On the RIS3.cz portal, we previously informed you about the successful development of cooperation between institutions from the South Moravian Region and Estonia within the framework of the CHESS project and about the subsequent European initiatives CCAT and QARC. The newly signed strategic partnership between Masaryk University and the University of Tartu represents a concrete confirmation that the cooperation built through these projects brings long-term results and continues to develop at the institutional level. This is a significant step towards deepening joint research, education and innovation in accordance with the priorities of the National Strategy RIS3 and towards strengthening the international competitiveness of the Czech Republic and the South Moravian Region.
The long-term cooperation between institutions from the South Moravian Region and Estonia, which is successfully developing within the framework of the European project CHESS (Cyber-security Excellence Hub in Estonia and South Moravia), brings further concrete results. The partnership built in the field of cyber security is now followed by the signing of a strategic agreement between Masaryk University and the University of Tartu.
The agreement was signed on May 28, 2026 in Estonia by the rectors of Masaryk University, Martin Bareš, and the University of Tartu, Toomas Asser, in the presence of the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, and the President of Estonia, Alar Karis. The ceremony also included the awarding of the Gold Medal of the Masaryk University to the University of Tartu for its significant contribution to the development of international academic cooperation.
The newly concluded strategic partnership represents a natural continuation of the cooperation that has developed intensively in recent years through the CHESS project. It connects research and academic institutions from the Czech Republic and Estonia with the aim of strengthening excellence in the field of cyber security, developing joint research and supporting the transfer of results into practice.
It was the experience gained in the CHESS project that created a solid foundation for extending cooperation to other areas as well. Both universities plan to deepen joint activities in research, education, technology transfer and academic mobility. In addition to cyber security, the partnership will also focus on biomedical research and other prospective fields.
The cooperation between Masaryk University and the University of Tartu is not limited to the CHESS project. Both institutions are also involved in other European initiatives, for example the CCAT (Cybersecurity Certification and Assessment Tools) project, which was introduced as one of the follow-up projects developing the cooperation ecosystem created thanks to the CHESS project.
The development of the partnership between Masaryk University and the University of Tartu is a concrete example of how European research projects can create lasting links between institutions and contribute to building a strong European innovation space in the field of cyber security and other strategic technologies.
The signing of the strategic agreement confirms that investments in international cooperation, research and innovation bring long-term results. At the same time, it demonstrates the importance of activities supported in accordance with the priorities of the National Strategy RIS3, which strengthen the international competitiveness of Czech research and support the development of intelligent regional specialization. regions.
