HSE University Welcomes a New Group of Postdocs
This autumn, 55 early-career researchers will start working at HSE University's campuses in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod, and Perm. All of them have undergone a rigorous selection process and aim to make significant progress in both science and personal development during their participation in the Russian Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme. This year, in addition to PhDs who are Russian citizens, HSE University welcomes their colleagues from Poland, Kazakhstan, and India who have earned their academic degrees from Russian universities. On September 17-18, orientation events were held for them at HSE University.
'On September 1, 2024, the Russian Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme marked its sixth anniversary. During this time, we have received around 1,000 applications from distinct candidates representing 126 cities in Russia and abroad. Every year, I’m delighted to welcome new colleagues who bring their own unique perspectives on research and their exceptional work experience from universities, research organisations, and large companies. This, of course, fosters a more dynamic advancement of HSE University's scientific projects,' according to expectations shared by Yulia Falkovich, Director of the Centre for Scholarly Integration and the programme coordinator.
On September 17, the new postdocs were introduced to the history of HSE University during a tour of Durasov House led by Ekaterina Nedelyaeva, Director of the HSE Cultural Heritage Centre. The restored architectural monument blends seamlessly into the main campus on Pokrovsky Bulvar. This is the heart of HSE University and a symbol of its cherished traditions. Once the venue for lavish dinner parties, Durasov House how hosts sessions of the Academic Council, scientific conferences, administrative meetings, and other high-level events.
'I have been studying Russian-American relations for many years. I defended my dissertation at MGIMO, then worked for the Russian Ministry of Finance and several publishers. I also studied at HSE University for my bachelor's. However, during my studies here, Durasov House was undergoing restoration. Today, I can finally satisfy the curiosity that lingered from my undergraduate years. And I am delighted,' according to Inna Yanikeeva, postdoc at the Centre for Comprehensive European and International Studies.
'I am amazed at the magnitude of HSE University's campus on Pokrovka,' says Przemyslaw Markiewicz, a postdoc and new research fellow at the HSE International Centre of Decision Choice and Analysis. 'I am particularly impressed by the thoughtful blend of nineteenth-century history and modernity here. At first, I believed that Durasov House had a historical appearance only from the outside, but it turns out to be a beautifully restored maze of grand halls and corridors inside. First, it inspires further work; second, it encourages reflection on our location and our purpose here.' Przemyslaw graduated from Wrocław University of Science and Technology, earned his master’s at MAI, defended his PhD thesis in Aircraft Dynamics, Ballistics, and Motion Control, and joined the Russian Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme this year.
On the first day, the postdocs attended an introductory presentation and toured the campus, including the three-story library at HSE University on Pokrovka. Ilya Gorelskiy, Director of the HSE Scientometrics Centre, informed the postdocs about the university's journal lists—highlighting which publications are included and how to utilise this system in their research.
On the second day, the postdocs met with First Vice Rector Vadim Radaev, Vice Rector Alexander Balyshev, and programme director Yulia Falkovich.
The early-career scientists introduced themselves, discussed how they joined the programme, and shared their plans, research interests, and goals. Commenting on the results of the Russian Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme, which has been in place at HSE University since 2018, Alexander Balyshev noted that during this period, the programme has produced numerous tangible positive effects for both the participants and the university.
'One of the most significant impacts, perhaps even at the national level, is the retention of personnel in science and the sustained interest of young people in conducting research. The uniqueness of the postdoc position lies in allowing the employees to concentrate on scientific activities without strict teaching obligations or administrative responsibilities,' according to Alexander Balyshev.
Anton Zagranichny
'For me, the Russian Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme means an opportunity for professional growth and personal development, a new challenge, and a driver for change,' according to Anton Zagranichny, postdoc at the HSE Laboratory for Educational Innovation Research. 'I have focused on my scientific work and altered my usual way of life. I quickly noticed some professional gaps and identified areas for growth. I have set several goals for myself: participating in research with subsequent publications, pursuing professional development, and exploring new project areas. One of my concrete goals is to get published independently in an international high-quartile journal. From the very first days, HSE University has positioned itself as a university of opportunities, equipped with everything necessary for their realisation.'
The vice rectors, in turn, were interested in how the new employees felt in their new roles and whether anyone had managed to make themselves visible and integrate into the existing research groups.
Vadim Radaev encouraged the first-year postdocs to quickly get to know their colleagues and get down to work. This is especially relevant considering that, as practice shows, many programme participants start writing their doctoral dissertations during these two years.
Aisylu Ataeva
Several second-year postdocs attended the event to share their experiences. For Aisylu Ataeva, who works at the International Laboratory for Digital Transformation in Public Administration, this year at HSE University has been marked by significant changes. 'My life has changed both personally and professionally," she shared. 'I have discovered a whole new world. It feels like in the 15 years in my previous job, I learned only a fraction of what I have learned during my year at HSE University. There are numerous and varied professional development programmes available here that help build one's research base, foster new connections, and access new tools and opportunities.’
See also:
From Chelyabinsk to Krasnodar: 56 Postdocs From Across Russia Join HSE University This Year
A total of 56 early-career researchers will join HSE University in Moscow and St Petersburg in the 2022/2023 academic year as part of the university’s Russian Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme. Some are participating in the programme for the first time, while others are returning for their second year. HSE University in Moscow has welcomed 29 new researchers to its departments.