HSE Development Programme until 2030

An international team, including researchers from HSE University, examined an unusual SARS-CoV-2 sample obtained from an HIV-positive patient. Genetic analysis revealed multiple mutations and showed that the virus had been evolving inside the patient’s body for two years. This finding supports the theory that the virus can persist in individuals for years, gradually accumulate mutations, and eventually spill back into the population. The study's findings have been published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology.

A team of researchers from Russia and the United Kingdom has, for the first time, provided a detailed account of the emergence and evolution of the Russian Sign Language (RSL) interpreter training system. This large-scale study spans from the 19^th century to the present day, revealing both the achievements and challenges faced by the professional community. Results have been published in The Routledge Handbook of Sign Language Translation and Interpreting.

A group of researchers has proposed assessing the ESG transformation of businesses through the partner turnover ratio in raw material and distribution supply chains. The researchers note that the path towards sustainability requires a deep and often costly restructuring of partner networks. This and other papers were presented at the Third International Annual Conference ‘ESG Corporate Dynamics: the Challenges for Emerging Capital Markets.’

In December 2025, HSE University hosted the first Forum of the BRICS Law Schools Consortium organised by the HSE Faculty of Law. The forum brought together 42 international delegates (including 10 deans) from 14 universities in Belarus, China, South Africa, India, and Indonesia. The programme included expert discussions, the signing of cooperation agreements, and the adoption of decisions on the future areas of activity of the BRICS Law Schools Consortium, which was established at the initiative of the HSE Faculty of Law.

The School of International Regional Studies at the HSE Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs (WEIA) held the International Conference ‘The World Majority and the West amid Geoeconomic and Civilisational Transformations.’ This was the seventh time the conference had taken place, bringing together researchers from 13 countries.

The Сentre of Digital Technologies for Nature-Based Solutions at HSE University and the Kazakhstan-based company SAFC are planning joint work on the implementation of climate projects in Kazakhstan. Specialists from the HSE centre visited the site of the country’s first forest climate project and signed a cooperation agreement with SAFC.

How are investment decisions changing under conditions of inflationary shocks and the application of machine learning methods? Can financial risks be predicted using new metrics? What is the role of banks' climate resilience, and how do geopolitical upheavals affect global value chains? These questions were at the centre of discussion at the 14th International Moscow Conference on Financial Economics held on November 28 and organised by the International College of Economics and Finance (ICEF) at HSE University.

The HSE Faculty of Urban and Regional Development (FURD) and India’s leading research centre, the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), have agreed to strengthen their partnership comprehensively in the study and analysis of urban development across BRICS countries. In addition, students and experts from Russia and India will take part in joint academic events and research projects.

The partnership aims to foster academic collaboration in the fields of global economics, sustainable development, and Islamic finance. Strengthening academic ties with Uzbekistan represents a promising direction for scientific exchanges and the implementation of international projects in sustainable development.

The BRICS International School: New Generation has concluded at HSE University, bringing together more than 100 participants from 38 BRICS and Global South countries. The attendees included early-career researchers, diplomats, entrepreneurs, journalists, and civil society representatives.