UNESCO Chair on Future Studies

The 25th Yasin (April) International Academic Conference on Economic and Social Development brought together leading Russian and Western scientists. Among the guests was Jose Luis Cordeiro, PhD, international fellow of the World Academy of Art and Science, Chair of the Millennium Project's Venezuela node, former professor at MIPT and HSE University, and author of The Death of Death.

The future is now more difficult for researchers to forecast, and events that are hard to predict are playing an increasingly significant role. But there is good news too: scientists are confident that humanity will adapt to any changes. This was the focus of discussion at the International Symposium ‘Foresight in a Rapidly Changing World,’ which took place as part of the 25th Yasin (April) International Academic Conference.

The HSE Foresight Centre has been featured in a report by the United Nations Secretary-General as a successful example of a centralised approach to technology foresight. The document was prepared for the twenty-eighth session of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development, which is the United Nations’ focal point for technology foresight and technology assessment.

On April 1, 2025, the admissions campaign for 32 online master's programmes at HSE University's online campus began. Five of these programmes are being launched for the first time, while another five are delivered entirely in English. Read on to learn more about the fully online programmes available.

In the context of increasing global competition, countries arestriving to ensure technological sovereignty. Those who can ensure economic development and concentrate intangible assets and human capital are emerging as leaders. The growing demand for qualified staff leads to an increase in the role of universities and the demand for early-career scientists. The challenges and opportunities for prospective specialists in the scientific community were discussed at the ‘StratPro Platform’ strategic session at HSE University.

The XIV International Academic Conference "Foresight and Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy," organized by the Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK), took place at the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE University) on October 28-29, 2024. Leading Russian and international scientists and experts from more than 20 countries presented research covering a wide range of topics, from the skills needed for science and technology, and the evaluation of policy effectiveness in these areas to advanced approaches and methods in futures studies that can help accelerate the implementation of national and corporate strategies and even ideas found in science fiction. A cross-cutting theme throughout the Foresight Conference was how to integrate artificial intelligence into this research area.

An intersessional meeting of the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development took place on October 21–22, 2024, at the Palace of Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. ProfessorAlexander Sokolov presented new methods of scientific forecasting in his report titled ‘Science and Technology Foresight: Responding to New Agenda.’

Maryann Asemota, from Nigeria, graduate of the Master’s in Science, Technology, and Innovation Management, now works as researcher at the HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK). In an interview with the HSE News Service, she shared her experience of working at HSE University, her future plans, and gave some advice on pursuing a career in academia.

In September, the HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge hosted an international working meeting with representatives from Brazilian, Egyptian, and Indian think tanks. The participants discussed opportunities for cooperation, including joint surveys, comparative studies, databases, and publications on foresight, technology, and innovation. It was also decided to draft a multilateral agreement to establish the BRICS Foresight Association.

On October 14, 2024, International Partnership Day Russia–Brazil took place at HSE University. The event was organised in collaboration with the Brazilian Embassy in Moscow and marked the first Brazilian academic and scientific mission to Russia, leading to the signing of cooperation agreements between HSE University and four Brazilian universities.