Tartu University

University of Tartu (founded 1632) is Estonia’s leading research university and its national university. It covers humanities, social sciences, medicine, and natural and exact sciences, and is a member of the Coimbra Group.

Centre for Applied Social Sciences (RAKE) is the university’s applied research unit within the Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies. Its team of analysts, project managers, experts and researchers carries out national and international research, evaluation and training. Its mission is to increase evidence-based decision-making in society.

Thematic areas:

• Labour and social policy

• Education and research policy

• Regional policy and spatial development

• Sustainability and economic policy

Clients and projects:

• Estonian ministries, local governments, public agencies and NGOs

• EU framework programmes and pan-European comparative studies; current international projects include CERTAIN, SkillsPULSE, ACE, VERA and NEXUS

• Recent national work includes studies on family-based substitute care, supported employment and child maltreatment