Russian-Italian Projects in Biomedicine Discussed at HSE University

HSE University hosted an international mini-conference titled 'Search for new ways to develop Russian-Italian cooperation in the field of Biomedicine,' attended by scientists from both countries and HSE Rector Nikita Anisimov.

The international mini-conference ‘Search for new ways to develop Russian-Italian cooperation in the field of Biomedicine’ was co-organised by the Centre for Cognition and Decision Making of the HSE Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience and the Association of Italian Associate Professors in Russia (ARDIR). The conference was supported by the HSE Basic Research Programme and the Strategic Project 'Human Brain Resilience: Neurocognitive Technologies for Adaptation, Learning, Development and Rehabilitation in a Changing Environment' (ongoing in the framework of the Priority 2030 programme).

HSE University is open to cooperation with any international institutions, emphasised HSE Rector Nikita Anisimov in his opening remarks. 'We extend our invitation to prominent researchers, including early-career scientists from various countries. We can offer numerous opportunities for international cooperation, including “Human Brain Resilience,” a strategic project focused on neurocognitive technologies for adaptation, training, development, and rehabilitation, and implemented in the framework of Russia's Priority 2030 academic leadership programme. Today's event marks yet another step demonstrating our commitment to development, innovation, and collaboration,' he said.

Aldo Spallone, Research Fellow at the International Laboratory of Bioinformatics of the AI and Digital Science Institute, HSE University, spoke about the Association of Italian Associate Professors in Russia (ARDIR). The Association was established in 2020 upon the recommendation of the Italian Foreign Ministry and has had a positive impact on the relations between the two countries in the field of science.

Leonid Gokhberg, Aldo Spallone, Nikita Anisimov and Matteo Feurra

© HSE University

Since the establishment of the Association, numerous prospective participants have shown interest in the opportunity to grow and develop alongside their Russian colleagues. This created a strong international connection, enabling scientists from both countries to share knowledge and expertise. Recent geopolitical events have caused many participants to take a break and reconsider their involvement in the organisation until better times. At the moment, we wish to inform all colleagues who are currently in Russia and carry out their work here that following a meeting with the Russian Ambassador to Italy (Alexey Paramonov - ed.), the Association will have the Russian authorities' support, allowing for more relevant cooperation with the world of science and higher education in Russia,' Aldo Spallone said.

HSE University positions itself as a global institution open to international scientific cooperation, stressed First Vice Rector Leonid Gokhberg. He noted, 'We are pleased that the Association has chosen our venue for today's seminar, and we look forward to continuing discussions here on our premises.'

Leonid Gokhberg

© HSE University

The Russian-Italian conference continued with reports and presentations from participants. Anna Shestakova, Director of the HSE Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience, reported on the productive cooperation with Italian colleagues and also shared some of the results of her institute's work. As an example, she cited a recent study looking at how the choice of a foreign language can influence the learner's cognitive abilities. It has been found that languages dissimilar to one's native language stimulate cognitive function at the initial stage of learning, whereas those similar to the native language have a delayed effect, helping the learner's brain perform better once a higher level of foreign language proficiency has been achieved.

Matteo Feurra, Leading Research Fellow at the Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience, presented the project 'Improving Cognitive and Motor Function through Non-invasive Brain Stimulation.' The project involves Italian graduates of the Institute who continue their careers as scientists at HSE University.

Olga Buivolova, Research Fellow at the HSE Centre for Language and Brain, spoke about the activities of the Centre led by Professor Olga Dragoy. The areas of work carried out by the International Laboratory of Bioinformatics of the Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Sciences were presented by Maria Poptsova, Head of the Laboratory. Ksenia Panidi, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Cognition and Decision Making, contributed to the discussion by highlighting the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in neuroeconomics research.

Prof. Jubin Abutalebi, MD, PhD, at the Centre for Neurolinguistics and Psycholinguistics (CNPL) of San Raffaele University, Italy, spoke about language control and about cooperation between Moscow and Milan.

Following the event, a round table was held to discuss the prospects for developing joint scientific projects involving scientists from both countries.