Science, Technology and Innovation Management and Policy

For Gleb Cherdantsev, professional growth has always meant moving beyond familiar boundaries while building on previous experience. A graduate of the Master’s Programme ‘Science, Technology and Innovation Management and Policy’ at HSE University in 2017, he now works as a Program Manager at Rakuten Group in Japan, applying concepts first encountered during his years at ISSEK.

This academic year, HSE University initiated the international online seminar series “The Dynamics of Science Diplomacy: Bridging Pragmatism and Idealism”, dedicated to the role of science in international cooperation, global development, and dialogue between countries amid technological, economic, and geopolitical challenges.

At the end of May, HSE University in Moscow received a delegation from the State University of Campinas (Unicamp, Brazil), which has held a strong, long-standing partnership with HSE. The meeting in Moscow took place as part of the International Partner Week, which was held from May 19 to 22 by HSE University–St Petersburg. The event was attended by Unicamp representatives: Rafael Dias, Director of International Affairs, and Milena Serafim, Associate Director of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.

In 2024, Ikenna Mbata, from Owerri, Nigeria, enrolled on the Master’s in Science, Technology and Innovation Management and Policy at ISSEK in Moscow. After two years of studies, on June 1, 2026 he successfully defended his master’s thesis ‘The Spatial Distribution of Pharma Start-ups in Africa: An Analysis of Innovation Clusters and Policy Drivers.’ In his interview with the HSE News Service, Ikenna speaks about his research topic, the role of HSE University in shaping his skills, the importance of volunteering, and the benefits of studying in an international environment.