
Scientists Propose Novel Theory on Origin of Genetic Code
Alan Herbert, Scientific Supervisor of the HSE International Laboratory of Bioinformatics, has put forward a new explanation for one of biology's enduring mysteries—the origin of the genetic code. According to his publication in Biology Letters, the contemporary genetic code may have originated from self-organising molecular complexes known as ‘tinkers.’ The author presents this novel hypothesis based on an analysis of secondary DNA structures using the AlphaFold 3 neural network.

'When Driven by Your Own Genuine Interest, You Will Dedicate More Time, Attention, and Energy to Your Scientific Work'
Polina Osipova initially studied law before shifting her focus to the sociology of law and sports. Alongside her academic work, she is also involved in organisational activities. In this interview with the HSE Young Scientists project, she discusses her expeditions to North Ossetia, Moral Time by Donald Black, and the Gavrikov Ponds in Southern Butovo.

HSE Prep Year Students among Finalists and Winners of Russian Language Olympiad
In February and March 2025, four students of the HSE Preparatory Year took part in the Russian Language Olympiad for Students of Preparatory Faculties, which was held online via the website of the Pushkin State Russian Language Institute.

XXV Yasin (April) Academic Conference Kicks Off at HSE University
The anniversary 25th Yasin (April) International Academic Conference on Economic and Social Development will take place from April 15 to 18. This year, over a thousand applications were submitted to present at the conference, of which the Programme Committee selected 381 of the best research papers in their respective fields.
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HSE University Represents Russia at Leading International Educational Exhibition APAIE
HSE University was the only participant from Russia to hold its own expert sessions at the annual conference and exhibition of the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE). The delegation was headed by Anna Tyshetskaya, Director of HSE University–St Petersburg.

‘HSE Offers a Wealth of Opportunities, but It’s up to You to Take Advantage of Them’
Zhou Jinyu is a third-year student of the Bachelor’s programme ‘Data Science and Business Analytics’ at the Faculty of Computer Science at HSE University. She talked to the HSE News Service about studying on the double-degree programme, her career prospects, her attitude to artificial intelligence, and why it’s important to step out of your comfort zone.

‘A Laboratory at 3,000 Metres’: HSE University–St Petersburg to Start Call for First Summer School in Himalayas
HSE University–St Petersburg has announced the call for the Summer School in the Himalayas, which will take place from June 30 to July 13, 2025. The Summer School is the follow-up to two expeditions in the Himalayas organised by the St Petersburg School of Social Sciences in 2024. The programme allows bachelor's, master's, and PhD students to immerse themselves in research on climate change and sustainability in local communities in the unique natural laboratory of the Himalayan region.

‘We Aim to Enhance the Quality and Depth of Our Collaborations’
Yulia Prokhorova and Oleg Korneev from the HSE Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs recently visited Delhi as part of an HSE University delegation to attend the annual Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE 2025) conference. The faculty representatives held a series of meetings with colleagues from universities in Brazil, Mexico, Morocco, India, and several other countries across the Asia-Pacific region, leading to new initiatives and expanding existing partnerships.

Language Internships: HSE University–St Petersburg Students Share Their Experience of Morocco
Language internships provide essential training for experts in Middle Eastern studies. Students of HSE University–St Petersburg can complement their studies by immersing themselves in the language environment and culture of the relevant region. Find out more about internships in Morocco from bachelor's students of the Department of Middle Eastern and African Studies at the Institute of Asian and African Studies.

See, Feel, and Understand: HSE Researchers to Explore Mechanisms of Movement Perception in Autism
Scientists at the HSE Cognitive Health and Intelligence Centre have won a grant from the Russian Science Foundation (RSF) to investigate the mechanisms of visual motion perception in autism. The researchers will design an experimental paradigm to explore the relationship between visual attention and motor skills in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. This will provide insight into the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying social interaction difficulties in autism and help identify strategies for compensating for them.