UNESCO Chair on Future Studies

A new seminar series, "The Dynamics of Science Diplomacy: Bridging Pragmatism and Idealism," began in the fall of 2025. According to the seminar's coordinators, Irek Suleymanov (HSE University, Russia) and Parsifal Islas -Morales (UNAM, Mexico), these sessions are intended not only to serve as a meeting place for emerging researchers in science diplomacy with authoritative experts in the field, but also as a learning and research laboratory for the vibrant research initiatives of undergraduate and graduate students from around the world.

UNCTAD report acknowledged contribution of the International Research and Educational Foresight Center of HSE University Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK) to development of Technology Foresight (TF) and Technology Assessment (TA) methods for policy-making in long-term planning and anticipatory governance, including into Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) achievement.

The book “Foresight: methods and practices” is a methodological guide for Foresight studies and forecasts development, in which 28 methods of the future studies are clearly described and analyzed. The issue continues a publication series on Foresight methods and expands a range of tools offered to use. The book addresses to specialists using Foresight for medium- and long-term forecasting.

International Conference on Ensuring Food Sovereignty in Africa held in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia at the end of November 2025.

International Workshop on Technology Foresight became part of official programme of Brazil’s BRICS presidency. The event brought together leading experts and representatives of BRICS key research institutions to discuss priorities for science and technology development and cooperation strength. Professor Alexander Sokolov, Deputy Director of HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge, Head of UNESCO Chair on Future Studies, took part in the workshop. 

Special workshop on Foresight-studies in BRICS countries took place in the framework of XV International Academic Conference ‘Foresight and Science, Technology and Innovation Policy’. Experts from Russia, China, South Africa, Brazil, Egypt, Iran and India discussed the role of Foresight in STI policy, AI usage in forecasting and challenges of digital era. 

In the latest issue of journal “Foresight and STI Governance” (Vol 19 No 4 2025) transformation in various spheres and primarily in education is the unifying theme of most articles.There is no set pattern in transition processes, which could serve as a success recipe. Nevertheless, the first realized projects represent new, valuable experience for searching ways to contextual adaptation of transformation transition strategies.

XV International Academic Conference ‘Foresight and Science, Technology and Innovation Policy’organized by HSE University Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge took place on 12-14 November 2025.  This year programme included nine thematic sessions and special workshop for BRICS countries. The conference traditionally became a platform for discussing the future of technology, transformation of labor markets, creative economy, role of artificial intelligence, and sustainable development, bringing together experts around the world from: Russia, China, India, South Africa, Brazil, Egypt, Iran, the UAE, Indonesia, Australia, the UK, Malaysia and other countries.

During the last week of November 2025, Dr. Dirk Meissner, Distinguished Professor and Academic Supervisor of the Master’s Programme “Science, Technology and Innovation Management and Policy”, represented HSE University at two major academic events in China. His visit reinforced the programme’s international presence and highlighted its commitment to advancing international dialogue in science, technology and innovation (STI) management.

Dr. Irek Suleymanov joined the Department of Educational Programs at the HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK) in 2024, introducing an innovative course on science diplomacy. The new academic year was marked by a new seminar series organized by Dr. Suleymanov in collaboration with the UNESCO Chair in Science Diplomacy and Heritage at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Titled "The Dynamics of Science Diplomacy: Bridging Pragmatism and Idealism" this series of seminars is aimed at enabling students to realize their scientific ambitions.