
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.

HSE Scientists Test New Method to Investigate Mechanisms of New Word Acquisition
Researchers at the HSE Centre for Language and Brain were among the first to use transcranial alternating current stimulation to investigate whether it can influence the acquisition of new words. Although the authors of the experiment have not yet found a link between brain stimulation and word acquisition, they believe that adjusting the stimulation parameters may yield different results in the future. The study has been published in Language, Cognition and Neuroscience.

Twenty vs Ten: HSE Researcher Examines Origins of Numeral System in Lezgic Languages
It is commonly believed that the Lezgic languages spoken in Dagestan and Azerbaijan originally used a vigesimal numeral system, with the decimal system emerging later. However, a recent analysis of numerals in various dialects, conducted by linguist Maksim Melenchenko from HSE University, suggests that the opposite may be true: the decimal system was used originally, with the vigesimal system developing later. The study has been published in Folia Linguistica.

Faculty of Economic Sciences Publishes Survey of Graduates
The results of a survey conducted by the staff of the International Office among graduates of the Faculty of Economic Sciences at HSE University in May–June 2025 revealed some interesting patterns regarding the educational trajectories of FES students. A total of 90 bachelor's graduates and 103 master's graduates from FES participated in the survey, accounting for 18.9% of all respondents.

HSE University–St Petersburg and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Release First Book of Mirror Laboratory
Malaysia hosted the AHIBS 'Weaving Horizons for Sustainable Impact' international conference, which featured the presentation of the first Russian–Malaysian book of research articles.

'Today, Human Existence Without Mathematics Is Difficult; Tomorrow, It Will Be Simply Impossible'
Mathematicians around the world share a common language and continue to collaborate despite the challenges of recent years. The hub of mathematical networking has been shifting to China, where scientists from various countries meet at conferences and other academic events. Partnerships with leading Chinese universities offer promising opportunities to strengthen existing ties and forge new ones. In this interview with the HSE News Service, Valery Gritsenko, Head of the HSE International Laboratory for Mirror Symmetry and Automorphic Forms, discusses this and other topics, including what AI is and why the state should engage with mathematicians.

Scientists Rank Russian Regions by Climate Risk Levels
Researchers from HSE University and the Russian Academy of Sciences have assessed the levels of climate risks across Russian regions. Using five key climate risks—heatwaves, water stress, wildfires, extreme precipitation, and permafrost degradation—the scientists ranked the country’s regions according to their need for adaptation to climate change. Krasnoyarsk Krai, Irkutsk Region, and Sverdlovsk Region rank among the highest for four of the five climate risks considered. The study has been published in Science of the Total Environment.

'Samarkand—St Petersburg': HSE University–St Petersburg and Samarkand State University to Design Digital Future of Cultural Heritage
Samarkand State University named after Sharof Rashidov hosted the international research and educational seminar 'Branding Cultural Heritage: Digital Tools and Design Practices.' The event gathered researchers and students from Russia and Uzbekistan—participants of a large-scale project of the mirror laboratory 'Integrated Platform Solutions for the Preservation and Promotion of Cultural Heritage (Cases of Samarkand and St Petersburg)'.

HSE Researchers Teach Neural Network to Distinguish Origins from Genetically Similar Populations
Researchers from the AI and Digital Science Institute, HSE Faculty of Computer Science, have proposed a new approach based on advanced machine learning techniques to determine a person’s genetic origin with high accuracy. This method uses graph neural networks, which make it possible to distinguish even very closely related populations.

HSE Economists Reveal the Secret to Strong Families
Researchers from the HSE Faculty of Economic Sciences have examined the key factors behind lasting marriages. The findings show that having children is the primary factor contributing to marital stability, while for couples without children, a greater income gap between spouses is associated with a stronger union. This is the conclusion reported in Applied Econometrics.
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