The call for applications for philosophy residency is closed for 2024. Click here for more information.

Postgraduate Seminar in Tartu for Susimetsa Residents (April 1-2, 2025)

On April 1-2, 2025, the Department of Philosophy and the Centre for Ethics at the University of Tartu, along with Susimetsa Philosophicum, will host a postgraduate seminar. During this event, postgraduate students and early-career researchers in residence at Susimetsa in March and April will meet with PhD students and faculty members from the University of Tartu's Department of Philosophy. The seminar will feature presentations, discussions on each other's research projects, and opportunities to explore potential collaborations.

Residents of Susimetsa will have the chance to get acquainted with the University of Tartu, learn about the research conducted by the Department of Philosophy, and experience the value-based games developed by the Centre for Ethics. Joint discussions and excursions to the University of Tartu Library and museums will provide a deeper insight into Estonian culture.
 
Workshop schedule linked HERE.

The call for applications for philosophy residency is now open for 2025/26. Click here for more information.

Reportage: An account of the spring 2025 residency at Susimetsa Philosophicum, with residents Ozan Altinok (Leibniz University Hannover), Emily Daly (University of Oxford), Maja Mateas (University of Trier) and Jonas Pöld (University of Münster).

Read the full piece HERE.

Prof. Dr. Theda Rehbock’s Susimetsa Philosophicum Residency Programmes

The aim of the residency programme is to offer a retreat from social obligations. The spacious villa, surrounded by a beautiful garden, private lake and sauna is at the resident’s disposal. Susimetsa offers both old-world charm and modern comfort. The peace, the beauty of nature and the cultural richness of books, art and music make Susimetsa the perfect place for a cultural retreat.

As Socrates already pointed out, philosophy is not only a theoretical discourse but a way of life that helps us to live a good life. Good life is a reflected life.

During the chosen residency period, the resident is welcome to live in the Susimetsa villa and enjoy activities such as reading, writing, contemplating, music-making, yoga, working, taking leisurely walks in the garden, relaxing in the sauna, swimming in the lake, and biking.

Susimetsa Philosophicum welcomes guests from all over the world to contemplate life and find inspiration!

Philosophy Colloquium at the University of Tartu

The Susimetsa residents will have the opportunity to present their research findings at the University of Tartu's Philosophy Colloquium. The colloquium is organized by the University of Tartu's Department of Philosophy, the Centre for Ethics, Susimetsa Philosophicum, and the Estonian Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (EXAI).
University of Tartu (Photo credit: Ragnar Vutt)

Awarded residencies

02 Aug

Thomas Potthast

Reassessing Rights of Nature from (‘Western’) Ethics and Philosophy of Nature // Thomas Potthast Project pursued at Susimetsa Phi...
Continue reading

How to Apply for Residency

There are two types of residency available:

Susimetsa Philosophicum welcomes applicants from all over the world who want to come to Susimetsa to practice philosophy as a way of life and dedicate their time to crafting a philosophical paper or advancing work on a book.

Our preference is inclined towards applicants interested in delving into Theda Rehbock’s works and manuscripts, or those engaged in research related to her areas of focus. These areas encompass a wide range of philosophical themes, including philosophy as a way of life, moral autonomy, human dignity, paternalism, doctor-patient relationships, respecting the will of mentally ill persons, living will and advanced directive for medical decisions; the pursuit of good life and death, theory of emotions, human nature, education, language and ethics, the philosophical critique of the world-view of natural sciences; Goethe’s theory of colours.

The scholarship covers all costs regarding residency at the Susimetsa villa. Residents are responsible for their own transportation and food during the residency. Please be aware that this residency is intended for residents only and does not include provisions for extra guests. If you plan to bring any additional individuals or pets, an extra fee will be applicable.

The applicant has the freedom to choose the time and duration of the residency, which can be anywhere between 1 to 4 weeks from November to April. We are also open to group applications.

To apply, submit your project description (3 pages) and your academic CV by September 15th to the following email address: info@susimetsa.ee

Self-funded residents are welcome to Susimetsa to enjoy solitude, uninterrupted time, and inspiring rural landscape, while completing research and writing projects in their particular areas of expertise and special interest.

The self-funded residency is available for both individuals and small groups, and we welcome applications from everyone. Additionally, we offer the option to organize writing retreats. The pricing varies based on the number of participants and the season. Please refer to our price list for more details.

To apply for the self-funded residency, please fill in this application form and send it to info@susimetsa.ee

June 29th, 2025: Call for Proposals for Theda Rehbock’s Philosophy Residency in Susimetsa, Estonia

The call for proposals for 2025/2026 is now open.

The deadline for applying for a philosophy residency (1-4 weeks) is October 13th, 2025.

We extend a warm invitation to individuals from across the globe to seek this unique opportunity for a retreat in Susimetsa, near Pärnu, Estonia. Here, you can dedicate your time to crafting a philosophical paper or advancing work on a book, all while residing in the villa owned by the German philosopher and bioethicist, Theda Rehbock. Her villa is currently overseen by the nonprofit organization known as “Prof. Dr. Theda Rehbock’s Susimetsa Philosophicum”. You are also welcome to make contact with the Centre for Ethics or the Institute of Philosophy and Semiotics at Tartu University.

Our preference is inclined towards applicants interested in delving into Theda Rehbock’s (27.08.1957-02.01.2021) works and manuscripts (Nachlass), or those engaged in research related to her areas of focus. These areas encompass a wide range of philosophical themes, including philosophy as a way of life, moral autonomy, human dignity, paternalism, doctor-patient relationships, respecting the will of mentally ill persons, living will and advanced directive for medical decisions; the pursuit of good life and death, theory of emotions, human nature, education, language and ethics, the philosophical critique of the world-view of natural sciences; Goethe's theory of colours.

The aim of the residency programme is to offer a retreat from social obligations. The spacious villa with a philosophical library (most of the books are in German, some in English), surrounded by a beautiful garden, private lake, and sauna is at the resident’s disposal. Susimetsa offers both old-world charm and modern comfort. The peace, the beauty of nature and the cultural richness of books make Susimetsa the perfect place for a cultural retreat.

The applicant has the freedom to choose the time and duration of the residency, which can be anywhere between 1 to 4 weeks from November 2025 to April 2026. We are also open to group applications.

The scholarship covers all costs regarding residency at the Susimetsa villa. Residents are responsible for their own transportation and food during the residency. The nearest supermarket is situated 5 km away, and the closest cafe-bakery is just 1.7 km away. Susimetsa is 16 km from Pärnu, 162 km from Tartu, 142 km from Tallinn, and 178 km from Riga.

Please be aware that this residency is intended for residents only and does not include provisions for extra guests. If you plan to bring any additional individuals or pets, an extra fee will be applicable.


How to apply?

Kindly submit your project description (3 pages) and your academic CV by October 13th, 2025 to the following email address: info@susimetsa.ee


P.S. The self-funded residencies (1-8 weeks) are available for scholars and artists from all over the world during the whole year. https://susimetsa.ee/book-your-stay/

Additionally, we offer the option to organize small workshops or writing retreats in Susimetsa. https://susimetsa.ee/events/

Prof. Margit Sutrop
Board member of the non-profit organization „Prof. Dr. Theda Rehbocki Susimetsa Philosophicum“

Spend 1–4 Weeks in Estonia Reflecting, Writing, and Thinking – Apply for the 2025 Theda Rehbock Philosophy Residency!

Call for applications is now open!
The deadline for applying for the philosophy residency (1-4 weeks) is September 15th, 2025.

Residency Periods:

  • October 12 – December 12, 2025
  • January 12 – April 24, 2026

We warmly invite philosophers from around the world to apply for a unique residency at Susimetsa Philosophicum, located near Pärnu, Estonia. This retreat offers dedicated time and space to work on a philosophical paper or book manuscript in a peaceful and inspiring setting—the villa once owned by German philosopher and bioethicist Theda Rehbock (1957–2021).

Now managed by the non-profit organization Prof. Dr. Theda Rehbock’s Susimetsa Philosophicum, the villa also offers residents the opportunity to connect with the Centre for Ethics and the Institute of Philosophy and Semiotics at the University of Tartu.

We especially welcome applications from those interested in Theda Rehbock’s writings or unpublished manuscripts (Nachlass), or whose research aligns with her philosophical interests, including:

  • Philosophy as a way of life
  • Moral autonomy and human dignity
  • Paternalism and doctor–patient relationships
  • Respecting the will of mentally ill persons
  • Advance directives for healthcare and good death
  • The pursuit of a good life and happiness
  • Emotions, human nature
  • Language and ethics
  • Education
  • Philosophical critique of the worldview of the natural sciences
  • Goethe’s theory of colours

This residency is designed as a retreat from social obligations, offering ideal conditions for deep thinking, reading, and writing. The spacious villa features a philosophical library (primarily in German, with some English volumes), a tranquil garden, a private lake, and a sauna—blending old-world charm with modern comfort.

You may choose your own dates and duration—from 1 to 4 weeks—within the designated residency periods. Group applications (up to 4 people) are also welcome. You may also indicate if you’re open to sharing the house with other residents.

Costs

The residency stipend covers your housing. As a resident, you’ll only need to cover:

  • Your own travel and meals
  • A one-time cleaning fee at check-out (€100 + 24% VAT)
  • Any additional fees if you plan to bring a guest or a pet

Additional Information

  • The nearest supermarket is 5 km away; the closest café-bakery is 1.7 km.
  • Susimetsa is located 16 km from Pärnu, 142 km from Tallinn, 162 km from Tartu, and 178 km from Riga.

How to Apply?

Please submit the following documents by September 15, 2025, to info@susimetsa.ee:

  • A combined motivation letter and project description (up to 3 pages), including your preferred residency dates
  • An academic CV

P.S. Self-funded residencies are available year-round: https://susimetsa.ee/book-your-stay
We also host small workshops and seminars: https://susimetsa.ee/events

Warm regards,
Prof. Margit Sutrop
Board Member, Prof. Dr. Theda Rehbock’s Susimetsa Philosophicum