Development Plans of the Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences

Development Plan 2018–2025 of the Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences

The Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (VLI) at the Estonian University of Life Sciences is responsible for research, development, and teaching in the fields of veterinary medicine, animal science, aquaculture, and food technology.

The institute’s curricula are internationally accredited, including the veterinary medicine curriculum, which is accredited by the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE). The curricula meet contemporary requirements and the needs of a diverse labor market. The research conducted by the institute’s chairs and working groups spans the entire “farm-to-fork” chain.

VLI is located on the university’s main campus. The institute’s main building, Zoomeedikum, has been largely renovated over the past decade. The infrastructure necessary for research and teaching, including the animal clinic, has been modernized.

An English-language curriculum in veterinary medicine is available. The number of international students, lecturers, researchers, and exchange students has increased. In addition to full-time studies, the master's programmes in food technology and animal science also offer part-time (session-based) study formats.

In 2017, a chair-based structure was established within the institute. Each chair is responsible for the development of its respective field of responsibility.

Chairs of the Institute:

• Chair of Veterinary Biosciences and Population Medicine
• Chair of Clinical Veterinary Medicine
• Chair of Food Hygiene and Public Health
• Chair of Food Science and Food Technology
• Chair of Animal Breeding and Biotechnology
• Chair of Animal Nutrition
• Chair of Aquaculture

The Chair of Clinical Veterinary Medicine includes the Estonian University of Life Sciences Animal Clinic and the university pharmacy. The Eerika cattle farm in Märja, operated by Eerika Farm OÜ, serves as a teaching and research base for studies in animal science and veterinary medicine.

During the 2018–2025 period, increased attention is devoted to supporting the comprehensive development of the institute's academic community and strengthening internal collaboration within the university. This includes ensuring academic succession in all fields of responsibility and developing and renovating infrastructure.

Infrastructure development priorities include:

• Completing the renovation of the Zoomeedikum building in compliance with modern biosafety and workplace standards.
• Modernizing the research and teaching infrastructure for the fields of food science and technology, food hygiene, and aquaculture.
• Consolidating the currently dispersed chairs (Chair of Animal Nutrition, Chair of Animal Breeding and Biotechnology).

The institute ensures the sustainable development of its fields of responsibility by cooperating with other research and development institutions, preparing interdisciplinary project proposals, and developing the infrastructure necessary for teaching and research.

Appendix 1
SWOT Analysis

1. Strengths

• Integration of veterinary medicine, animal science, food science, and aquaculture.

2. Weaknesses
2.1. Lack of competitive and internationally experienced academic staff and unequal distribution across fields.
2.2. Lack of a modern working and learning environment in some buildings (e.g., teaching laboratories, staff lounges, dining facilities, modern student changing rooms, and in some cases, indoor climate not meeting occupational health requirements).
2.3. Weak marketing of the curricula.

3. Opportunities
3.1. EU research and development priorities align with the institute’s profile.
3.2. Availability of international cooperation partners, educational and development markets, and funding opportunities.
3.3. Demand for English-language veterinary education on the European labor market.
3.4. Increasing demand from both public and private sectors for science-based knowledge.
3.5. Social stability and a safe, green living environment.

4. Threats
4.1. National science and higher education policy does not support greater involvement of private sector resources.
4.2. Underfunding of research and development by the state and excessive reliance on project-based funding.
4.3. Teaching activities, including clinical veterinary education, are underfunded by the state.
4.4. University budget planning that does not take EAEVE quality requirements into account.
4.5. Declining population in the student-age group, impacting structural changes in higher education and decreasing applicant numbers for curricula.
4.6. Decreasing attractiveness of rural life and agriculture in society.
4.7. The university’s mediocre public image.

Covers the development of clinical veterinary medicine, including the advancement of clinical teaching and research, as well as the growth of the animal clinic and its services.

The plan focuses on the development of the field of animal nutrition, including nutritional research, optimization of feed rations, and improvement of the health of farm animals.

The focus is on the field of food hygiene and public health, ensuring safety and quality based on the “farm to fork” principle.

The development plan for food science and technology focuses on innovation, infrastructure development, and supporting research and development in the food industry.

The development plan includes the expansion of research and application opportunities in the field of animal breeding and biotechnology within agriculture.

Aimed at promoting research and development in aquaculture, with a focus on sustainable solutions and innovation in the use of aquatic environments.

The plan supports research in the field of biosciences and population medicine, including disease prevention and health improvement in animal populations.