‘Policymakers Should Prioritise Investing in AI for Climate Adaptation’
Michael Appiah, from Ghana, is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the International Laboratory of Intangible-Driven Economy (IDLab) at HSE University–Perm. He recently spoke at the seminar ‘Artificial Intelligence, Digitalization, and Climate Vulnerability: Evidence from Heterogeneous Panel Models’ about his research on ‘the interplay between artificial intelligence, digitalisation, and climate vulnerability.’ Michael told the HSE News Service about the academic journey that led him to HSE University, his early impressions of Perm, and how AI can be utilised to combat climate change.
‘Collective Action Can Lead to Real Progress for Rural Women Everywhere’
Gabriella Leelee Enchill is a third-year student at the HSE University Doctoral School of Sociology. She has a bachelor’s in Integrated Community Development from the University for Development Studies in her native Ghana and a master’s in Population and Development from HSE University. Her current research focuses on gender inequality in rural Ghanaian communities. Gabriella spoke to the HSE News Service about what her studies have uncovered about inequality in the region, how women can gain agency by banding together, and why studying these communities helps empower women around the world.
‘Growth Often Happens Quietly, When No One is Watching’
The end of the year is a natural time for reflection on the past and planning for the future. With the winter holidays almost here, the HSE News Service has been asking international students to share their experiences and take stock of the year gone by. In this instalment, master’s students Raihanulla Moghmand and Isaac Sarfo talk about traditional New Year celebrations in their home countries, explain what they’ve learned from life in Russia so far, and share some warm wishes for their fellow students.
‘I Wish Summer Were Quarterly’
Practicing and teaching yoga, chilling in Moscow parks, writing academic papers, travelling around Russia, and volunteering—these are only a few of the things HSE international students have tried over their summer break. Now, as they are getting back to studies, the students reflect on their summer experiences in academic work, professional development, travel, and leisure.
Ringing in the New Term
On September 1, campuses across Russia ring in the new academic year with the traditional ‘first bell’—flowers for teachers and welcomes for first‑years—while international students at HSE University share how studies begin in their home countries, from Ghana’s Akwaba week to China’s student club fair, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s blue-and-white uniforms, and India’s Teachers’ Day.
‘HSE University Has Given Me a Solid Foundation in Both Theory and Practice’
Gideon Apomasu, from Ghana, West Africa, has recently graduated from the HSE University Master’s programme in Population and Development at the Faculty of Social Sciences. He talked to the HSE News Service about his impressions and experience of living in Moscow, being part of the HSE student community, and his future career plans.
‘Moscow Offers a Unique Academic and Cultural Experience’
Stephen Sodoke, from Ghana, is a recent graduate of the Master’s degree in Population and Development at HSE University in Moscow. Having completed his programme at the end of June 2025, he now plans to continue his research work on a doctoral programme. In this interview with the HSE News Service, Stephen talks about what surprised him about life in Russia, his involvement in extracurricular academic activities, and more.
‘Unlearn, Relearn, and Do Not Study Alone’
Celestina Adu, from Ghana, is pursuing her Master’s in Economics and Economic Policy at the HSE Faculty of Economic Sciences. Recently, she won silver at a scientific student conference in Nizhny Novgorod. In her interview, she delves into her research on AI and its impact on education, offering advice for prospective international students based on her experiences in Russia.
HSE Days in Ghana: How the University Attracts Talents and Expands Cooperation with Africa
In March 2025, HSE Days took place in the Ghanaian capital of Accra, the cultural hub of Kumasi, and the Bono East region. Representatives of the university awarded participants of the HSE International Olympiad (HSE INTO 2025) and spoke to local school pupils and university students about educational opportunities, scholarship programmes, and application pathways to HSE University.
‘This Night Is One Minute Longer Than Other Nights of the Year’
Eating fruit, wearing traditional outfits, and surviving the Moscow cold: Prep Year students from Vietnam, Iran, and Ghana talk about the New Year traditions in their countries and their plans for the celebration in Russia.