Baltic veterinary education meeting focuses on AI in student work and military veterinary medicine

This year’s discussions focused on the use of artificial intelligence in teaching and student work, simulation-based learning, and the role of veterinary medicine in crisis management and national defence.

The meeting is organised each year on a rotating basis in one of the Baltic states, providing an opportunity to exchange experiences in veterinary education development, discuss common challenges, and strengthen regional cooperation. This year’s event was hosted by the Veterinary Academy of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences.

Presentations on behalf of the Estonian University of Life Sciences were delivered by institute director Toomas Tiirats, curriculum coordinator Kristel Peetsalu and associate professor Tarmo Niine. Among other topics, they introduced a project designed to help students use AI-related tools more consciously and responsibly throughout the process of writing their theses.

Participants also discussed the international dimension of veterinary education. One topic was accreditation that would make it easier for graduates to apply for professional licences in the United Kingdom. As an example of practical teaching development, attendees visited the Lithuanian academy’s simulation centre and veterinary clinics.

The meeting also addressed the more systematic integration of soft skills into curricula, as well as links between veterinary medicine and the defence and security sectors. The programme included overviews from Baltic partners on developments in veterinary education in their respective countries.

The Estonian delegation included Toomas Tiirats, Kristel Peetsalu, Tarmo Niine, Tõnu Järveots, Agnes Kikas, Eva Tvrdá, Kristi Praakle, Piret Hussar and Ingrid Purje.

The Estonian University of Life Sciences will host the 60th Baltic Veterinary Education Meeting in Tartu in May 2027.