Maili Vilson heads the Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies

The University of Tartu Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies has a new head. The former head, Kristiina Tõnnisson, has taken up the position of chair of the management board of the Estonian Research Council, and the institute is now led by former deputy head Maili Vilson, who will hold the position until the election of a new head in spring 2027.

Kristiina Tõnnisson noted that during her term of office, the institute developed as both an international centre for teaching and research and an active participant in public debate. “I especially value our team’s ability to combine academic excellence with an open and collaborative atmosphere. As the former head, I can say with confidence that the Skytte Institute is doing well: next month’s salaries are covered, the students are with us, and the building is standing strong in every sense,” she says.

Tõnnisson is pleased to hand over the leadership to Maili Vilson, who has not only witnessed the institute’s development but also driven it, and understands well how it operates. “Maili knows the institute from the inside: its strengths, specific features, and the small unwritten rules,” she said. Tõnnisson is convinced that Vilson will steer the institute on a steady course, maintaining a balance between academic depth, international ambition and the spirit of Skytte.

As her main task, Maili Vilson sees ensuring the smooth operation of the institute until the new head takes office next spring: “Having been part of the institute’s management team for the past four years, I am already familiar with many issues, but even so, I feel a strong sense of responsibility for the new role and to the people of Skytte. Kristiina’s work in developing the institute and the entire university over several decades has been invaluable – we are extremely grateful to her for that. Skytte’s doors will always be open to her.”

Maili Vilson will serve as acting head of the institute until 31 March 2027.