Russian-Italian Projects in Biomedicine Discussed at HSE University
HSE University hosted an international mini-conference titled 'Search for new ways to develop Russian-Italian cooperation in the field of Biomedicine,' attended by scientists from both countries and HSE Rector Nikita Anisimov.
The international mini-conference ‘Search for new ways to develop Russian-Italian cooperation in the field of Biomedicine’ was co-organised by the Centre for Cognition and Decision Making of the HSE Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience and the Association of Italian Associate Professors in Russia (ARDIR). The conference was supported by the HSE Basic Research Programme and the Strategic Project 'Human Brain Resilience: Neurocognitive Technologies for Adaptation, Learning, Development and Rehabilitation in a Changing Environment' (ongoing in the framework of the Priority 2030 programme).
HSE University is open to cooperation with any international institutions, emphasised HSE Rector Nikita Anisimov in his opening remarks. 'We extend our invitation to prominent researchers, including early-career scientists from various countries. We can offer numerous opportunities for international cooperation, including “Human Brain Resilience,” a strategic project focused on neurocognitive technologies for adaptation, training, development, and rehabilitation, and implemented in the framework of Russia's Priority 2030 academic leadership programme. Today's event marks yet another step demonstrating our commitment to development, innovation, and collaboration,' he said.
Aldo Spallone, Research Fellow at the International Laboratory of Bioinformatics of the AI and Digital Science Institute, HSE University, spoke about the Association of Italian Associate Professors in Russia (ARDIR). The Association was established in 2020 upon the recommendation of the Italian Foreign Ministry and has had a positive impact on the relations between the two countries in the field of science.

Since the establishment of the Association, numerous prospective participants have shown interest in the opportunity to grow and develop alongside their Russian colleagues. This created a strong international connection, enabling scientists from both countries to share knowledge and expertise. Recent geopolitical events have caused many participants to take a break and reconsider their involvement in the organisation until better times. At the moment, we wish to inform all colleagues who are currently in Russia and carry out their work here that following a meeting with the Russian Ambassador to Italy (Alexey Paramonov - ed.), the Association will have the Russian authorities' support, allowing for more relevant cooperation with the world of science and higher education in Russia,' Aldo Spallone said.
HSE University positions itself as a global institution open to international scientific cooperation, stressed First Vice Rector Leonid Gokhberg. He noted, 'We are pleased that the Association has chosen our venue for today's seminar, and we look forward to continuing discussions here on our premises.'

The Russian-Italian conference continued with reports and presentations from participants. Anna Shestakova, Director of the HSE Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience, reported on the productive cooperation with Italian colleagues and also shared some of the results of her institute's work. As an example, she cited a recent study looking at how the choice of a foreign language can influence the learner's cognitive abilities. It has been found that languages dissimilar to one's native language stimulate cognitive function at the initial stage of learning, whereas those similar to the native language have a delayed effect, helping the learner's brain perform better once a higher level of foreign language proficiency has been achieved.
Matteo Feurra, Leading Research Fellow at the Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience, presented the project 'Improving Cognitive and Motor Function through Non-invasive Brain Stimulation.' The project involves Italian graduates of the Institute who continue their careers as scientists at HSE University.
Olga Buivolova, Research Fellow at the HSE Centre for Language and Brain, spoke about the activities of the Centre led by Professor Olga Dragoy. The areas of work carried out by the International Laboratory of Bioinformatics of the Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Sciences were presented by Maria Poptsova, Head of the Laboratory. Ksenia Panidi, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Cognition and Decision Making, contributed to the discussion by highlighting the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in neuroeconomics research.
Prof. Jubin Abutalebi, MD, PhD, at the Centre for Neurolinguistics and Psycholinguistics (CNPL) of San Raffaele University, Italy, spoke about language control and about cooperation between Moscow and Milan.
Following the event, a round table was held to discuss the prospects for developing joint scientific projects involving scientists from both countries.
See also:
‘The Development of Creative Industries Has Become a Priority for Both Russia and Uzbekistan’
The Tourism Development Institute under the Committee for Tourism of the Republic of Uzbekistan and HSE University have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at establishing and developing academic, cultural, and other partnerships in the fields of education and tourism. The initiative for signing the agreement came from the Institute for Creative Industries Development at the HSE Faculty of Creative Industries.
MIEM Begins Open Testing of Claw Engine 2.0
The team at MIEM’s Game Engineering and Interactive Systems studio has begun open testing of the second version of its game engine, Claw Engine. The HSE News Service takes a closer look at the product, which is being developed by MIEM’s student project teams.
‘We Demonstrated That HSE University Can Not Only Build a Satellite, but Maintain Its Operation’
The first HSE University satellite has completed its work in orbit after more than 35,000 hours of trouble-free operation, one billion kilometres travelled (24,600 orbits around the Earth), and hundreds of full-frame shots taken of the Earth's surface across an area of 320,000 km2. The HSE News Service shares the results of the satellite’s mission and the team’s plans for the near future.
Recruitment Campaign 2025: How HSE Attracts Top International Talent
For nearly two decades, HSE University’s international recruitment programmes have brought highly qualified professionals from the global academic job market to Russia—from recent PhD graduates of leading universities to experienced international scholars. On September 1, 2025, the university expects 50 new international faculty and researchers to join its academic team.
Urban Studies Experts from HSE Discuss Cooperation Prospects with Chinese Partners
The team of the HSE Faculty of Urban and Regional Development (FURD) has held a series of meetings with partners in China as part of its working visit focused on advancing cooperation. The agenda included urban and agglomeration ranking research, the development of unique educational programmes in urban studies, and other key topics.
HSE University and Sultan Qaboos University Discuss Cooperation in Science and Education
On May 29, 2025, a delegation from Sultan Qaboos University paid an official visit to HSE University. The meeting was held at the HSE building on Pokrovsky Bulvar and was dedicated to the development of partnership in science and education. The delegation was led by His Highness Dr Fahad Al Said, Vice Chancellor of Sultan Qaboos University. During the visit, the parties signed an agreement on cooperation and academic exchange between the universities.
First Digital Adult Reading Test Available on RuStore
HSE University's Centre for Language and Brain has developed the first standardised tool for assessing Russian reading skills in adults—the LexiMetr-A test. The test is now available digitally on the RuStore platform. This application allows for a quick and effective diagnosis of reading disorders, including dyslexia, in people aged 18 and older.
HSE Scientists Explain How to Identify Brain Areas Critical for Language Function During Surgery
The HSE Centre for Language and Brain conducted a course on tractography, a method that enables visualisation of key brain connections and helps surgeons avoid damaging language-critical areas during surgery. The course was attended by neurosurgeons and radiologists from Moscow and other Russian regions who are interested in methods of preoperative language mapping.
Forbes University Ranking: HSE Has Top Reputation among Employers
On May 22, Forbes Education released its updated ranking of the 100 best universities in Russia for 2025. HSE University retained its second-place position, having established itself as the university with the highest employer reputation. Among the top 20 were 12 universities from Moscow, three from St Petersburg, two from Tatarstan, and one each from the Sverdlovsk, Novosibirsk, and Tomsk regions.
HSE and Sichuan University Sign Cooperation Agreement
On May 20, 2025, HSE University hosted an official delegation from Sichuan University headed by President Wang Jinsong. During the meeting, the universities signed a cooperation agreement.