Rectorate

Tallinn University Rector Priit Reiska graduated from Tallinn Pedagogical University with a degree in physics and defended his doctoral degree in physics didactics at Kiel University in 1999. The central focus of Reiska’s research is making the learning of natural sciences more understandable and effective through experiments, computer simulations, and digital tools. In his research, he develops and applies the concept map method to map learners’ knowledge and understanding. He has published more than 40 scientific publications and has worked as a researcher at Kiel University, as well as a senior researcher and later professor at Tallinn University. Since 2005, Reiska has held several leadership roles, including serving as Acting Rector of Tallinn University and Director of the School of Natural Sciences and Health. Since 15 May 2026, Reiska has served as Rector of Tallinn University.

Tallinn University Vice-Rector for Research Tiina Pajuste graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Tartu, earned a master’s degree in international law from the University of Helsinki, and received a Diploma in International Law from the University of Cambridge in 2009. She defended her doctoral dissertation, “Accountability Mechanisms for International Organizations”, at Cambridge in 2012. Her research focuses on the responsibility of international organizations, the role of international law in peace processes, and digital human rights. Before joining Tallinn University in 2014, she worked as a researcher at the University of Helsinki and the University of Cambridge. Since 2021, she has been Professor of International Law and Security. From 2025 to 2026, she directed TLÜ’s School of Governance, Law and Society. She has participated in international research and development projects. Since 2026, Pajuste has served as Vice-Rector for Research at Tallinn University.

Tallinn University Vice-Rector for Educational Affairs Helen Joost completed a Bachelor’s degree in Educational Sciences at Tallinn University and holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Behavior. She has worked in the fields of early childhood education, youth work, and leisure management. From 2003 to 2007, Helen Joost served as Vice Dean of Academic Affairs at the Faculty of Educational Sciences at Tallinn University. From 2012 to 2026, she was Head of the Academic Affairs Office at Tallinn University, and from 2021 to 2026 she was a member of the university’s Rectorate as Academic Affairs Manager. Since 2026, Helen Joost has served as Vice-Rector for Educational Affairs at Tallinn University.

Tallinn University Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Uku Lember graduated with a degree in finance from the University of Tartu and studied history at Master’s and PhD level at Central European University in Budapest. He has been a visiting doctoral student at Cornell University in the USA and received scholarships for studies at institutions in Bucharest, Coimbra, Kyiv, London, and Uppsala. Uku Lember’s major research areas are the history of the Soviet Union, memory politics, and nationalism. His doctoral dissertation centred around Soviet-era marriages between Russians and Estonians. Recently, he has engaged in family histories and changing memories in Ukraine during the current military conflict, as well as Soviet-era queer history in Estonia. Uku Lember has worked at Tallinn University since 2016. For the past five years, he served as Director of the School of Humanities. Since 2026, he has served as Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at Tallinn University.

Kristi Vinter holds a PhD in Educational Sciences from Tallinn University, having defended her dissertation titled “The Influence of Media on Child Development and the Role of Parents in Guiding Children’s Media Use” in 2013. Her research areas have included pedagogy, media education, and the use of digital technology in education. Between 2013 and 2019, she led several educational units at Tallinn University and worked as Associate Professor of Media Education. From 2019 to 2021, she served as Deputy Secretary General at the Ministry of Education and Research, and from 2021 to 2025 as Secretary General, helping to shape national education policy. Since 2025, Kristi Vinter has served as Director for Administration of Tallinn University. She has participated in several research projects and leadership programmes, contributing to the development of Estonian education both as a scholar and a senior leader.