Rector Volli Kalm passed away

With great sorrow, the University of Tartu announces the unexpected death of Rector Volli Kalm on Saturday, December 23.

Volli Kalm was born on February 10, 1953 in Vändra. He graduated from the University of Tartu in 1976 with a degree in geology. In 1984, Kalm earned his PhD in geology from the Estonian Academy of Sciences after successfully defending his doctoral thesis "Formation, composition and usage of glaciofluvial deposits in Estonia."

From 1988-1989, he attended postdoctoral studies in the geology department of the University of Alberta.

From 1981 onwards, Kalm worked in the Department of Biology and Geography at the Institute of Geology at Tartu State University (later University of Tartu), and from 1998-2003, he served as the university's vice-rector for academic affairs.

In 2012, Kalm was elected rector of the University of Tartu; his second term as rector began on June 1, 2017.

Kalm was awarded the Order of the White Star, IV Class in 2005.

The deepest condolences of the entire university family go to the Rector's family. We bow our heads in grief. 

Volli Kalm (February 10, 1953 – December 23, 2017)