02.09.2025
institute

The new UNESCO Chairholder is Elo-Hanna Seljamaa

The UNESCO Chairholder Elo-Hanna Seljamaa
The UNESCO Chairholder Elo-Hanna Seljamaa
Author: Kirsti Jõesalu

The UNESCO Chair on Applied Studies of Intangible Cultural Heritage is now led by Dr Elo-Hanna Seljamaa.

Elo-Hanna Seljamaa has been part of the core faculty of the UNESCO Chair since its inception in 2019, participating in research, teaching and outreach activities. Trained as a folklorist, she works on a range of topics related to belonging, heritagisation, minorities and integration.

Under her leadership, the Chair will continue the work started by its late founder Professor Kristin Kuutma. Dr Seljamaa was appointed to this position by Toomas Asser, Rector of the University of Tartu and the appointment was confirmed by UNESCO.

Team of the UNESCO Chair
Author: UNESCO õppetool

Team of the UNESCO Chair


About the UNESCO Chair

The UNESCO Chair on Applied Studies of Intangible Cultural Heritage is part of an international network created by UNESCO. At the University of Tartu the Chair is part of the Institute of Cultural Research.

The chair looks at cultural heritage as a social and economic process. It engages in teaching and research – both in Estonia and internationally.

The chair also focuses on networking and collaboration projects. It also aims at promoting sustainable development and building bridges between the academic world, civil society, local communities, and policy-making.

Learn more about Dr Elo-Hanna Seljamaa here.

See also the homepage and Facebook page of the UNESCO Chair.