Teaching staff from the University of Helsinki participated in the visit to Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies, University of Tartu: Exploring New Academic Practices and Collaborative Opportunities

Author: Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies

Teaching staff from the University of Helsinki (Alekstanteri Institute) visited the Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies at the University of Tartu between September 11-13, engaging in a series of fruitful meetings, lectures, and discussions aimed at enhancing collaboration and exploring new approaches to teaching and research.

The visit included participation in a seminar lecture on Nations and Empires, led by David Ilmar Lepasaar Beecher, with assistant teacher Sandra Hagelin. This provided an excellent opportunity to observe different lecturing methods and approaches to academic instruction, allowing the visiting faculty to gain insights into how lectures are conducted at Tartu University.

The faculty also engaged in discussions on continuous learning and the development of MOOC courses during a meeting with Anne Beitane, where they explored ways to improve online education offerings. This was complemented by a visit to the University of Tartu Library, where meetings with Elena Sipria-Mironov and Liisi Lembinen focused on open access materials and how to enhance accessibility to academic resources.

Additionally, the visit included participation in the public panel “Arts of Survival on the Border with Russia,” followed by a networking dinner. These events provided a platform for engaging discussions on cultural dynamics in the border region and opportunities to connect with fellow academics and researchers in a more informal setting.

To further enrich the cultural and academic experience, the faculty toured the University of Tartu Art Museum and explored the University of Tartu Museum with Ken Ird, where they discussed the university’s historical and cultural heritage and potential areas for future collaboration.

This visit to the University of Tartu not only fostered stronger academic connections but also offered valuable insights into innovative teaching practices, open access resources, and strategies for continuous learning. The exchange reinforced the collaborative ties between the institutions and laid the groundwork for future joint projects and academic development.