Exploring the Mind: HSE Scientists Discuss Cognitive Technologies of the Future
Why we make irrational decisions, how the brain responds to fakes, and whether neural networks are capable of thinking—these were the topics discussed by early-career scientists of HSE University during the NAUKA 0+ science festival. The event brought together students and experts from various fields, united by a common goal—to deepen their understanding of the human brain and cognitive technologies.
On October 12, HSE University’s building on Pokrovsky Bulvar hosted the event 'Exploring the Mind: Cognitive Technologies of the Future,' organised by the Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience and the Centre for Student Academic Development as part of the NAUKA 0+ science festival, with support from the Znanie Society. A series of talks by HSE University’s leading early-career scientists focused on cutting-edge topics in psychology, neurophysiology, and cognitive science.
The programme was opened by Anna Shepelenko, Research Fellow at the HSE Centre for Cognition and Decision Making. In her talk, she examined the phenomenon of decision-making and explained why we sometimes make irrational choices. Anna discussed the differences between System 1 and System 2 thinking, as well as the cognitive distortions that push us to impulsive behaviour 'here and now,' even when this is not the best strategy.
Next, Eliana Monahhova and Alexandra Morozova, research assistants and doctoral students at HSE University’s Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience, gave a presentation on how the brain perceives manipulation and fakes. The researchers shared the findings from their advanced neurophysiological projects and proposed evidence-based strategies for countering disinformation in today’s world.
The third talk was by Timofei Berezner, Junior Research Fellow at HSE University’s Laboratory for Cognitive Psychology of Digital Interface Users, and Eliana Monahhova. The speakers discussed some of the trending issues surrounding artificial intelligence, including whether neural networks possess consciousness, whether AI can truly think, and how interactions with chatbots and large language models influence our cognitive and metacognitive abilities.
Yulia Uskova, Research Assistant at HSE University’s Cognitive Health and Intelligence Centre, concluded the event with a talk comparing the functioning of the human brain and artificial intelligence. She discussed human–machine interface technologies and neurotechnologies used to study the brain, and explained how data science and machine learning help translate the body’s signals into a language that computers can understand.
The event brought together around 100 participants—students, psychologists, managers, and entrepreneurs—all united by a shared desire to engage with science, delve into the world of neuroscience, and gain a deeper understanding of how the brain and consciousness work. The most active attendees received printed comics from HSE University’s Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience, produced by the Multiverse of Scientists popular science project with support from the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation as part of the Decade of Science and Technology.
See also:
HSE Researchers Create Genome-Wide Map of Quadruplexes
An international team, including researchers from HSE University, has created the first comprehensive map of quadruplexes—unstable DNA structures involved in gene regulation. For the first time, scientists have shown that these structures function in pairs: one is located in a DNA region that initiates gene transcription, while the other lies in a nearby region that enhances this process. In healthy tissues, quadruplexes regulate tissue-specific genes, whereas in cancerous tissues they influence genes responsible for cell growth and division. These findings may contribute to the development of new anticancer drugs that target quadruplexes. The study has been published in Nucleic Acids Research.
Mathematician from HSE University–Nizhny Novgorod Solves Equation Considered Unsolvable in Quadratures Since 19th Century
Mathematician Ivan Remizov from HSE University–Nizhny Novgorod and the Institute for Information Transmission Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences has made a conceptual breakthrough in the theory of differential equations. He has derived a universal formula for solving problems that had been considered unsolvable in quadratures for more than 190 years. This result fundamentally reshapes one of the oldest areas of mathematics and has potential to have important implications for fundamental physics and economics. The paper has been published in Vladikavkaz Mathematical Journal.
HSE AI Research Centre Simplifies Particle Physics Experiments
Scientists at the HSE AI Research Centre have developed a novel approach to determining robustness in deep learning models. Their method works eight times faster than an exhaustive model search and significantly reduces the need for manual verification. It can be applied to particle physics problems using neural networks of various architectures. The study has been published in IEEE Access.
Scientists Show That Peer Influence Can Be as Effective as Expert Advice
Eating habits can be shaped not only by the authority of medical experts but also through ordinary conversations among friends. Researchers at HSE University have shown that advice from peers to reduce sugar consumption is just as effective as advice from experts. The study's findings have been published in Frontiers in Nutrition.
HSE University Establishes Cybersecurity Department
The HSE University Moscow Tikhonov Institute of Electronics and Mathematics (MIEM) has established a new Department of Cybersecurity. This move consolidates MIEM’s educational, scientific, and expert resources in information and computer security, expands its portfolio of educational programmes, strengthens partnerships with industry leaders, and enhances HSE’s position as a leading centre of cybersecurity competence.
HSE University to Host Second ‘Genetics and the Heart’ Congress
HSE University, the National Research League of Cardiac Genetics, and the Central State Medical Academy of the Administrative Directorate of the President will hold the Second ‘Genetics and the Heart’ Congress with international participation. The event will take place on February 7–8, 2026, at the HSE University Cultural Centre.
HSE University Develops Tool for Assessing Text Complexity in Low-Resource Languages
Researchers at the HSE Centre for Language and Brain have developed a tool for assessing text complexity in low-resource languages. The first version supports several of Russia’s minority languages, including Adyghe, Bashkir, Buryat, Tatar, Ossetian, and Udmurt. This is the first tool of its kind designed specifically for these languages, taking into account their unique morphological and lexical features.
HSE Scientists Uncover How Authoritativeness Shapes Trust
Researchers at the HSE Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience have studied how the brain responds to audio deepfakes—realistic fake speech recordings created using AI. The study shows that people tend to trust the current opinion of an authoritative speaker even when new statements contradict the speaker’s previous position. This effect also occurs when the statement conflicts with the listener’s internal attitudes. The research has been published in the journal NeuroImage.
Language Mapping in the Operating Room: HSE Neurolinguists Assist Surgeons in Complex Brain Surgery
Researchers from the HSE Center for Language and Brain took part in brain surgery on a patient who had been seriously wounded in the SMO. A shell fragment approximately five centimetres long entered through the eye socket, penetrated the cranial cavity, and became lodged in the brain, piercing the temporal lobe responsible for language. Surgeons at the Burdenko Main Military Clinical Hospital removed the foreign object while the patient remained conscious. During the operation, neurolinguists conducted language tests to ensure that language function was preserved.
HSE MIEM and AlphaCHIP Innovation Centre Sign Cooperation Agreement
The key objectives of the partnership include joint projects in microelectronics and the involvement of company specialists in supervising the research activities of undergraduate and postgraduate students. Plans also focus on the preparation of joint academic publications, the organisation of industrial placements and student internships, and professional development programmes for the company’s specialists.