Immune System Error: How Antibodies in Multiple Sclerosis Mistake Their Targets
Researchers at HSE University and the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IBCh RAS) have studied how the immune system functions in multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease in which the body's own antibodies attack its nerve fibres. By comparing blood samples from MS patients and healthy individuals, scientists have discovered that the immune system in MS patients can mistake viral proteins for those of nerve cells. Several key proteins have also been identified that could serve as new biomarkers for the disease and aid in its diagnosis. The study has been published in Frontiers in Immunology. The research was conducted with support from the Russian Science Foundation.
‘A Chance to See the World’: HSE University–St Petersburg to Open Call for Academic Mobility in September
From September 1 to October 1, HSE University–St Petersburg students will be able to apply for exchange studies at international universities in the 2026 spring semester. There are more than 40 universities available in 20 countries, from Armenia to Mexico.
HSE University–St Petersburg Student Presents Papers at Largest International Conference on Network Analysis
Apollinaria Ermolaeva, student of the Master's programme 'Data Analytics for Politics and Society' and research assistant at the Laboratory of Sociology in Education and Science, studies teenagers' behaviour and interpersonal relationships in this age group. She presented the results of her work at Sunbelt, the world’s largest conference on network analysis.
‘A Cat That Jumps from the Floor to a Shelf Doesn't Know Newton's Laws’
Anastasia Malashina defended her thesis on a topic related to cryptographic methods of information protection and is now engaged in applied projects in strategic analytics. In an interview with the Young Scientists of HSE University project, she discussed the difficulties she faced during her studies and explained what cryptography is and why large language models will not replace human intelligence.
‘Territory of the Future. Moscow 2030’ Forum-Festival to Feature Innovative Projects from HSE Graduates
Until September 14, 2025, the Russian capital is hosting a large-scale forum-festival called ‘Territory of the Future: Moscow 2030’ —a space for technology, science, and innovation. This event showcases cutting-edge developments in medicine, astronautics, and the digital economy. HSE Art and Design School is participating in the festival with two graduate projects in Product and Industrial Design.
HSE Shares Its Experience of Urban Strategies at International Summer School in China
In the context of intensifying global geopolitical and technological competition, leading Chinese educational institutions—Zhejiang International Studies University and Peking University—organised an International Summer School. Their joint programme focused on studying global, regional, and urban development strategies. The HSE Faculty of Urban and Regional Development took part in this event.
‘The Goal of Modern Geography Is To Digitise Expert Knowledge and Integrate It with Big Data’
The importance of geographical science is increasing, as is the demand for education in this field. Since 2020, application numbers for Bachelor’s programmes at HSE University’s Faculty of Geography and Geoinformation Technology have climbed by 30%, while interest in Master’s programmes has also expanded, with applications up 10–15%. Nikolay Kurichev, Dean of the Faculty, spoke about this at a press conference hosted by MIA Rossiya Segodnya.
HSE University–St Petersburg Students Study Diversity of Social and Climate Changes During Expedition to Himalayas
A team from HSE University–St Petersburg has returned from an expedition to the Himalayas. Together with colleagues from the universities of Delhi and Jammu, they studied the local mountain communities of the northern part of the famous mountain system.
Scientists Develop Effective Microlasers as Small as a Speck of Dust
Researchers at HSE University–St Petersburg have discovered a way to create effective microlasers with diameters as small as 5 to 8 micrometres. They operate at room temperature, require no cooling, and can be integrated into microchips. The scientists relied on the whispering gallery effect to trap light and used buffer layers to reduce energy leakage and stress. This approach holds promise for integrating lasers into microchips, sensors, and quantum technologies. The study has been published in Technical Physics Letters.
'It Is Essential to Rely on Facts and to Be Consistent and Honest'
Ksenia Rozhkova studies the labour market, learns foreign languages to gain a deeper understanding of the world, and has a passion for theatre. In this interview with the HSE Young Scientists project, she discusses non-cognitive characteristics, the role theatre plays in her life, and common myths about pursuing a master's degree.