On Wednesday, the election council of Tallinn University appointed Priit Reiska as the new rector. Currently leading the university's Institute of Natural and Health Sciences, Reiska articulated a vision that extends beyond technical education to the need for training thinkers capable of guiding society in the future. He emphasized that academia plays a vital role in developing individuals who contribute meaningfully to community and society.

Three candidates contested for the position of rector: Katrin Niglas, Priit Reiska, and Indrek Ibrus, with Ibrus failing to advance to the final round. In the decisive vote, Reiska garnered 69 votes compared to Niglas's 43. This significant support underscores the confidence placed in Reiska's ability to navigate the challenges ahead and fulfill the strategic vision for the university's role in higher education.

Following the elections, Reiska highlighted that funding for universities is a critical issue, remarking on recent proposals from the Ministry of Education and Research for additional funding. However, he pointed out that these funds are primarily intended for applied higher education rather than traditional universities. This presents an important conversation about the balance between specialized training aligned with labor market needs and the broader academic mission of cultivating comprehensive education for individuals.