‘You Can Get Involved in Science from the First Day’
Yousra Demigha, from Algeria, is a student of the Master’s programme ‘Cognitive Sciences and Technologies: From Neuron to Cognition’ and a research assistant at the Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience (ICN HSE). In her interview with the HSE News Service, Yousra talks about her experience of the programme so far, what makes HSE one of the best universities in the country, and why she hasn’t found it difficult to integrate into Russian society.
About the Programme
I decided to study in Russia because of the international reputation of its higher educational system—especially in fields I’m interested in such as computer science and neurotechnology. The Cognitive Science and Technologies programme at ICN uses the power of information technologies to study human behaviour and brain responses during daily life.
The programme focuses on cognitive psychology and neuroscience, and offers subjects like cognitive neuroscience, theory and methods of modern psychology, applied neuroscience, neuroimaging and signal processing, calculus and linear algebra, Python, and more. I’ve really enjoyed the subjects connected with memory perception and attention, as well as neuroimaging and signal processing.
One of the biggest advantages of the programme is that admissions are open to people from several profiles: psychology, medicine, computer science (which was my case), and others
It is a dream to be part of this programme because of the high quality of knowledge and research projects, the variety of laboratories, and the availability of the latest equipment for conducting experiments in behavioural, neuro-modelling, neuro-imaging and psychological fields. These include EEG, MEG, eye tracking TMS, fNIRS, biomechanical motion video analysis, and virtual reality.
The Academic Environment
The academic atmosphere at HSE is unique. It’s one of the best universities in Russia, they offer scholarships to international students, and you can get involved in science from the first day. I’m actually working as a research assistant at the institute, which is a huge opportunity for me to learn, practise, and take part in several research projects.
It is wonderful to be in such a professional institute that evaluates students based on knowledge and skills, gives them opportunities for growth in their research careers, and trains them to conduct experiments, analyse the results, and write and publish articles in top scientific journals.
My most memorable experiences at HSE are when I’m in the labs conducting experiments, or talking about science in the research group—I enjoy every moment of it. Becoming part of HSE was the best decision I made in my life!
The administrative staff are very organised, professional, welcoming, and helpful—especially Sayana Russak, the manager. In addition, one of the strengths of ICN is its highly qualified scientific supervisors, such as Matteo Feurra, Anna Shestakova, Michael Ugrumov, and others.
Life Outside of Studies
I spend my free time navigating the libraries of Moscow and taking part in cultural events and activities in the city. I enjoy the city’s museums and parks, as well as winter activities like skating. I also like walking in the city while listening some good music to relax and have fun.
I’ve also been to several other cities: the beautiful St Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod, and some towns around Moscow like Tula, Elektrostal, and Tver.
Everywhere in Russia has its own nature and characteristics, which gives the country a unique charm
Russia is a country where culture is everywhere. I’m a big fan of reading books, and Russian literature is universally well known due to great writers like Fyodor Dostoevsky, Alexander Pushkin, Maxim Gorky, Leo Tolstoy and others.
Language and Culture
I’ve been here a few years, so I speak Russian. My experience has been very good—here, the language is the key to the hearts of the country and people. Honestly, I don’t feel any big cultural differences.
I’m Muslim, and have found that Russian people are respectful of others. You don’t need to make a huge effort to integrate into Russian society—just respect the laws and be human.
I have to say that the weather was surprising for the first couple of months, but the good news is that you can deal with it quickly
Future Plans
The master’s programme offers a variety of career opportunities in Russia and other countries. I’m confident I’ll have a great research career because I’m in the perfect place to gain an excellent level of knowledge and everything else I need to continue in this way.