Research & Expertise News at HSE University

Researchers at HSE University analysed over 4,000 examples of Russian spoken by bilinguals for whom Russian is a second language, collected from seven regions of Russia. They found that most non-standard numeral constructions are influenced not only by the speakers’ native languages but also by how frequently these expressions occur in everyday speech. For example, common phrases like 'two hours' or 'five kilometres’ almost always match the standard literary form, while less familiar expressions—especially those involving the numerals two to four or collective forms like dvoe and troe (used for referring to people)—often differ from the norm. The study has been published in Journal of Bilingualism.

Users often prefer older versions of interfaces due to a cognitive bias known as the baby duck syndrome, where their first experience with an interface becomes the benchmark against which all future updates are judged. However, an experiment conducted by researchers from HSE University produced an encouraging result: simply re-exposing users to the updated interface reduced the bias and improved their overall perception of the new version. The study has been published in Cognitive Processing.

Researchers predict that this summer, the planet may once again approach its maximum rotation speed. The causes of this acceleration are not fully understood, and there is still no definitive scientific explanation. Leonid Zotov, Professor at the School of Applied Mathematics, MIEM HSE, notes that if, in the past, the so-called ‘leap second’ was added on New Year’s Eve, then for the first time in history, the question has arisen about whether it is time to subtract one.

Researchers from the International Laboratory of Dynamical Systems and Applications at the HSE Campus in Nizhny Novgorod have developed a theory that enables a mathematical proof of robust chaotic dynamics in networks of interacting elements. This research opens up new possibilities for exploring complex dynamical processes in neuroscience, biology, medicine, chemistry, optics, and other fields. The study findings have been accepted for publication in Physical Review Letters, a leading international journal. The findings are available on arXiv.org.

Georgy Stalinov conducts field-based social research and has created a video podcast about unusual social phenomena based on fieldwork materials. In an interview with the HSE Young Scientists project, he spoke about hitchhiking with lorry drivers, why working as a taxi driver can be a bad idea, and whether poaching exists in Kamchatka.

The rapid growth of India’s economy and its predominantly young population present unprecedented opportunities for Russian businesses. However, success in this vast market requires a deep understanding of its internal diversity, as well as cultural and legal nuances. These issues were the focus of the business session ‘India: A Market of a Billion Chances. How to Succeed,’ organised by the expert club of the Eastern Perspective programme at the HSE Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs.

An international research team surveyed over 10,000 respondents across 43 countries to examine how closely the ideal image of a romantic partner aligns with the actual partners people choose, and how this alignment shapes their romantic satisfaction. Based on the survey, the researchers compiled two ratings—qualities of an ideal life partner and the most valued traits in actual partners. The results have been published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.

The rapid development of technology, the adaptation of business processes to new economic realities, and changing audience demands require professionals in the creative industries to keep up with current trends and be flexible in their approach to projects. Between April and May 2025, the Institute for Creative Industries Development (ICID) at the HSE Faculty of Creative Industries conducted a trend study within the creative sector.