Research & Expertise

When Thoughts Become Movement: How Brain–Computer Interfaces Are Transforming Medicine and Daily Life

When Thoughts Become Movement: How Brain–Computer Interfaces Are Transforming Medicine and Daily Life
At the dawn of the 21st century, humans are increasingly becoming not just observers, but active participants in the technological revolution. Among the breakthroughs with the potential to change the lives of millions, brain–computer interfaces (BCIs)—systems that connect the brain to external devices—hold a special place. These technologies were the focal point of the spring International School ‘A New Generation of Neurointerfaces,’ which took place at HSE University.

Researchers from HSE University in Perm Teach AI to Analyse Figure Skating

Researchers from HSE University in Perm Teach AI to Analyse Figure Skating
Researchers from HSE University in Perm have developed NeuroSkate, a neural network that identifies the movements of skaters on video and determines the correctness of the elements performed. The algorithm has already demonstrated success with the basic elements, and further development of the model will improve its accuracy in identifying complex jumps. 

Script Differences Hinder Language Switching in Bilinguals

Script Differences Hinder Language Switching in Bilinguals
Researchers at the HSE Centre for Language and Brain used eye-tracking to examine how bilinguals switch between languages in response to context shifts. Script differences were found to slow down this process. When letters appear unfamiliar—such as the Latin alphabet in a Russian-language text—the brain does not immediately switch to the other language, even when the person is aware they are in a bilingual setting. The article has been published in Bilingualism: Language and Cognition.

HSE Experts Highlight Factors Influencing EV Market Growth

HSE Experts Highlight Factors Influencing EV Market Growth
According to estimates from HSE University, Moscow leads in the number of charging stations for electric vehicles in Russia, while Nizhny Novgorod ranks first in terms of charging station coverage, with 11.23 electric vehicles per charging station, compared to 14.41 in Moscow. The lack of charging infrastructure is one of the key factors limiting the growth of the electric vehicle market. This is stated in the study titled ‘Socio-Economic Aspects of Introducing Electric Vehicles in Commercial Transportation’ conducted by experts from the Institute of Transport Economics and Transport Policy Studies at HSE University.

'Science Knows No National Borders'

Panos Pardalos
Foreign scientists successfully continue their work in HSE University laboratories, combining fundamental and applied research to achieve significant results. HSE News Service has spoken to Professor Panos Pardalos, Head of the Laboratory of Algorithms and Technologies for Networks Analysis at HSE University in Nizhny Novgorod, about its work.

Low-Carbon Exports Reduce CO2 Emissions

Low-Carbon Exports Reduce CO2 Emissions
Researchers at the HSE Faculty of Economic Sciences and the Federal Research Centre of Coal and Coal Chemistry have found that exporting low-carbon goods contributes to a better environment in Russian regions and helps them reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The study results have been published in R-Economy.

Russian Scientists Assess Dangers of Internal Waves During Underwater Volcanic Eruptions

Russian Scientists Assess Dangers of Internal Waves During Underwater Volcanic Eruptions
Mathematicians at HSE University in Nizhny Novgorod and the A.V. Gaponov-Grekhov Institute of Applied Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences studied internal waves generated in the ocean after the explosive eruption of an underwater volcano. The researchers calculated how the waves vary depending on ocean depth and the radius of the explosion source. It turns out that the strongest wave in the first group does not arrive immediately, but after a significant delay. This data can help predict the consequences of eruptions and enable advance preparation for potential threats. The article has been published in Natural Hazards. The research was carried out with support from the Russian Science Foundation (link in Russian).

Genetic Prediction of Cancer Recurrence: Scientists Verify Reliability of Computer Models

Genetic Prediction of Cancer Recurrence: Scientists Verify Reliability of Computer Models
In biomedical research, machine learning algorithms are often used to analyse data—for instance, to predict cancer recurrence. However, it is not always clear whether these algorithms are detecting meaningful patterns or merely fitting random noise in the data. Scientists from HSE University, IBCh RAS, and Moscow State University have developed a test that makes it possible to determine this distinction. It could become an important tool for verifying the reliability of algorithms in medicine and biology. The study has been published on arXiv.

Artificial Intelligence as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development

Artificial Intelligence as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development
Artificial intelligence is transforming every aspect of life, expanding both our capabilities and our boundaries. At the same time, it presents new challenges for humanity, including concerns about safety, ethics, and environmental sustainability. Today, each neural network leaves a significant carbon footprint. However, with responsible management, AI has the potential to benefit the planet and become a cornerstone of a sustainable future economy. Panos Pardalos, Academic Supervisor of the Laboratory of Algorithms and Technologies for Network Analysis at the HSE Campus in Nizhny Novgorod, emphasised this point as he addressed the XXV Yasin (April) International Academic Conference on Economic and Social Development.

‘The World Is Becoming More Complex and Less Predictable’: What Scientists Say about the Future

‘The World Is Becoming More Complex and Less Predictable’: What Scientists Say about the Future
The future is now more difficult for researchers to forecast, and events that are hard to predict are playing an increasingly significant role. But there is good news too: scientists are confident that humanity will adapt to any changes. This was the focus of discussion at the International Symposium ‘Foresight in a Rapidly Changing World,’ which took place as part of the 25th Yasin (April) International Academic Conference.