Expert panels of initial assessment and re-assessment of study programme groups
On this page you will find expert panels for initial and re-assessment of study programme groups by year, by higher education institution, and by study programme group.
For each evaluation, we form a panel of at least 4 members, in most cases including experts from both Estonia and abroad. Higher education institutions may propose candidates for the panel whose competence, experience and profile meet the institution’s needs and who have no conflict of interest with the institution being assessed. The composition of the panel is agreed upon with the HAKA Higher Education Assessment Council and the higher education institution.
The principles for forming expert panels and the requirements for experts are described in detail in the guidelines for initial and re-assessment of study programme groups.
2026
Tartu Applied Sciences University
Health Care (Physiotherapy) Master’s programme, re-assessment
- Cliona O’Sullivan – Chair of the panel; Professor in Physiotherapy, Dublin City University (Ireland)
- Steffan Wittrup McPhee Chistensen – Musculoskeletal physiotherapist, researcher, educator, and clinician; associate professor, Aalborg University (Denmark)
- Katre Lust-Mardna – CEO and Head Physiotherapist at Private Physiotherapy Clinic (Estonia)
- Kristel Jakobson-Pallo – PhD student, Tallinn University; Advisor at National Health Board (Estonia)
2025
The Estonian Free Church Theological Seminary
Theology and Society Master`s programme, re-assessment
- Maarja Beerkens (Chair) – Vice-Dean, Associate Professor, Universiteit Leiden (The Netherlands)
- Matthew Kitching (Secretary) – PhD Student, Lancaster University (UK)
- Joke van Saane – Rector, Universiteit voor Humanistiek (The Netherlands)
- Priit Rohtmets – Associate Professor, University of Tartu; professor, Institute of Theology of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church (Estonia)
- Ringo Ringvee – Advisor, Ministry of Interior (Estonia)
2023
University of Tartu
Medicine study programme group, master’s studies, initial assessment
- Lilian Azzopardi (Chair) – Professor and Head of Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta (Malta)
- Marja Airaksinen – Professor of Social Pharmacy, Head of Clinical Pharmacy Group, University of Helsinki (Finland)
- Robert Khachatryan – Member of the panel from outside higher education institutions. Head of Quality Control Section, Department of Education and Knowledge, Government of Abu Dhabi (ADEK) (United Arab Emirates)
- Kristel Jakobson-Pallo – Member of the panel who has graduated a higher education institution no longer than a year ago. PwC Advisors Estonia, Senior Consultant (Estonia)
Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences
Information technology study programme group, re-assessment
- Urve Mets (Chair) – SA Kutsekoda, OSKA vanemuuringujuht
- Peeter Normak – Tallinn Univeristy, Professor, Director of the Institute of Digital Technologies
- Kalle Tammemäe – Tallinn University of Technology, Director of IT College T
- Marek Kusmin – Codeborne OÜ, co-owner, Software Developer
- Engel-Mari Mölder – Tallinn Univeristy of Technology, student
Tartu Health Care College
Health Care (Physiotherapy) Master`s programme, initial assessment
- Linzette Deidre Morris (Chair) – Acting Head of Department, Assistant professor in Physical Therapy, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University
- Kristel Jakobson-Pallo – Senior Consultant, PwC Estonia; Student at Tallinn University until 31.01.23 – Master in Social Sciences (Political Theory)
- Cliona O’Sullivan – Physiotherapist and Associate Professor at University College Dublin
- Reio Vilipuu – Physiotherapist and lymphtherapist; entrepreneur and owner of a private rehabilitation clinic in Estonia
2022
The Estonian Free Church Theological Seminary
Theology and Society Master`s programme, initial assessment
- Ringo Ringvee (Chair) – Advisor, Ministry of Interior (Estonia)
- Katre Koppel – Student, University of Tartu (Estonia)
- Anneli Randla – Associate Professor, Senior Researcher, Estonian Academy of Arts (Estonia)
- Priit Rohtmets – Associate Professor, University of Tartu (Estonia); Professor, Head of Development, Institute of Theology of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church (Estonia)
University of Tartu Pärnu College
Personal services study programme group, initial assessment
- Eneken Titov (Chair) – Professor, EUAS Mainor; Member of the Management Board, AS Mainor (Estonia)
- Mari Kasemets – Student, Tallinn University of Technology (Estonia)
- Katri Kerem – Professor of Marketing and Head of the Department, Estonian Business School (EBS, Estonia)
- Asmik Tsaturjan – Sales Manager for Foreign Markets, Baltic Tours AS; Member of the Estonian Travel and Tourism Association (Estonia)
Tartu Health Care College
Health Care (Radiography) Master’s programme, re-assessment
- Graciano Paulo – (Chair) – Professor, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra (Portugal)
- Meeri Vainola – Student, Member of the Student Council, Tallinn University of Technology (Estonia)
- Genevieve Sandon – Lecturer, Birmingham City University (United Kingdom)
- Shane Foley – Associate Professor, University College Dublin (Ireland)
University of Tartu
Business and administration doctoral studies, initial assessment
- Roger Levy (Chair) – Emeritus Professor, London School of Economics (United Kingdom)
- Matthew Kitching – Student, Lancaster University (United Kingdom)
- Martin Jes Iversen – Professor, Singapore Management University, Copenhagen Business School (Denmark)
- Janek Uiboupin – Non-higher education institution member; PhD, Admiral Markets AS, Veintal OÜ (Estonia)
2021
Estonian Academy of Arts
Architecture and building doctoral studies, re-assessment
- Phillipe Bouillard (Chair) – Professor, Université Libre De Bruxelles (Belgium)
- Katre Koppel – Student, University of Tartu (Estonia)
- Marialena Nikolopoulou – Professor, University of Kent (United Kingdom)
- Jan-Gunnar A. Persson – Emeritus Professor, KTH (Sweden)
- Matti Rautiola – Architect, ARRAK Architects (Finland)
University of Tartu Narva College
Informatics and information technology study programme group, re-assessment
- Urve Mets (Chair) – Research Manager, SA Kutsekoda
- Sten Ärm – Student, Chairperson of the Student Council, Tallinn University of Technology
- Tanel Tammet – Professor, Tallinn University of Technology
- Peeter Normak – Professor, Director of the School of Digital Technologies, Tallinn University
Tallinn Health College and Tartu Health College
Health Care (Health Sciences) Master’s programmes, re-assessment
- Ruud Heijnen (Chair) – Zuyd University of Applied Sciences (The Netherlands)
- Kristel Jakobson – Student, Tallinn University (Estonia)
- Kristina Mikkonen – Professor, University of Oulu (Finland)
- Triinu Rõigas – Head of Community Services, Viljandi Hospital (Estonia)
2020
Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences
Informatics and information technology study programme group, re-assessment
- Urve Mets (Chair) – OSKA Research Manager, SA Kutsekoda
- Krõõt Grete Mänd – Student, Tallinn University of Technology
- Peeter Normak – Professor, Director of the School of Digital Technologies, Tallinn University
- Kalle Tammemäe – Director, IT College of the Faculty of Information Technology, Tallinn University of Technology
- Ants Sild – Employer Representative; Member of the Management Board, BCS Koolitus AS
2019
Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences
Management of Enterprise joint study programme with Балтийским государственным техническим университетом «ВОЕНМЕХ» им. Д.Ф. Устинова
- Enn Listra – Chairman, professor, Tallinn University of Technology
- Kristiina Tõnnisson – University of Tarty, Director of Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies
- Illimar Paul –Transestonia OÜ, Director
- Gerlin Gil – Student, Tallinn University of Technology
University of Tartu Narva College
Youth work bachelor’s programme
- Ilona-Evelyn Rannala – Chairman, lecturer in youth work, Tallinn University
- Salome Šakarašvili – Student, Tallinn University
- Kristjan Pomm – Head Scout, Association of Estonian Scouts
- Age Toomla, Chief expert on quality enhancement, Estonian Youth Work Centre
- Marko Vene, Archimedes Foundation Youth Agency
Tartu Health Care College
Radiography master’s programme
- Liis Rooväli – Chairman; Institute of Family Medicine, University Tartu (Estonia)
- Genny Sandon – Programme Leader for MSc Radiography programme, Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University (United Kingdom)
- Kent Fridell – Head of section of Radiography, Karolinska Institute (Sweden)
- Samin Sedghi Zadeh – Student; Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Turin (Italy)
Nordic School of Hospitality & Innovation – Haaga-Helia, Tallinn
Professional higher education programme International Hospitality and Service Excellence
- Tom Baum – Professor, Head of the Department of Human Resource Management, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow (United Kingdom)
- Craig Thompson – CEO, International Centre of Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality Management (THE-ICE)
- Maarika Liivamägi – managing director, Estonian Hotel and Restaurant Association (Estonia)
- Gerda Danieljants – student , Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences (Estonia)
2018
Tallinn University
Arts doctoral studies
- Lily Diaz – chairman, Aalto University, Full Professor of New Media, Head of Research at Department of Media (Finland)
- Amy Genders – post-doctoral fellow, recently graduated PhD student University of South Wales (United Kingdom)
- Andrew Spicer – University of the West of England Bristol, Professor of Cultural Production (United Kingdom)
- Helle Tiikmaa – Estonian Association of Journalists (Estonia)
University of Tartu Narva College
Informatics and Information Technology, professional higher education
- Ants Sild – chairman, Baltic Computer Systems, member of Management Board (Estonia)
- Tanel Tammet – Tallinn University of Technology, professor (Estonia)
- Peeter Normak – Tallinn University, School of Digital Technologies, Director (Estonia)
- Vanessa Vorteil – Tallinn University student (Estonia)
Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences
Personal services, professional higher education
- Heli Tooman – chairman, University of Tartu Pärnu College, Assistant Professor (Estonia)Sirje Rekkor – Tallinn University, School of Educational Sciences, lecturer (Estonia)
- Feliks Mägus – employer representative, Nordic Hotels OÜ Managing Director (Estonia)
- Anneli Haabu – student, University of Tartu Pärnu College (Estonia)
Estonian Academy of Arts
Architecture and Urban Planning PhD programme
- Philippe Bouillard – chairman; Professor, Université Libre de Bruxelles (Belgium)
- Toni Kotnik – Professor of Design of Structures, Aalto University (Finland)
- Yoko Alender – architect, member of parliament’s culture committee (Estonia)
- Katre Koppel – PhD student, University of Tartu (Estonia)
Euroacademy
Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Circular Economy Master’s programme
- Enn Listra – Chairman, Professor, Dean of School of Business and Governance at Tallinn University of Technology
- Ruth Shimmo – Professor, Director of the School of Natural Sciences and Health
- Tiiu Paas – Professor, University of Tartu
- Jari Kukkonen – owner, Vitalonga OÜ
- Vanessa Roosmets – student, Estonian Business School
Tartu Health Care College; Tallinn Health Care College
Health Care (Health Sciences) Master’s programme
- Josette Denekens – Chairman; Emeritus Professor in General Practice and head of the department of General Practice at the University of Antwerp (Belgium)
- Ruud Heijnen – Zuyd University of applied sciences (Zuyd Hogeschool) in Heerlen, Faculty of Health. Coordinator of international cooperation for the faculty of health; Program coordinator for the master program Advanced Health Care (in development); National and international auditor for health care education (The Netherlands)
- Margus Viigimaa – Employer representative; Põhja-Eesti Regionaalhaigla; Tallinna Tehnikaülikool, TTÜ Tehnomeedikum, Director of Institute for Cardiovascular Medicine, Professor (Estonia)
- Samin Sedghi Zadeh – Student; Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Turin (Italy)
2017
Tartu Health Care College
Health Care (Radiography) Master’s programme
- Liis Rooväli – Chairman of the assessment committee, Lecturer of health care management at the Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health at the University of Tartu (Estonia)
- Genny Sandon – Programme Leader for MSc Radiography programme, Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University (United Kingdom)
- Kent Fridell – Head of section of Radiography, programme leader for Radiography, Karolinska Institute (Sweden)
Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences
Informatics and Information Technology, Professional HE study programme
- Urve Mets – Chairman of the assessment committee, SA Kutsekoda, OSKA coordinator in the field of ICT
- Agu Leinfeld – AS DATEL, Director of Software Development and Technology
- Peeter Normak – Tallinna Ülikool, Professor, Director of the Institute of Digital Technologies
- Tanel Tammet – Tallinna Tehnikaülikool, Professor
2016
Estonian Academy of Arts
Architecture and Urban Design, Doctoral studies
- Tõnu Meidla – Professor, University of Tartu (Estonia)
- Herman Neuckermans – Emeritus Professor, KU Leuven, Department of Architecture (Belgium)
- Matti Rautiola – Professor, Architect, Director General, ARRAK Architects Kiiskilä, Rautiola, Building Information Foundation (Finland)
- Emma Järvenpää – Student, Leiden University (The Netherlands)
Tallinn University of Technology
Architecture, Integrated studies
- Tõnu Meidla – Chairman of the assessment committee, Professor, Chairman of the EKKA Higher Education Assessment Council
- Rainer Mahlamäki – Professor, Oulun Yliopisto, Lahdelma & Mahlamäki OY, architect (Finland)
- Herman Neuckermans – Emeritus Professor, KU Leuven, Department of Architecture (Belgium)
- Andres Sevtsuk – Assistant Professor of Urban Planning, Harvard Graduate School of Design (United States)
- Ülar Mark – Allianss Arhitektid OÜ
- Emma Järvenpää – Student, Leiden University (The Netherlands)
2015
University of Tartu
Informatics and Information Technology, Professional HE study programme
- Peeter Normak – Professor, Tallinn University
- Ants Sild – Director, Baltic Computer Systems; Member of the Quality Assessment Council for HE
- Tanel Tammet – Professor, Tallinn University of Technology
2013
Estonian Academy of Arts
Architecture and Building, Doctoral study programme
- Rainer Mahlamäki – Chair, Lahdelma & Mahlamäki Architects
- Herman Neuckermans – Eindhoven University, Professor
- Jan Westra – University of Leuven, Professor
Tallinn University of Technology
Architecture, Integrated Bachelor`s and Master`s Programme
- Kalev Sepp – Chair, Estonian University of Life Sciences
- Rainer Mahlamäki – Oulun Yliopisto (Soome)
- Andres Sevtsuk – Singapore University of Technology and Design (Singapur)
- Ülar Mark – Allianss Arhitektid OÜ
- Marten Kaevats – Student
Estonian Aviation Academy
Engineering, Manufacturing and Technology, Professional HE Programme
- Rünno Lõhmus – Chair
- Aimar Lukk
- Ardo Oras
- Tauno Otto
- Margus Tiru – Student
TTK University of Applied Sciences
Management of Supply Chains, Master`s Programme
- Kristiina Tõnnisson – Chair
- Jakob Kübarsepp
- Sebastiaan Meijer
- Katalin Tanczos
- Kalle Uusmaa – Student