‘We Conducted a Large-Scale Study, with Both Students and Faculty as its Participants’
On June 14, 2026, the first graduating class of the Cognitive Neurobiology educational programme, jointly delivered by HSE University, the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech), and the RAS Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, celebrated their graduation at the HSE Cultural Centre. Twenty-two students received their bachelor’s degrees, becoming multidisciplinary specialists in modern molecular biology, neurophysiology, and cognitive sciences.
The Cognitive Neurobiology programme is Russia’s only equivalent to international Neuroscience degree programmes, combining courses in biology, chemistry, and mathematics with specialised subjects in neurobiology and psychophysiology. The programme is offered by the HSE Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology in partnership with Skoltech, with the RAS Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology (IHNA&NPh) serving as an additional partner.
While studying neuroscience with a strong biological foundation, students engaged in continuous research training from their first year. As a result, some graduates have already achieved notable scientific accomplishments. The topics of their final theses reflect the broad range of competencies they have acquired. For example, graduate Tatyana Bagrinovtseva co-authored a new methodology published in the respected peer-reviewed Journal of Visualized Experiments (JoVE). She studied on HSE University’s Neurophysiology track, and her thesis, completed at the IHNA&NPh, was recognised as one of the two best projects among the entire graduating class.
‘The first graduating class of the Cognitive Neurobiology programme is a major success for our faculty. These were exceptional students, and throughout all four years we witnessed their professional development, while our faculty members grew alongside them. I would like to thank their parents for supporting their children, creating conditions that enabled them to study and conduct research, helping them overcome the challenges of studying at HSE University by maintaining confidence in themselves, and ultimately earning their degrees. I wish all our graduates every success and I have no doubt that many of them will achieve outstanding results in science,’ said Alexander Tonevitsky, Dean of the HSE Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology and Full Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
‘These four years were unforgettable—interesting and enlightening for all three institutions involved in delivering the programme: HSE University, Skoltech, and the Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology. Some even joked that we were conducting experiments on our students, but it would be more accurate to say that we were carrying out a large-scale study in which both students and faculty were equal participants. The students faced particular challenges because they were pioneers, blazing a trail for those who will follow—and we did our very best to support them along the way,’ emphasised Olga Martynova, Academic Supervisor of the programme and Deputy Director of the Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology.
‘Together, we have travelled the journey from the first lectures and seminars to the defence of final theses, and I believe that the efforts of the programme’s academic supervisors, faculty members, and managers have not been in vain. Our students, now bachelor’s graduates, have acquired deep knowledge, research skills, and an understanding of how modern neurobiology works. I hope they will find meaningful ways to apply everything they have learned over these years. For me, the greatest reward is seeing so many passionate, inquisitive, and ambitious young colleagues among our graduates who are ready to continue their scientific careers,’ added Daria Petrova, Associate Professor at HSE University and Deputy Director of the Skoltech Centre for Bio- and Medical Technologies.
This year, the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology is launching a new master’s programme, Neurobiology, for which Daria Petrova serves as Academic Supervisor. Several graduates of the Cognitive Neurobiology programme have already secured places on the programme through the Early Admission Invitation competition.
‘We were very nervous when we received our diplomas, just as we were four years ago when we first enrolled at HSE University. After all, this truly was an experimental programme. But the experiment was a success, and thanks to it we met remarkable people—our professors, who taught us so much. On behalf of the graduates, I would like to thank Olga Martynova and all the senior colleagues who delivered lectures, led seminars, and organised our laboratory work. We promise to live up to your expectations,’ said Daniil Miloserdov, a graduate of the Cognitive Neurobiology programme.
In his view, neurobiology is a broad field that encompasses laboratory research using model organisms, cognitive testing involving human participants, data analysis—including molecular data—and computational modelling based on this data. As his final thesis, Daniil devoted his work to the multimodal analysis of molecular changes associated with schizophrenia and depression. Having already received an Early Admission Invitation, he plans to continue his studies on the Neurobiology master’s programme. ‘I hope my master’s journey will be every bit as exciting and rewarding as my bachelor’s studies,’ Daniil noted.
Graduate Elizaveta Krylova recalls that four years ago, when choosing a university, she was looking for an advanced interdisciplinary programme that would allow her to pursue genuine research even before graduation. According to her, the Cognitive Neurobiology programme fully lived up to those expectations.
‘The programme provided me with a wide range of skills and professional opportunities. I met some of the world’s leading scientists, many of whom taught on the programme—academicians, heads of major laboratories, and researchers widely recognised within the scientific community. I had the opportunity to work at the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and I am now working at the Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology. I already have three years of research experience, which is quite substantial for a recent graduate. Many of my classmates have also found their paths in industry, private laboratories, and even data analytics,’ Elizaveta explained.
In her opinion, the programme was strongly practice-oriented. As a result, students entered laboratories and companies already equipped with considerable knowledge and practical skills. Laboratory classes for most subjects were conducted in the research facilities of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Skoltech, and HSE University’s own laboratories, all equipped with advanced technologies, instruments, and materials. ‘From my very first year, I was conducting research and taking part in conferences. I had the opportunity to work with equipment that even established scientists dream of accessing,’ she added.
Elizaveta Krylova has also received an Early Admission Invitation to a master’s programme and plans to continue her studies while pursuing research work in the laboratory.
