The activities that develop the relationships and synergies between the different disciplines in the Centre of Excellence are based on a tradition of cooperation between Human and Social Sciences. By supporting cultural research in different fields, the Centre of Excellence fosters the conditions necessary to create convergence points and heuristic moments through collaborative work. The Centre of
Excellence in Cultural Theory is made up of eight research groups which work at both Tartu and Tallinn universities, thus supporting inter-university cooperation. The Centre of Excellence in Cultural Theory contributes to raising both the methodological and theoretical levels in cultural research, and the sustainability of cultural research in Estonia. By juxtaposing and comparing data, theories and analytical methods, and through the creation of an interdisciplinary environment, the development of cooperation, and by becoming acquainted with other spheres of research, the Centre of Excellence strives towards significant changes in both the self-understanding of the disciplinary fields it encompases and the understanding of general theoretical models. The leader of the Centre of Excellence is Professor Valter Lang; however, decisions relating to the Centre of Excellence involve the leaders of all research groups. Research personnel, graduate students and supporting personnel belonging to the different research groups are all members of the Centre of Excellence.
