The Centre of Excellence “Estonian Roots” explores the formation of cultural and genetic diversity in Estonia and neighboring regions through collaboration between the humanities and natural sciences. The center focuses on evolution—changes over time and space—in its most diverse manifestations.
To achieve this, an innovative interdisciplinary framework is being developed that integrates various fields and methods to study the interactions between people, cultures, and the environment. The center investigates the processes that have shaped the peoples and cultures of the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea from the beginning of post-glacial settlement to the present day, considering both spatial and ecological contexts. The research maps human populations and cultural phenomena, as well as the abiotic (climate) and biotic (plants, animals) factors that have influenced them.
Drawing on precise local and regional data generated through cooperation in archaeogenetics, cultural and linguistic studies, and paleoecology, researchers are creating detailed knowledge about the development of the population and distinctive cultures of these areas within the broader European context.
6-7 May 2026 | Spring Summit of the Centres of Excellence
We are pleased to invite you to the Spring Summit of the Centres of Excellence in Estonian Roots (CoEER) and Personalised Medicine (CEPM), which will take place on 6–7 May 2026 in Tartu. The summit brings together researchers, advisory board members, and partners from both Centres to share recent developments, discuss emerging directions, and strengthen collaboration across disciplines.
At the PhD Students’ Presentation Day of the Centre of Excellence for Estonian Roots, researchers from diverse scientific disciplines come together to explore a shared goal: understanding the past of Estonia and the wider Baltic Sea region. Throughout the day, …
When and where? November 9–11, 2026 | Jakobi 2–114, Tartu The workshop will be held in English. Target group The workshop is intended for early-career researchers applying for their first research grants (doctoral researchers in their third year or beyond) …
Time and Space
Change and Consistency
Regional and Local Studies
Archaeogenomics
Archaeochemistry
Linguistics
Folkloristics and Cultural Geography
Archaeology
Paleoecology and Climate
Archaeozoology
To support the goals of Estonia 2035 long-term development strategy through top-level science, the Minister of Education and Research decided to allocate 70 million euros over seven years to ten Centres of Excellence in research.
The well-known British historian Bettany Hughes travels the world to study the history of mankind. We introduced Bettany and her crew to how archaeology and modern research methods can help bring to light stories from thousands of years ago. Professor Heiki Valk, researcher Mari Tõrv and associate professor Ester Oras helped to explain what you can learn about ancient decorated jewellery, eggshells or just a small piece of birch tar. Behind the scenes, Professor Mait Metspalu shared the knowledge gained with the research group he headed. Of course, they also took a look at the old DNA laboratory and the UT Estonian Genome Center, which is also a great help in interpreting old DNA.
Online course
The Centre of Excellence Estonian Roots, in cooperation with the Collegium for Transdisciplinary Studies in Archaeology, Genetics and Linguistics at the University of Tartu is organizing an online course entitled An interdisciplinary perspective on the settlement history of the Baltic Sea Area.
The course provides an overview of the settlement history of the Baltic Sea area from the perspectives of archaeology, genetics, linguistics, and folklore, within the context of regional environmental conditions. In connection with this, it introduces theoretical and methodological approaches to studying the contacts that have taken place around the Baltic Sea.
