HSE Scholars Win Young Russian Mathematics Contest
Associate Professor Yulia Zaitseva of the Faculty of Computer Science’s Big Data and Information Retrieval School and Research Assistant Ekaterina Nistyuk of the Laboratory on Algebraic Transformation Groups have been named among the winners of the Young Russian Mathematics research grant competition. Also among the awardees is Vladislav Pokidkin, a PhD student at the Faculty of Mathematics.
Winner of Continental Chess League Crowned at HSE University
The in-person superfinal of the Continental Chess League (CCL) has taken place in Moscow. The experimental project by HSE University lasted three months, bringing together 2,000 online players from Russia and 16 other countries. The strongest players were determined across eight stages. The eight finalists fought it out over three days, with the overall winner named as 18-year-old Erdem Khubukshanov, an international master who is expected to attain the title of grand master next year.
‘Choosing the Right Moment’: HSE Revives the Traditions of Historical Fencing
Historical sabre fencing is actively developing at HSE University. In 2024, a student club dedicated to this martial art was established, and recently the HSE Open Cup was held in the atrium on Pokrovsky Bulvar. The tournament brought together representatives of 21 universities from different regions of Russia—from Crimea to the Far East—as well as from the Republic of Belarus.
‘We Organise Ourselves through Chaos’: HSE Art and Design School Opens Major Exhibition
The HSE Art and Design School has opened its major exhibition ‘The Great Disorder’ at two venues—the Winzavod Centre for Contemporary Art and at the Ekaterina Cultural Foundation. The main theme of the project was reflections on chaos as an integral part of life in the modern world.
‘You Need to Look Ahead and Listen to Your Inner Voice’
In early December 2025, the HSE International College of Economics and Finance (HSE ICEF) held a student meeting with Stefan Dürr, founder and President of the EkoNiva Group, at the HSE building on Pokrovsky Bulvar. The entrepreneur spoke about his journey from running a small farm in southern Germany to building the largest agribusiness in Russia, and offered advice to aspiring entrepreneurs on how to succeed in the industry. The event continued a series of meetings between ICEF students and prominent Russian practising economists and business leaders.
HSE University Welcomes New International Faculty Members
In early December, Vice Rector Alexey Koshel hosted his traditional welcome meeting with new international faculty members. In 2025, HSE University welcomes 44 successful candidates for tenure-track positions and postdoctoral fellowships.
Technological Breakthrough: Research by AI and Digital Science Institute Recognised at AI Journey 2025
Researchers from the AI and Digital Science Institute (part of the HSE Faculty of Computer Science) presented cutting-edge AI studies, noted for their scientific novelty and practical relevance, at the AI Journey 2025 International Conference. A research project by Maxim Rakhuba, Head of the Laboratory for Matrix and Tensor Methods in Machine Learning, received the AI Leaders 2025 award. Aibek Alanov, Head of the Centre of Deep Learning and Bayesian Methods, was among the finalists.
HSE Master’s Student Becomes Seven-Time Russian Motor Racing Champion
In October, Mikhail Simonov reaffirmed his title as the Russian ring racing champion in the premier TCR Russia class, becoming the youngest champion in the history of this category. The racing champion is a second-year student in the Master’s Programme in International Sports Management, Marketing, and Law at HSE University. In an interview with the HSE News Service, he shared his perspective on how to succeed both in professional sports and in academics.
HSE University to Join Physical AI Garage Project by Yandex
Yandex is collaborating with leading Russian universities to launch a new educational programme called Physical AI Garage. This initiative unites five universities—HSE University, ITMO, MIPT, MAI, and MEPhI—to train future professionals in physical artificial intelligence by tackling real-world industrial challenges. The programme is free, and participants will receive scholarships.
HSE UNITY FEST 2025: Cross-Cultural Communication and the Synthesis of Traditions
HSE UNITY FEST, a large-scale, three-day celebration of national cultures, has taken place at HSE University. The event was an opportunity to make new friends and experience a true sense of unity, and visitors could immerse themselves in the cultures of different nations, explore their traditions and values, and take part in workshops and games. Students shared their impressions of the event with the HSE News Service.