Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences of the Estonian University of Life Sciences
The Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences of the Estonian University of Life Sciences is a provider of education and research in the area of veterinary medicine, animal sciences, aquaculture, and food technology.
The Institute offers up-to-date internationally accredited study programmes, including that of veterinary medicine accredited by the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education, which meet the needs of the diverse labour market. The Institute’s chairs and research units/groups undertake research in a wide range of areas and subjects that cover virtually the entire ‘farm-to-table’ food supply chain.
The Institute is located on the campus of the University. Over the past ten years, the Institute’s main building (Zoomedicum) has been largely renovated, including the research and teaching infrastructure as well as the animal clinic.
A veterinary programme taught in English has been launched. The number of foreign students, lecturers, researchers, and visiting students has increased. The Master’s programmes in food technology and animal sciences offer a part-time option in addition to full-time studies.
Since 2017, the academic structure of the Institute consists of seven chairs, each with a defined area of responsibility:
- Chair of Veterinary Bio- and Population Medicine
- Chair of Clinical Veterinary Medicine
- Chair of Food Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health
- Chair of Food Science and Technology
- Chair of Animal Breeding and Biotechnology
- Chair of Animal Nutrition
- Chair of Aquaculture
The Chair of Clinical Veterinary Medicine comprises the Animal Clinic and the Pharmacy of the University. The Märja Dairy Research Farm operated by Eerika Farm OÜ is used as a teaching and research facility by the students and researchers in relevant areas.
Between 2018 and 2025, more attention will be paid on the personal development of staff members and promoting collaborative action within the University to ensure academic sustainability and professional competitiveness in all areas of responsibility of the Institute.
Infrastructure development priorities involve:
- completion of the renovation of the Zoomedicum building to create modern workplace environment in compliance with contemporary biosecurity measures;
- modernization of the research and teaching infrastructure of the Chairs of Food Science and Technology, Food Hygiene, and Aquaculture;
- relocation of the facilities of the Chair of Animal Nutrition, and the Chair of Animal Breeding and Biotechnology currently located in off-campus premises, to the Zoomedicum
To ensure sustainable development of research and teaching in its areas of responsibility, the Institute will cooperate with other research and development institutions to initiate interdisciplinary project applications and improve relevant infrastructure.
Mission
We create and disseminate knowledge and practical skills in the area of veterinary medicine, animal husbandry, aquaculture, and food science for the betterment of animals and humans.
Vision
The Institute is a nationally and internationally recognised research and teaching institution providing high-quality education in the areas of veterinary medicine, animal science, aquaculture, and food science.
The staff and students of the Institute are guided by a shared set of values: reliability, openness, creativity, academic freedom, and preservation of the Estonian language and culture. The Institute strives to provide high-quality scientific research and education, and contribute to sustainable development of the Estonian society.
We are committed to staff and student wellbeing, and continued collaboration with our partners. The Institute recognises and values its staff.