Scientific, Technological, and Educational Projects: Expanding Cooperation Between HSE University and China
Recently, an HSE delegation led by Rector Nikita Anisimov visited China. During the visit, the parties reached agreements to expand the portfolio of joint educational and research projects with some of the country’s leading universities. This article from the HSE News Service explores the development of HSE University’s cooperation with its Chinese partners.
Following talks with President Han Jiecai at the Harbin Institute of Technology, the parties agreed to develop joint projects in the field of the exact sciences. During a meeting with President Wang Jingbo of Heilongjiang University, an agreement was reached to expand cooperation in developing joint educational programmes in the humanities. Nikita Anisimov also met with President Gong Qihuang of Peking University, whose delegation had recently visited HSE University, to discuss the further expansion of existing joint educational and research initiatives.
Nikita Anisimov and President Jin Li of Fudan University also signed an agreement establishing a double-degree programme. The programme will be based on the English-taught programme ‘Master in International Management’ delivered by the HSE Graduate School of Business.
The agreement with Fudan University was signed during the official visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to China, which took place at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. On May 20 in Beijing, the two leaders officially launched the Cross Years of Russia–China Cooperation in Education.
In an interview with Xinhua News Agency, Nikita Anisimov described the Cross Years of Russia–China Cooperation in Education as a strategic milestone for the development of bilateral cooperation aimed at the future. ‘Our relationship is now reaching a stage where universities are building joint projects directly with one another,’ he said, adding that it is important to make effective use of the strengths of both educational systems. ‘Our education system is renowned for its strong fundamental training, particularly in the exact sciences. The Chinese education system, meanwhile, is known for its focus on technology, applied development, and tangible outcomes achieved by young scholars, researchers, and students.’
He emphasised that HSE University’s cooperation with China continues to expand rapidly. At present, the university is involved in approximately 100 educational and research projects with Chinese partners.
Leonid Gokhberg
According to Leonid Gokhberg, First Vice Rector, HSE has established an extensive programme of cooperation with leading Chinese universities and research centres. ‘Particular attention is being paid to the creation of joint laboratories and double-degree programmes, as well as to the development of student and faculty mobility. Our cooperation covers a broad range of scientific and technological fields, including digital technologies and artificial intelligence, economics, social sciences, biotechnology, mathematics, physics, and urban studies.’
Since 2024, six mirror laboratories have been launched jointly with Chinese partners across HSE University’s campuses in Moscow, St Petersburg, and Nizhny Novgorod. Their research topics range from the development of next-generation solar cells and cancer phototherapy to urban studies.
In the fields of artificial intelligence and information technology, HSE University collaborates with globally recognised institutions such as Peking University and Tsinghua University. Research teams from HSE’s Faculty of Computer Science and the AI and Digital Science Institute also maintain active partnerships with the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen; the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech); the Beijing Institute of Technology; and the Harbin Institute of Technology.
HSE University has also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Institute of High Energy Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. One of the objectives of the joint project is to apply artificial intelligence technologies to the construction of the Circular Electron Positron Collider.
In addition, HSE University has maintained long-standing cooperation with the Chinese Academy of Science and Technology for Development (CASTED), the Institute of Science and Technology Foresight and Statistics, and the International Research and Training Centre for Science and Technology Strategy (CISTRAT), a UNESCO-affiliated centre based in Beijing. Within the framework of the iFORA big-data intelligent foresight analytics system developed by HSE’s Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge, specialised tools have been created to analyse China’s best practices in science, technology, and innovation policy. As a result of this foresight cooperation, two joint international monographs are currently being prepared. The partners are also creating new platforms for expert dialogue. For example, HSE University’s Institute of Education is a co-founder of the global CERE Observatory, which brings together experts from around the world to analyse global trends in education.
Biotechnology is another priority area of cooperation between HSE University and its Chinese partners. In 2025, HSE University and Tsinghua University signed a cooperation agreement in biology and biotechnology. The agreement provides for joint research projects and educational programmes, including initiatives based at HSE’s Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology. The HSE Centre for Language and Brain, with the participation of Chinese researchers, is also carrying out the long-term research project ‘Neural Interfaces for the Rehabilitation of Speech Disorders.’ The project aims to develop a speech neurointerface capable of improving the effectiveness of therapy for speech impairments, particularly those resulting from stroke.
Overall, HSE University’s long-standing partnership with Chinese colleagues is not only an important factor in the university’s integration into the international scientific, technological, and educational landscape; it also contributes to the creation of a shared space for mutually beneficial scientific and technological development. To support and further expand this cooperation, HSE University has established a dedicated China Unit.
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