Classifying Radio-Frequency Signals Recorded with Limited Bandwidth and Dynamic Range. Kaarel Piip, Head of Electronic Warfare Competence Centre, Estonian Military Academy
  • Comparison of UWB, Visual Navigation, and LiDAR Technologies for Algorithmic Compensation of Drone Swarm Instability. Toomas Ruuben, Researcher, Estonian Aviation Academy

Applied Research and Business Collaboration

  • Business Models and Economic Impact of Sustainable Energy Solutions in Estonian Airports and Air Connectivity. Kristjan Roosipõld, Junior Researcher, Estonian Aviation Academy
  • EXEP3D, Innovation Excellence in Construction Engineering: Novel 3D Concrete Printing Technologies and Sustainable Mixtures. Aivars Alt, Leading Lecturer, TTK University of Applied Sciences
  • Test City – The Urban Environment as a Testbed for Companies: Applied Collaboration at Ülemiste City. Silver Kelk, Development Manager, Ülemiste City

Applied Research Serving Society

  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration in the Arts. Liina Kinks, Gallery and Project Manager, Pallas University of Applied Sciences
  • Data in the Service of Society: An Open Workflow for Tallinn-based Mobility Modelling. Kaarel Sikk, Data Scientist, Ülemiste City
  • Empowering Family Caregivers. Merle Varik, Associate Professor, Tartu Applied Health Sciences University

Coffee Break

14:30–15:00 Knowledge on the Shelf Creates No Value

  • Kristiina Tõnnisson, Chair of the Board, Estonian Research Council

15:00–16:30 Debate between Political Party Leaders: What Is the Future of Applied Research and Development?

  • Kristina Kallas, Estonia 200
  • Mihhail Kõlvart, Estonian Centre Party
  • Martin Helme, Conservative People’s Party of Estonia
  • Kristen Michal, Estonian Reform Party
  • Urmas Reinsalu, Isamaa
  • Lauri Läänemets, Social Democratic Party
  • Lavly Perling, Parempoolsed

16:30–16:40 Closing Remarks

Register for the Vision Day.

The activity is carried out within the framework of the ESF+ initiative “Quality and Internationalisation of Higher Education”.